Old Economy Village is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
America250
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's birthday, we have received funding to highlight the trades that helped to create not only our community, but our great nation. Look below to find out more information!
Upcoming Events
Roots of Community: Garden Day
Saturday, September 19th, 2026
10am - 4pm
Celebrate community, cultivation, and care during Roots of Community: Garden Day at Old Economy Village, the mid-point of our America250 programming! Explore the historic gardens and discover how the Harmony Society used gardening not only to sustain their community, but also to foster collaboration, creativity, and connection.
Enjoy a full day of engaging programs and demonstrations, including:
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Rain barrel demonstration with the Pennsylvania Resource Council
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A Pennsylvania native plant sale hosted by Green Forks
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Special presentation by Douglass Oster on "The Magic of Heirlooms" followed by a guided tour of the garden grounds with PHMC Historic Horticulturist, Alexis Evans
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Presentation on soil health basics, including a demonstration of plant & soil testing methods using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology by Alexis Evans
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Hands-on live demonstrations on flax processing
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“Fiber Hemp is Regenerative” talk with Joanne Martin, where visitors can learn all about industrial “fiber” hemp for consumers - for clothing, personal care products, and even food!
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Demonstration on Farmer Shawn’s “Worm Farm” composting
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Hands-on soap-felting and plant fiber sampling activities for kids
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Air quality awareness information booth
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Local honey sale & beekeeping information by Honey So Good
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Guided tours of Old Economy Village's historic buildings (included with admission) at 10:30a, 12:30p, and 2:00p
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Historic garden tour at 3pm with Alexis Evans
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and more!
Bring the whole family for a day of exploration, learning, and hands-on discovery. Experience the joy of gardening while learning how caring for the land has strengthened communities across generations.
Forging a Nation: Blacksmithing Day
Saturday, October 10th, 2026
10am - 4pm
Discover the power of craft and community at Blacksmithing Day at Old Economy Village, part of our America 250 commemorations. Step into the forge and explore how blacksmithing supported the daily life of the Harmony Society, shaping tools, hardware, and infrastructure essential to one of early America’s most innovative communal societies.
Visitors can watch live forging demonstrations, try hands-on activities, and learn how the Harmonists combined skill, cooperation, and ingenuity to transform raw iron into objects that sustained their community. This immersive experience highlights the critical role of craftsmanship, teamwork, and innovation in building a thriving 19th-century village, offering a hands-on connection to America’s industrial and communal heritage. Activities include:
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Brass Pours by Bob Pickens, featuring a portable “Foundry on Wheels”!
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Making “Drive-In Hooks” From Capewell Horse-Shoe Nails with Randy Palluch
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“Rivet Forge” Demonstration by Chris Holt
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And more!
Bring the family to witness history in action and experience the art, science, and legacy of blacksmithing in early American life.
Hearth & Harvest: Cooking Day
Saturday, November 14th, 2026
10am - 4pm
Warm up with the sights, smells, and stories of the Harmony Society’s community kitchen at Cooking Day at Old Economy Village, part of our America 250 commemorations.
Explore how shared meals, bake ovens, and food preservation shaped daily life in one of early America’s most remarkable communal societies. Watch live cooking demonstrations, try traditional preservation techniques, and discover how cooperation, resourcefulness, and faith came together to nourish both body and community.
This hands-on experience highlights the ingenuity and teamwork that sustained the Harmonists and offers visitors of all ages a taste of history—connecting food, culture, and community in the 19th century.
