Events

On a 1800s Pennsylvania German family farm, blacksmithing was an essential trade that kept the farm running by forging and repairing horseshoes, wagon parts, tools, and household hardware. The family blacksmith combined practical skill with traditional craftsmanship, creating durable ironwork that supported both daily farm life and the surrounding rural community.

Join the Penn State Master Gardeners in our historical garden and learn about how vegetables and herbs were used on a 1800s family farm.

Cheese making was a vital part of life on an 1800s Pennsylvania German family farm, allowing fresh milk to be preserved as a nutritious food that could be stored and enjoyed year-round. Using simple tools and time-honored techniques, families crafted a variety of cheeses that provided sustenance and made good use of their dairy herds.

The one-room schoolhouse was the center of education for many children on 1800s Pennsylvania German family farms, where students of all ages learned together under the guidance of a single teacher. Beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic, the schoolhouse fostered a strong sense of community and prepared children with the knowledge and values needed for daily […]

Leather and horn work were valuable crafts on an 1800s Pennsylvania German family farm, transforming animal hides and horns into durable everyday items such as harnesses, belts, shoes, combs, buttons, and utensils. These practical skills helped families make full use of farm resources while producing handcrafted goods essential for daily life and work.