On Saturday, July 4th, consider a relaxing alternative to the holiday crowds by celebrating Fourth of July in Germantown’s historic neighborhood setting.  Bells of freedom will ring as the Concord School holds a moving, annual bell ringing ceremony at 2:00 PM, tolling one peal for each year of our nation’s independence.  At 2:30 PM the Johnson House, located just across the street, will feature Oney Judge, the famous enslaved African who escaped the household of President Washington, presented by historic interpreter Kathy Simpson.  Guided tours of these sites, as well as the Revolutionary War battle site at Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Avenue, are available from 1- 4 PM on the Fourth of July.

www.freedomsbackyard.com

At this sidewalk gathering, show support for the restoration and reopening of the Boyd Theatre, hear a short report by Friends of the Boyd president Howard B. Haas on the status of Philadelphia's sole surviving premiere movie palace, and "meet and greet" Theatre Historical Society of America (THSA)  members in Philadelphia. THSA is the only organization in the U.S. which exclusively records, preserves and celebrates the rich architectural, cultural and social history of America's theatres. The prestigious organization selected Philadelphia for their annual pilgrimage to historic theaters.

www.FriendsOfTheBoyd.org

Sidewalk in front of the Boyd Theatre, 1906 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

July 13 - July 17
The Building Bridges summer camp will introduce area youth to historic sites around Germantown. Children will take daily field trips to local historic sites including Awbury Arboretum, the La Salle University Art Museum, Wyck and the Johnson House. The camp will also feature an array of activities and lessons on Cliveden’s historic 6 acre grounds. The week will end with a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. While there, the children will be treated to a specialty tour of the animals of Africa and Madagascar.

Info: Education Director Richard Fink  at rfink@cliveden.org or 215-848-1777

Cost: $125 for week. Children ages 7-12 are permitted. Campers must provide their own lunch, light snacks will be provided.

http://germantownsummercamps.wordpress.com.

Penn State University
PENN STATE INDUSTRIAL AND ENERGY HERITAGE STUDY TOUR
July 19-25, 2009

The tour is available for credit and non-credit and includes historic sites, museums, locales, and communities relevant to the Commonwealth's industrial and energy history. Lectures, films, discussions, and associated literature are provided as part of the study tour. On-site educational tours and visits include:

* Steelton including Arcelor-Mittal, Inc. (former Bethlehem Steel, Inc)
* Centralia
* Locust Ridge Wind Farm
* Eckley Miners' Village
* site of the 1897 Lattimer Massacre
* Drake Well National Historic Landmark
* Pithole
* Pittsburgh
* Homestead, Braddock, Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area
* Bedford Springs Hotel National Historic Landmark
* Discussion on Pennsylvania economic development policy with a former Pennsylvania Governor.

The study tour also includes transpiration via motor coach, meals, and overnight accommodations in Hazleton, Titusville, and Pittsburgh

For more details and information on the study tour:
Karen Karnes, Penn State Harrisburg at ksk1@psu.edu or 717-948-6536
or Dr. Kenneth C. Wolensky at kwolensky@comcast.net or 717-469-7729