The Blue Rock Heritage Center, 2251 River Road, Washington Boro, will host its annual open house event on Sunday, June 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. Special activities and exhibits are planned for the day. Admission is free.
A new display featuring items from the former one-room schoolhouses in Washington Boro will be exhibited. These items, donated by the late Glenn Henry, include the schoolmaster's desk and chair, books, photos, an umbrella stand, and other memorabilia, such as portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln that hung prominently in the classroom.
The schoolhouses had been located at the present parking lot of the Washington Boro Church of God. When Washington Boro consolidated with the other local municipalities to create the Penn Manor School District, the two one-room schoolhouses were sold and dismantled by August Dinkel, who was the local butcher. Several years ago, Henry, in cooperation with August's son, Fred Dinkel, was able to acquire the items from the schoolhouses.
The Blue Rock Heritage Center recently acquired Native American artifacts from the Glenn Henry estate, as well. These items are from the Susquehannocks, who had a village from 1600 to 1625 in the heart of present-day Washington Boro. A bone fish hook, a bone comb and tools, trade beads, and other such items will be on display at the open house.
Individuals are welcome to bring Native American artifacts for identification by professionals. Members of Chapter 28 of the Society of Pennsylvania Archaeology will be available to answer questions about the artifacts.
Children's activities will also be featured. Circle Legacy, a local Native American group, will have a touch-and-feel table for children to identify items used by Native Americans. Individuals will be dressed in Native American regalia, as well.
To learn more about the Blue Rock Heritage Center, visit http://www.bluerockheritage.org.
Leave a Review