Photo: 1719 Museum
Photo: Tom Johnson-Medland
Photo: aC Dc
1719 Museum
★4.7(133 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1-1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 6-14. Elementary and middle schoolers studying colonial history will appreciate the authentic setting and hands-on demonstrations, while the guided tour format and historical content may be too advanced for preschoolers.🧡 Saved by 13 families
About
Step back in time at the 1719 Museum, where kids can experience life in colonial Lancaster through hands-on demonstrations and tours of an authentic Mennonite homestead. This living history museum brings the past to life with period-dressed guides, heritage craft demonstrations, and interactive programs that make learning about early American life engaging for young visitors.
Highlights
- ✓Exploring the 300-year-old Hans Herr House, the oldest building in Lancaster County
- ✓Watching period craft demonstrations like weaving, blacksmithing, or quilting
- ✓Learning about Mennonite culture and early Pennsylvania Dutch heritage
- ✓Seeing authentic colonial furnishings and household items kids read about in history books
- ✓Walking the historic grounds and imagining life in the 1700s
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead to ask about special demonstration days when kids can try activities like candle-making, wool spinning, or butter churning
- 2.Visit during their annual Heritage Day event for expanded activities and multiple craftspeople demonstrating colonial skills
- 3.Bring a notebook for older kids to sketch or take notes,teachers often accept this as a field trip alternative for history projects
- 4.Wear comfortable walking shoes as the property includes outdoor areas and uneven historic pathways
- 5.Ask your tour guide questions,they're passionate about local history and love engaging curious kids
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall weekday mornings are ideal for smaller crowds and comfortable weather for exploring the historic grounds. Summer can be warm inside the non-air-conditioned historic buildings, so early morning visits are recommended during hot months.
What to Know
Tours are guided and typically last about 45 minutes to an hour. Check their website or call ahead for current hours and admission prices, as this is a smaller historic site with seasonal schedule variations.
Seasonal Notes
Open seasonally from April through November with limited winter hours. Special holiday programs and Heritage Day events offer enhanced activities. Call ahead or check their website during shoulder seasons (April, November) to confirm operating days.
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Nearby Eats
Dutch Meadows Farm Market (5 minutes away) offers fresh sandwiches and baked goods in a family-friendly farm setting, or head to Willow Valley Resort (10 minutes) for their popular family-style Pennsylvania Dutch dining.
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