Calendar of Events

2021 Events

Due to the pandemic and out of an abundance of caution,  we are currently not holding in-person events at this time. However, we are working with musicians, performers, and artists to bring our events directly to you in the comfort of your own home.

Virtual Easter on the Farm - March 27th, 2021 - 10am-4pm

We’ve been told by a certain groundhog that we are supposed to have six more weeks of winter, but we have already planning ahead for warmer months and Virtual Easter on the Farm! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 27th from 10am until 4pm. Videos will be streamed on Facebook Live. We hope you will join us!

Visit us at www.facebook.com/pgchc for the most up-to-date information, and to watch all the performances on Saturday, March 27th!

A poster which includes a grouping of five red etched eggs, with the name of the event (Easter on the Farm). On the right of the poster, there are six images of the individual segments which includes: Patrick Donmoyer, Elaine Vardjan, Terry Berger, Bob Ensminger, Sarajane Williams, Eric Claypoole & Andrew Shirk, and Rachel Yoder.

Easter Presentation with Patrick Donmoyer - March 27th, 2021 - 10am

This year’s Easter on the Farm features a presentation by Patrick Donmoyer in which he will introduce the folk customs, observations, and rituals in the culture's annual celebration of spring. These traditions are rooted in both sacred and secular practices, and form the colorful backdrop for the region's cultural expression as Rites of Spring: Eastertide and Vernal traditions among the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Binsagraas Eggs with Elaine Vardjan - March 27th, 2021 - 11am

Explore the traditional techniques of Pennsylvania Dutch scratched and binsagraas eggs with seasoned craftsperson Elaine Vardjan of Oley. Elaine is a member of the Reading Berks Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, with whom she has played an active role for 70 years. An expert in regional Holiday decorations, the printing press, and Folk art of the Pennsylvania Dutch, Elaine will provide a detailed and personal explanation of her traditional Easter Eggs.

Terry Berger's PA Dutch Kitchen - March 27th, 2021 - 12pm

A Heritage Center event is not complete without a lunchtime break to enjoy traditional foodways! Terry Berger's Pennsylvania Dutch Kitchen will feature a selection of delicious Eastertime foods. Terry of Lay or Bust Farms in Lehighton, has been a part of each of our virtual events, demonstrating regional culinary favorites of the Pennsylvania Dutch and Moravian traditions. We hope you enjoy your visit to Terry Berger's Pennsylvania Dutch Kitchen.

Tribute to Bob Ensminger - March 27th, 2021 - 12:30pm

At this year’s Easter on the Farm event, we will be paying homage to the revered barn historian and dear friend of the Heritage Center, Robert F. Ensminger, known by his friends and colleages as "Bob." Many of us, whether we know it or not, have been influenced by the life and work of Bob Ensminger.

We will be honoring Bob by showing his presentation entitled "Origins of the Pennsylvania Barn." We'll journey with Bob through the rural Pennsylvania landscape, and into remote alpine communities to trace the origins of this iconic cultural treasure. Countless barn enthusiasts continue Bob’s legacy in Pennsylvania and throughout the US, helping us all to recognize the significance of the Pennsylvania barn as a cultural icon worthy of preservation.

Harp Music with Sarajane Williams - March 27th, 2021 - 2:00pm

As Spring begins to creep out from under the chill of the last months, music of all sorts begins to fill the air. One of our favorite sounds during in person Heritage Center events is the beautiful harp music that floats from the hands of Sarajane Williams. Sarajane is licensed psychologist, a professional harpist, harp teacher, composer, author of The Mythic Harp and Good Vibrations: Principles of Vibroacoustic Harp Therapy and editor of The Harp Therapy Journal. We hope you will join us for the musical celebrations of the coming of Spring.

Hex Signs with Eric Claypoole & Andrew Shirk - March 27th, 2021 - 2:30pm

Curious about hex signs and how they are made? Enjoy a behind the scenes visit to the studio of Eric Claypoole, barn star and hex sign painter of Lenhartsville, where he and fellow hex sign painter Andrew Shirk of Hamburg will demonstrate their painting techniques and showcase current and past artistic works.

Studio Visit with Rachel Yoder - March 27th, 2021 - 3:30pm

Folk Art plays such a unique role in the PA Dutch regional culture, and we are thrilled to join contemporary folk artist Rachel Yoder in her studio for a demonstration of her painting techniques. She will be showcasing pieces to celebrate Easter traditions and the coming of spring.