Pennsbury Manor celebrates record breaking turnout at environmental-friendly ‘Pennsylvania Day’
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Have you ever wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of the 21st century, even just for a few hours? Believe it or not, it’s possible at Pennsbury Manor in Morrisville. The recreated estate of Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn, transports visitors back in time to the simplicities of the 17th century. On June 1, the Manor celebrated Pennsylvania Day and welcomed almost 2,000 students and chaperones to learn more about their historical state and the importance of protecting the environment.
Throughout the year, Pennsbury Manor hosts several main events including Sheep Shearing, William Penn Day and Harvest Day in the fall. This year’s Pennsylvania Day brought one of the biggest turnouts ever seen thanks to Pennsbury’s incorporation of all new environmental education programs. Penn had a great appreciation for the beauty of nature, so this additional programming only made sense.
“Pennsylvania Day is the perfect opportunity to introduce students, not only to our state’s history, but also its natural resources and the importance of conservation,” said Danielle Lehr, education program coordinator at Pennsbury Manor.
Upon entering the vast property, the students were immediately immersed in colonial Pennsylvania. Living-history demonstrations by actors wearing 17th century bonnets and white stockings were scattered throughout, and the kids were able to participate in everything from spinning wool to cooking on an open hearth. At the blacksmithing shed, two men were creating metal tools while explaining how Penn was a pacifist and didn’t believe in the creation of weapons. In colonial times, many materials we have today didn’t exist, so they had to rely solely on metal.
Midway through the day, entertainment was provided by Rohin, Sam and Erika of the environmental-friendly band, Bash the Trash. The three played an entire set on instruments made of reused materials such as water jugs and Styrofoam. In between their songs “Rubbish Rhythm” and “History Blues,” the three explained how although recycling is important, reusing materials is even more efficient because they can be put to good use right away. Erica demonstrated how an old pipe and wooden stick can make various musical tones depending on how she hit them together on different surfaces.
In addition to Bash the Trash, several other organizations partnered with Pennsbury Manor to help promote Penn’s environment legacy. Bucks County Audubon Society had an “Aquatic Insects” display, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources hosted a nature trail walking tour that featured various types of native Pennsylvania trees, and a “Skins and Skulls” exhibit was presented by Silver Lake Nature Center.
At the edge of Penn’s estate lies the Manor, which overlooks the scenic Delaware River. Students were able to take a guided tour of his reconstructed summer home to see everything from the governor’s parlor, where he would entertain the Indians when they came to trade, to the great hall that featured large paintings of King Charles II and Queen Catherine. In the old kitchen, which used to house the pharmacist or “Dr. Mom of the estate,” the students were able to smell headache bags, which used to be made of herbs and spices grown on the estate. If someone had a headache, all they had to do was inhale the smells of the bag to be cured, which is known today as aromatherapy.
Pennsbury Manor’s mission at this year’s Pennsylvania Day was to encourage students to think about their individual impact on the environment and how it can affect future generations, much like Penn. As the students walked through the indoor exhibit that chronicled his life, they were able to see the purposeful choices he made, such as joining the radical religious group The Society of Friends, and how those impacted his life. Penn came to America from England, and founded the colony of Pennsylvania on the principles of religious tolerance and diversity. He created “the seed of the nation,” which birthed many core American ideas that still hold true in the 21st century.
For information on Pennsbury Manor, visit pennsburymanor.org. ••
