Everything from old-time sports to vintage music will have you travelling back in time at the annual Step Back in Time Day set for Sunday, July 30, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Located at the Berks County Heritage Center, this special event offers educational fun for everyone.
Take a trip through the 19th century to learn about life on the Heritage Center farm. There will be hands-on activities, old-fashioned games, costumed guides, and a special presentation for all the children at “Mildred” the Houseboat.
Scheduled for the day:* Colonial Fly Fisherman, 11:30 am, 1 pm, and 3 p.m. Ken Reinard will share his knowledge and authentic fishing equipment.
* 18th Century Music with Bob Mouland, throughout the day
* Walking Tour of the Heritage Center with Jim Ohlinger, 12:30 and 2:30 pm
* Toad Creek Duo, 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
* Amity Colonial Dancers, 1:15 pm (dancing) These dancers will showcase dances from the 18th and early 19th centuries.
* Fashion Show by the Amity Colonial Dancers, 2 p.m., Fashions worn in the 1700s and 1800s will be shown in the barn
* Damien Drago, noon and 2:30 p.m., Powder Your Wig – songs inspired by the American Revolution, Slave No More – songs inspired by the Underground Railroad
* Dutch Oven Cooking with Valley Forge Black Pots
* Flax Skutching Demos with Rick Brouse, Landis Valley
* The Old Farm: Washing Machine Display with Bob Green
Throughout the day, there will be hands-on activities like: ice cream making, buzz saws, wallpaper fans, bean bags, quilting, candle dipping, and wash day chores. Kids will enjoy our hands-on boat race, our demonstration of Benjamin Franklin’s Experiment. You can also watch demos of rug hooking, needlework, Schnitzelbank, bobbin lace, wool processing, quilting, and tatting. A quilting/historical clothing exhibit will show you how to design a quilt square, learn about quilt designs, try quilting, and learn how pieces are put together.
While on the Heritage Center property, take tours of the Heritage Center Farm Buildings, Melcher’s Grist Mill, Hiester Canal Center, Gruber Wagon Works, and the Salad & Herb Garden. Also featured during Step Back in Time Day will be Civil War Encampments where the 4th Texas Company B will demonstrate camp life, cooking, infantry drills, and musket firing. A field hospital and medicine will be displayed by Kerry Williard of the PA 53rd Volunteer Infantry.
The Berks County Heritage Center is located at 1102 Red Bridge Road in Bern Township, just off of Route 183 by the Penn State St. Joseph Hospital. Parking and admission are free. For more information, call 610-374-8839 or visit www.countyofberks.com/parks.
