EVENTS: Take advantage of all our great events – festivals, speaker presentations, adult workshops, youth camps, classes, and more held throughout the year. Members enjoy discounted fees.
CLASSES: Scroll down. Upcoming Classes are listed below the Events. Members enjoy discounted fees. All listings are subject to change.
2023 Events
NOTE — EVENTS APPEARING IN LIGHT GREY HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE THIS YEAR — INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR GENERAL REFERENCE ONLY.
Historical Speakers Presentation:
“History of Pennsylvania Long Rifle – Presented by Lynn Otto”
This event is FREE and presented in the Brendle Museum’s lower level. Lynn Otto, a local historian and French and Indian War, will discuss the history of the long rifle and the ongoing “naming” debate: Pennsylvania versus Kentucky Rifle. His talk will also focus on gun making in Early America. Examples of these weapons will be shown as well. Lynn Otto has participated in living history demonstrations since 1984, and has traveled extensively to historic sites and museums. He is very involved with the Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead, serving as Vice President of the group since 1999; he is the elected commander of the recreated French & Indian War era First Battalion, the Pennsylvania Regiment. Lynn is also a part-time interpreter at Landis Valley Museum’s Log Farm Complex and Gun Shop.
Date: Sunday April 23
Start Time: 2:00PM
Details: 717-949-2244
Historical Speakers Presentation:
“Court Cavalier: Anna Thoma of Ephrata”
This event is FREE and presented in the Brendle Museum’s lower level. Learn about the unique life of Anna Thoma, daughter of Durst Thoma, owner of the land that eventually became the historic Schaeffer Farm and the village of Schaefferstown. Anna joined the monastic life at Ephrata Cloister, wrote hymns and became Conrad Beissel’s favorite singer. Lydia Jones is a graduate of Lycoming College with BA degrees in Archaeology and Culture of the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean and History. She is currently a visitor services associate at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.
Date: Sunday March 26
Start Time: 2:00PM
Details: 717-949-2244
Refresh the Farm Day
Calling All Volunteers! We need your hands-on help for several pre-season must-dos – clean-ups, repairs, and more. Have fun the while the work gets done!
Date: Saturday May 13
Start Time: 8:30AM
Details: 717-949-2244
Traditional Cherry Fair & Early American Craft Show
Since the 1700s, the Schaefferstown Cherry Fair has thrilled visitors. Now held at the historic Schaeffer Farm, guests can enjoy skilled artisans, entertainment, demonstrations, food, games and Forebay Gift Shop. Schaeffer House tour included.
Date: Saturday June 24
Time: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Fee: Members – Free, Non-members – $5.00 per person, supervised children under age 12 admitted free. No pets, please.
Details: 717-949-2244
Afternoon Garden Tea
Enjoy the Heirloom Garden at the farm, see a presentation on Natural Dyes from Plants by Suzanne Fry. Plus, learn about edible and medicinal plants, and organic gardening. Books, seeds and refreshments offered.
Date: Sunday July 9
Starting Time: 2:00PM
Fee: $5.00 suggested donation
Details: 717-949-2244
Young Villagers Colonial Workshop
For children entering 4th through 7th grades, this fun week at the historic Schaeffer Farm is a great way to learn more about real early American life. Many young villagers enjoy it so much, they return every year!
Date: July 17 – 20
Time: 10:00AM – 3:00PM each day
Fee: Members – $50.00 per child, Non-members – $70.00 per child
Details: To register, call 717-866-5242
WWII Weekend
The Schaeffer Farm becomes a World War II infantry encampment. Enjoy live battle re-enactments, displays, demos and tours of the bivouac areas. Food and restrooms will be available.
Date: July 29 – 30
Time: Sat. 9:00AM – 5:00PM, Sun. 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Fee: $5.00 parking
Details: 717-949-2244
Fall Harvest Fair & Early American Craft Show
The Schaeffer Farm comes alive. Enjoy period artisans,crafts, cooking, cider-pressing, farm-life demonstrations, unique entertainment, and Museum Store. The Historic Schaeffer House and the Heirloom Garden will be open for self-guided tours.
Date: September 16 – 17
Time: Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00PM, Sun. 11:30AM – 4:30PM
Fee: Members – Free, Non-members – $5.00 per person, supervised children under age 12 free. No pets, please.
