A Revolutionary Children's Day

Daniel Boone Homestead will host its annual Children's Day on Sunday, May 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at the homestead, 400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro.

This year, the event has a new name. In accordance with America's 250th anniversary, this year's theme is "A Revolutionary Children's Day."

"It conveys a little bit more of the (America) 250, military focus," said Amanda Machik, the director of the museum. "A lot of the fan-favorites we will still have."

Children's Day has been held annually for at least 20 years.

During the event, which is being sponsored by the Daniel Boone Homestead Associates (DBHA), families will be able to experience Colonial life through hands-on activities such as textile processing, candle dipping, quill pen writing and tinsmithing.

Children will have the opportunity to learn about Daniel Boone's mother, Sarah Boone, as well as her famous butter and cheese. Volunteers will teach about food preservation, and children will have the chance to help make butter.

Learning opportunities will also be aplenty - volunteers will teach children how to write with a quill pen and teach them about schooling in lighting in the 18th century.

Tours of the Boone House and the Bertolet Log House will also be offered throughout the day. At the log house, children will be able to view animal furs and skins and play with old-fashioned toys and games.

New for this year, in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, young visitors will have the chance to pick up "Washington's Orders" to guide them through Revolutionary War themed activities, ending with a visit with General Washington.

In another new activity this year, kids can join a militia where they will employ wooden dummy guns, learn about the Continental Army and practice muster drills. They will also have the chance to sit in a soldiers' saddle and practice their swordsmanship skills.

An admission fee will be charged; pre-registration is not required. Children age 5 and under may enter for no cost, as well as DBHA members. No pets, except service animals, and no smoking are permitted.

Machik said the event pulled in 100 children last year, although the weather heavily impacted the attendance; she also said that they expect 200 to 300 participants if the weather holds.

"Last year, I don't think it was too cold, but it was rainy," she said. "I'm hoping for better weather... unfortunately, we don't have a lot of indoor space. There are some things that we can move indoors, but people still have to walk from one thing to another."

The homestead is the birthplace of the historic frontiersman, born in 1734. It is located on 579 acres of countryside in Birdsboro in the epicenter of the tri-county area. It is operated by the DHBA, a local nonprofit organization.

For more information about the homestead, call 610-582-4900 or search for "Daniel Boone Homestead" on Facebook.

Order professional photos at epcphoto.com hosted by smugmug.

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