FALL AND HALLOWEEN PROGRAMS AT HISTORIC HANNA’S TOWN
Program: Fall Family Day
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Historic Hanna's Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601
Admission: Free for Westmoreland Historical Society members; $10 adults; $8 seniors; $6 children, free for children 5 and under.
Historic Hanna’s Town is hosting a fun celebration of fall and the Halloween season with historic demonstrations and outdoor activities.
Members of Proctor’s Militia, I.B.W.C.P., will be encamped at Historic Hanna’s Town and sharing the history of the Westmoreland County militia, established at Hanna’s Town in 1775, and life for settlers on the Pennsylvania frontier. Also, the Blacksmith Shop will be open for demonstrations.
Children and families can enjoy trick or treating at all the different buildings, as well as fall crafts, candle dipping, toys & games, and other activities. We encourage dressing up in costume for trick-or-treating around the historic site. Take a self-guided walk along our trail and learn how our Halloween traditions started. Enjoy the fun of a hayride around the field by the reconstructed fort, starting at noon; donations appreciated.
Proctor’s Militia will demonstrate 18th century military drills tentatively at 1:00 p.m. (weather depending). Immediately after the drills around 1:30 p.m., follow Lisa Hays, Executive Director on a guided walk up to the cemeteries on the hill. Learn about the families who settled the property after the destruction of Hanna’s Town and gain insight into how cemeteries have changed over time.
The Westmoreland History Shop will feature seasonal décor, local history books for adults and children, 18th century inspired toys and games, historically inspired home decor, handmade ceramics and jewelry, and Hanna’s Town themed keepsakes. Coupon discounts are available that day upon request.
TENTATIVE Schedule:
11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.: all day activities including living history demonstrations, crafts, self-guided history walk, exhibit gallery, and more.
12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Hayrides
1:00 p.m.: Demonstration of 18th century military drills by Proctor’s Militia
1:30 p.m.: Guided walk to the small cemeteries on the hill
For up-to-date event schedule please check here: https://westmorelandhistory.org/events/fall-family-day-2022/
The program includes admission to Westmoreland 250: Telling Our Story with 25 Objects, the current exhibit at the Westmoreland History Education Center.
PROGRAM FEE: Enjoy all activities with our regular admission price to Historic Hanna’s Town. Free for Westmoreland Historical Society members and children 5 and under; $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students through grade 12.
Evening Program: Jack-o'-Lantern Tours
Location: Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2022
Time: Tours start at 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 p.m.
Program fee: $12 per person; $10 for Westmoreland Historical Society members
Reservations: Space is limited, advance reservations required; please call 724-836-1800 x210
Have fun with fears and folklore of the 18th century on this special candlelit tour of Historic Hanna’s Town! Learn about superstitions of Westmoreland County’s Scots-Irish settlers regarding the Celtic new year, Samhain, or Hallowe’en. Samhain meant “summer’s end” and was a time of reflection and preparation for the long, hard winter. The New Year was celebrated from sundown on October 31st through November 1st.
Many early settlers in southwestern Pennsylvania were devout Christians, most belonging to different branches of the Presbyterian church. However, many of these backcountry residents were still rooted in the ‘old ways,’ when folklore, magic, and the belief in witchcraft were embedded in their culture. This is not a ghost tour, but in the flickering candlelight, we may see shadows of things that once were, and hear echoes from the past.
Jack-o'Lantern Tours at Historic Hanna’s Town will be held Saturday October 29th at 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 p.m. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Reserve your spot by calling our office at 724-836-1800 x 210. The Westmoreland History Shop will also be open during the event.
For more information about the tours please visit here: https://westmorelandhistory.org/events/jack-o-lantern-tours.
Historic Hanna's Town preserves and interprets the history of the first Westmoreland County seat of government, established in 1773. The historic site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is collaboratively managed and maintained by the Westmoreland Historical Society and Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation.
Keep up to date on activities and events on our website https://url2.mailanyone.net/scanner?m=1qtudR-0009c3-4T&d=4%7Cmail%2F90%2F1697827800%2F1qtudR-0009c3-4T%7Cin2f%7C57e1b682%7C21357452%7C14620262%7C6532CCD50061891F526A7CCED0637FDF&o=t.wwoesmwwiaretdhslngro.yro&s=bOblaFCuNNkLomoLtBwyzJHdJaI. For information about Historic Hanna’s Town and the Westmoreland Historical Society, give us a call at 724-836-1800.