Details: 717-949-2244
Annual Meeting & Presentation
Everyone is invited to this free event — all members, guests and visitors are welcome to attend. Join us at Brendle Museum’s Lower Level for our feature presentation (topic TBD), refreshments, and popular Silent Auction. Bring a dessert and an item to donate to the Silent Auction.
Date: Sunday October 22
Time: 2:00PM
Fee: Free
Details: 717-949-2244
Christkindlmarkt
Enjoy this free-admission event where you’ll enjoy finding handmade period gifts made by 20+ skilled artisans working in our region. This year, we have partnered with St. Paul’s UCC to host this event. You’ll find ample shopping space, plus plenty of off-street parking. The venue’s address is 1304 Heidelberg Ave, Schaefferstown PA 17088. Credit cards accepted.
Date: Friday, Dec. 8, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Date: Saturday Dec. 9, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Fee: Free Admission
Details: 717-949-2244
Tavern Lunch
Experience a true tavern lunch at the Gemberling-Rex House at 106 N. Market St. There are 5 full-service sittings from late morning to mid-afternoon.
Date: Saturday Dec. 9 – RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Time: Lunch sittings offered for 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 12 Noon, 1:00PM, and 2:00PM
Fee: Lunch is $16.00 per person
Details/Reservations: 717-949-2244
2023-2024 Adult Classes
Learn to Speak Pennsylvania German – Alice Spayd
Fall Season Saturday Class:
Date: 6 weeks starting Sept. 30, 2023
Time: 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Fee: Members – $25, Non-members – $30
Registration: Call 717-866-5242 by Sept. 8, 2023
Note: Age 8 or older only. Class limited to 12 students. Bring pen or pencil.
Fall Season Tuesday Class:
Date: 5 weeks starting Oct. 3, 2023
Time: 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Fee: Members – $20, Non-members – $25
Registration: Call 717-866-5242 by Sept. 8, 2023
Note: Age 8 or older only. Class limited to 12 students. Bring pen or pencil.
Winter Season Saturday Class:
Date: 10 weeks starting Jan. 27, 2024
Time: 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Fee: Members – $45, Non-members – $50
Registration: Call 717-866-5242 by Jan. 12, 2024
Note: Age 8 or older only. Class limited to 12 students. Bring pen or pencil.
Winter Season Tuesday Class:
Date: 10 weeks starting Jan. 30, 2024
Time: 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Fee: Members – $45, Non-members – $50
Registration: Call 717-866-5242 by Jan. 12, 2024
Note: Age 8 or older only. Class limited to 12 students. Bring pen or pencil.
Hooking a Valentine Flower – Janice Sonnen
Date: Sat. Jan. 20, 2024 (Snow Date: Jan. 27)
Time: 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Fee: Members – $65, Non-members – $70
Registration: Call 717-866-5242 by Jan. 10, 2024
Note: Age 13 or older only. Bring scissors and a lunch. Class limited to 12 students.
Sgraffito Redware – Susan Horst
Date: Sat. Feb. 3, 2024 (Snow Date: Feb. 10)
Time: 9:00AM – Noon
Fee on 9-inch round: Members – $35, Non-members – $40
Fee on 12-inch round: Members – $55, Non-members – $60
Registration: Call 717-866-5242 by Jan. 12, 2024
Note: Age 13 or older only. You may bring your own design idea if you wish. Bring apron or towel. Class limited to 12 students.
Fraktur & Vinegar Graining – Laurie Zimmerman
Date: Sat. February 17, 2024 (Snow Date: Feb. 24)
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Fee: Members – $65, Non-members – $70
Registration: Call 717-866-5242 by Jan. 29, 2024
Note: Age 13 or older only. Class limited to 15 students. Class will include making the Fraktur and graining a frame (glass included). Please bring watercolor brushes – Rounds 8,2,0; Liner 2; Angular 4 or 5; 12-inch clear plastic ruler, no. 2 pencil; small spray bottle; wear old clothes; bring lunch.
Registration Payments: Make check payable to Historic Schaefferstown, Inc. and mail to Alice Oskam, 201 Golf Road, Myerstown, PA 17067. Do not mail cash.
Interested in taking or teaching a class in our 2024-2025 season? Let us know. Class ideas welcome.