Historical Society of Dauphin County (HSDC) has announced its schedule of summer activities.
Free mansion tours and a lecture on "The Life and Times of Lincoln's Secretary of War: Simon Cameron" will take place on Sunday, June 23, at the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. Free parking will be available behind the mansion and in the UPMC Hospital parking garage. As part of Civil War Days in Harrisburg, the mansion will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Joe Mieczkowski will give the free lecture at 1 p.m. in the parlor of the mansion. From 2 to 3 p.m., free self-guided tours will be available.
In period dress, Mieczkowski, a licensed battlefield guide at the Gettysburg National Military Park, will present a first-person discussion of Cameron and the controversies that surround him to this day. A rich industrialist, railroad magnate, banker, minister to Russia, and senator, Cameron served as Lincoln's first Secretary of War and helped build the Union war machine.
The historical society's 150th annual membership meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 26, at 6 p.m. at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Second St., Harrisburg. The meeting will feature brief remarks, the election of trustees, recognition of volunteers, and food. Past HSDC board president John Robinson will give a presentation on the history of Market Square Presbyterian. On June 4, 1869, a meeting was held in the Lecture Room of Market Square Presbyterian to "perfect an organization" of the Historical Society of Dauphin County.
Parking will be available at no cost starting at 5:30 p.m. in the parking garage directly next to the church. Preregistration is requested by Monday, June 24, by emailing director@dauphincountyhistory.org or calling 717-233-3462.
Independence Day at the Mansion will be celebrated on Thursday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion. The ninth annual public readings of the Declaration of Independence will take place at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. John Harris Jr., portrayed by re-enactor David Biser, will read the document from the porch of the mansion; Benjamin Franklin will also be present.
There is no fee to hear the readings, and free parking will be available behind the mansion and in the UPMC Hospital parking garage. Tours of the mansion will be offered after each reading for a fee. HSDC members, children age 6 and under, and any police, fire, first responder, and military personnel and their families will be admitted free. There will also be free activities for children.
The Founding Father Riverboat Cruise has been set for Sunday, July 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a scenic tour of the Susquehanna River and dinner while learning all about the area's history aboard The Pride of the Susquehanna River Boat. Benjamin Franklin will share stories of the "frontier" of Pennsylvania and life along the Susquehanna during Colonial times. Tickets will include the program, the cruise, a full dinner, and dessert. Separate ticket costs have been set for HSDC members, nonmembers, and children age 12 and under. Space is limited, and reservations are required by calling the HSDC office at 717-233-3462.
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