Credit: Mariana B. / Unsplash.com
The event, slated for Nov. 25, offers multiple starting times for the tours.
The marvelous thing about a country that is known to be a melting pot of culture is you certainly get a variety. Even today, every family seems to have its own traditions and celebrations. No time is that more evident than when the holidays arrive!
The Friends of Graeme Park know that traditions seem to run brightest then, too, and as part of their ongoing mission to “befriend the past,” they want to share the history and origins of those beloved family tales. The group’s upcoming “Christmas in the Colonies” is designed to do just that.
When the colonies were formed, before they’d even blossomed into the country we know today, those that came to America brought with them their very own histories and rituals.
“Christmas in the colonies was celebrated differently, and sometimes not at all, by each ethnic group who settled here,” said the Friends’ event page, “bringing traditions from their homeland.”
Graeme Park was once the home to Keith and Graeme families, both of which were Scottish. They brought along with them, or hired from the new lands, servants, most of which were Irish and German. The home at one time was also a space for enslaved workers. Later, the Quaker Penroses.
“As you tour the rooms of the Keith House, costumed volunteers will present these different traditions to you,” said the site. “Some you will recognize in our modern-day celebrations, or maybe you’ll discover something new to incorporate into your own traditions.”
Along your way, you will see the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble, which will be performing traditional parlor dances. Noah Lewis, playing the role of Ned Hector, will tell you all about the life of a free black solider. And don’t forget about Old St. Nick. Santa will be roaming the grounds, available to take selfies with children of all ages.
The Christmas in the Colonies event will include snacks, hot chocolate, and “adult libations” along the way. Tours are available on Saturday, Nov. 25 at the following times:
Tickets are $12 for those ages 13 and over. Those ages 6 to 12, and members of the Friends of Graeme Park, will be $8. Tickets will be available at the visitor’s center the day of the event.
Graeme Park, and the Keith House, are located at 859 County Line Road in Warrington (mailing address). It is Horsham Township’s only “national historic landmark,” and it encompasses 42 acres, which includes the home which was once the residence of a Colonial Pennsylvania governor. For more information on the park and its events, visit https://www.graemepark.org/.
