Harriton House, School's Out
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Join us for a day of history at Harriton House! Our engaging programs include hands-on activities centered on the 300+ years of history at Harriton House. Best suited to children ages 8 – 12, the programs feature small class sizes to bring history to life in a meaningful way. Harriton House was built between 1702 and 1704 for Rowland Ellis, a Welsh Quaker, originally called Bryn Mawr, the house was renamed by second owner Richard Harrison in 1720. Today’s Harriton House and Park is approximately 13 acres left of Rowland Ellis’ original 690 acres. The Harriton Association operates the historic house for the Township of Lower Merion, offering programs, public and school tours, preserving and restoring Harriton House, and other amenities within the park.
Matson's Ford & Valley Forge
Learn about what was happening at Harriton around the time of the American War for Independence. We’ll get to know Charles Thomson and his role as Secretary to the Continental Congress and in retirement at Harriton House. Learn about the Battle of Matson’s Ford which happened on the Harriton property and how it was important in getting the American Army to Valley Forge.
Beating Boredom
Participants will learn about a variety of ways kids (and adults) kept from being bored during a long cold winter in the 18th and 19th centuries. Activities include crafting, making hot chocolate, and playing 18th century games and toys.
Asparagus & Onions: Spring on the Harriton Farm
Participants will explore Harriton Park to discover the remaining features from the years of farming here at Harriton. We'll learn about the variety fruits and vegetables grown during the time that Charles Thomson conducted agricultural experiments on his estate. In addition to being a founding member of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture which was established in 1785, Thomson was known for growing a wide variety of food crops here at Harriton. We'll tour the barn, try out antique hand-operated farming equipment, gather eggs, and meet and work with the goats and sheep.