Travel Back To The 1800s At Pennsylvania’s Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
By Beth Price-Williams|Published October 19, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
A history book usually provides a solid overview of a specific period in time. However, if we really want to experience history, we have plenty of opportunities throughout the state. Pennsylvania’s Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, for example, provides us with a unique glimpse into a period of history that’s kept alive with exhibits, classes, and events.
Experience a taste of Pennsylvania German village farm life between 1740 and 1940 when you visit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum in Lancaster.
The popular destination houses the largest collection of Pennsylvania German artifacts in the U.S., but that’s just a taste of what awaits at the unique living history destination.
Immigrants from Germany arrived in southeastern Pennsylvania in the early 1700s; and, by the end of the century, would comprise nearly 50 percent of the population in the area. Most settled as farmers.
The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum was originally started by George and Harry Landis, brothers who wanted to preserve the community’s rich history. Eventually, Pennsylvania purchased the village and museum and began the process of expanding it.
The village sprawls across 100 acres, so you’ll need plenty of time to explore if you want to see everything. Museum staff recommends carving out two to three hours to check out all of the buildings and to view all of the artifacts.
Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center, too, which features exhibits that change from time to time. One exhibit, for example, is called “Thrown, Fired, and Glazed: The Redware Tradition from Pennsylvania and Beyond.”
Have you been to Pennsylvania’s Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! For another stroll back in time to the 19th century, plan a visit to Sugartown in Malvern.
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