BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Passport to History Month has returned for July, promising five weekends of immersive, old-fashioned summer fun.
With more than 35 historic sites in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties as its backdrop, the event invites visitors to step back in time and discover the rich heritage of the region.
- Passport to History Month offers weekends of immersive, old-fashioned summer fun in Bethlehem
- More than 35 historic sites in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties participate, letting visitors step back in time and explore the rich heritage of the region
- Participating museums, libraries and special exhibitions provide free admission, guided tours, activities and programs suitable for visitors of all ages
The celebration started last weekend and continues this weekend — July 7-9 — and every weekend through July 30.
Throughout the month, participating museums, libraries and special exhibitions will open their doors to history enthusiasts, offering free admission, guided tours, activities and programs suitable for visitors of all ages.
“Passport to History Month is an annual celebration of the places, sites and people that bring local history to life,” Passport to History Marketing Coordinator Carey Birgel said.
“You will learn something new at every stop; there is always a little-known fact or a great story to share.”Carey Birgel, Passport to History marketing coordinator
“Each year the number of participating sites grows.”
Beyond static exhibits, demonstrations
Attendees can expect to unearth historic sites such as homesteads and colonial taverns, springhouses, mills, tilework, schools, gardens, 18th-century mansions and even serene cemeteries.
“You will learn something new at every stop; there is always a little-known fact or a great story to share."Passport to History Marketing Coordinator Carey Birgel
“You will learn something new at every stop; there is always a little-known fact or a great story to share,” Birgel said.
Passport to History bills itself as a window to the past, shedding light on the diverse people, cultures, significant events and innovations that have left a mark on the local community, from the era of the region's original Native American inhabitants to the present.
“You can experience more than 250 years of history in one weekend, then head out to explore a new town, restaurants, and local shops,” said
Megan van Ravenswaay, executive director of Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society.
Popular — and growing
The celebration of local history goes beyond static exhibits and demonstrations.
Visitors also can see live music performances, colonial field days, car shows and mule-drawn canal boat rides. There also will be antique book sales, flea markets and gift shops featured at the participating sites.
Families and children can look forward to a range of old-fashioned games, crafts, storytelling sessions, scavenger hunts, farm chores and interactive exhibitions tailored to entertain and educate young minds.
If you have used the program and have been to most of the sites, Birgel said there are new participating organizations this year.
They are Asbury Grist Mill (this weekend), Weatherly Area Museum (Weekend 4) and Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum in Allentown, The TileWorks of Bucks County in Doylestown and Quakertown Historical Society’s (all Weekend 5).
“Picking a personal favorite site is akin to picking a favorite child, [which is] impossible,” Birgel said.
“Passport to History Month attracted 3,200 visitors last year. The event grows every year, and we anticipate even more visitors this year."
To learn more about the event schedule, click go to its website at www.lvhistory.org.
