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.
Colonial Cooking
Participants will learn about cooking in the late 18th century by preparing their lunch over the hearth in the c. 1790 kitchen at Harriton House. The menu will include a hearty vegetable soup and cornbread. We’ll start by laying and lighting a good cooking fire and follow simple techniques and a historical recipe to make the meal. Participants will use kitchen tools such as knives, heavy pots, and pans, and will be working around the fire. A list of ingredients and safety tips will be distributed upon registration. Students should bring a re-fillable water bottle and may wish to bring a lunch as an alternative to what is being cooked.
Farm Life
This mostly outdoor class will give participants the opportunity to get to know our friendly farm animals up close and personal. We will go through a typical day of farm “chores” and plant some seeds to grow into useful plants for the chickens. Because the class will be working with animals, participants should be prepared to get dirty and to smell barn odors. Participants should bring their own lunch and a re-fillable bottle of water, Harriton House will provide an afternoon snack.