Landis Valley Museum

We're about a month away from the Life in the 1860s Day!

During this day, kids can play townball⚾️

Philadelphia townball circa 1860 was an early bat-and-ball game played in open commons and ball grounds, often by amateur clubs from neighborhoods and workplaces. Using a handmade ball and a smooth bat, teams scored by striking the ball and running a course of bases under locally agreed rules that varied from club to club. Fast, social, and competitive, the game helped build Philadelphia’s vibrant club culture and served as a bridge between informal folk play and the codified sport of modern baseball.

At 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm and 3:15pm, Rich Heinick, current president of the Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg, will conduct townball matches for children of ages 6 through 12. These matches will challenge the children to adapt their present baseball experiences to a different set of rules and playing conditions. Townball is sufficiently flexible to engage varying quantities of players, and players of varying ages and abilities.

Next Sunday, June 21st, join us at Landis Valley Museum for Father's Day Cars & Coffee! 🏎☕️

Schedule for the day:
9:30am: Admission gate open: self guided buildings open
9:30am-11:00am: Car Meet in the parking lot open to the public, bring in your cars!
10:00am: Guided tour of Museum Village with costumed guide
10:30am: Vintage cars moving to Millstone Grove in center of Museum Village
11:00am: Demonstrations and interpretation start: see the gunsmith, leatherworker, chair caning and baskets, tinsmith, historic buildings, Hit & Miss Engines, and more!
3:00pm: Event ends