Annual Open House

Sunday, August 13, noon to 4 p.m.

 The annual open house at the Hermitage will be Sunday, August 13, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

 Featured will be flax spinning at the 1758 Gemeinehaus and a Pennsylvania Dutch bake day at the 200-year-old bake oven.

 Volunteer guides will be available at the restored 1855 Church School, the 1884 Haas post office and general store, and the Mahantongo Heritage Center in the 1927 barn. The Heritage Center showcases the arts, crafts, and folk traditions of the Mahantongo Valley. The spinning and weaving studio will also be open.

Visitors to the school are welcome to try their hand at reading, “riting” and “rithmetic” on the chalk board. They are also welcome to play the adjacent “Gong Project,” a massive percussion instrument made of hanging metal tanks.

The sculpture garden on the hill features a six-foot metal dog, a rocket ship made from a grain bin, and the “Wheel Thing,” an interactive assembly of agricultural and mining gears and wheels.

 The event is free but donations are accepted. The Heritage Center is handicapped accessible, as are the restroom facilities.

 The Hermitage is a Harmonist spiritual center whose goal is to live in harmony with earth and spirit.

 The Hermitage is located at 75 Grove Road, a mile south of Pitman and adjacent to Hepler's Grove.

The restored Haas post office on the left will be open for tours during the fall and the upcoming Open House on August 13.

The restored 1855 Church School will also be open for tours.