Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
Ridley Creek State Park
3900 North Sandy Flash Drive
Media, PA 19073
(610) 566-1725
www.colonialplantation.org

Though this plantation has been a working farm for more than 200 years, its creation as an historical farm museum was begun as a Bicentennial Project. Through painstaking research and archaeological efforts, volunteers learned (and are still learning) exactly what life was like on a farm in Edgemont Township. Using newly gained knowledge and old methods, these folks divested buildings of any modern additions and rebuilt with 18th century tools.

Today the plantation includes a number of structures: Farmhouse with period furnishings, a Privy, Root Cellar, Springhouse, Stable, and other various structures are used today as they were in the 1700's. Of course there are crops, a pasture and an orchard.

All the duties and chores of an 18th century farm are still carried on in the old tradition by people wearing the same kind of clothes that farmers wore 200 years ago. Visitors will witness all of the usual farm activities such as food preparation and animal care which take place throughout the year. Other activities are seasonal, such as candle dipping, when animal fat and beeswax are available in the fall. Visitors are always welcome to try their hand at some "chore" -- spinning, making cheese, or perhaps repairing a fence.

From spring through fall a variety of activities offer the entire family the chance to do something fun, different, and educational. There is an Annual Craft Show and Colonial Fair, with music, skill demonstrations, food and more; A Civil War Re-enactment complete with military tactics and skirmishes; there are special days just for kids. And what a great place to have a child's birthday party!

Adults and families can participate in Workshops covering topics such as Basketry, Hearth Cooking, Archaeology, Chair Rushing and more.

School Programs range from a 1 hour tour for preschoolers to the Standard Tour (90 minutes) that can be adapted to any age (including adults). The Small Group Specialty Tour emphasize specific aspects of 18th century life such as architecture or gardening. This is also suitable for adults. The Sampler Workshop (grade 3 and up) is a 3½ hour is a hands-on experience that has participants cooking dessert over the open hearth, completing farm chores, and doing a colonial craft such as candlemaking, marble paper, making toys, etc. A 90-minute Mini-Workshop features chores and candlemaking, while the Specialty Hands-on Workshop (Junior High to High) provide intensive hands-on experience in textiles, archaeology and cooking (3 hrs.). Off-Site Programs are also available.