Everyday Rhythms showcases the unique ways in which people have used musical sounds to express themselves. On display are over 50 musical instruments from the museum’s collection including a variety of drums, banjos, bells and zithers. Also on view are unusual instruments like a Key Bugle, Hurdy Gurdy (wheel-operated fiddle) and Calithumpian Rattle (a giant noisemaker for special occasions). Interactive audio stations invite visitors to hear the sounds of some of the instruments. In the museum's Imagination Gallery, visitors can experiment with hands-on reproductions of instruments, similar to the ones on view, to create their own sounds and music. Younger visitors will enjoy books and games related to the exhibit's theme. Exhibit runs through August 31.

Join us for free evening actvities including music with the Good N' Plenties Barbershop Quartet, straw oboe craft workshop, and free self-guided tours of the Mercer Museum.  The Log House will also be open with a costumed interpreter available to answer any questions.

Experience "the good-old days" at an early 20th century July 4th celebration. Festivities include a decorated bike parade, town ball game (19th-century baseball), watermelon eating contest, free old-time games, live music and picnic foods. Sponsored by Matcor, Inc., and the Friends of the BCHS. $4 adults, $2 members, $1 youths (5-17), free for children (4 and under).  Free parking.  No dogs are allowed on the grounds. For information, call 215-348-9461, ext. 10.

July 4th Partial Schedule of Events:                                                                                                   12:30 pm       Parade of Patriotism Begins (Awards ceremony immediately follows.)
1 pm               Self-guided tours of Fonthill begin
1:30 & 3 pm  Robin Moore Storytime
1:45 pm         Del Val Saxophone Quartet
2 pm               Merrymakers
2:30 pm         Town Ball Demonstration
3:15 pm         Clarinetwork
4 pm               Last Tour of Fonthill

Students who have finished grades 2-5 will build with Legos and learn to power their creations with syntax-based computer robotics. Fee: $145/$125 BCHS members. Registration required, call 215-345-0210, ext. 123. Camp runs from July 6-10.

Students who have finished grades 2-5, and Basics Lego Robotics will be introduced to Lego Mindstorms™ RCX computer technology. Fee: $145/$125 BCHS members. Registration required, call 215-345-0210, ext. 123. Camp runs from July 6-10.

Learn how to make your own paper using natural, new, and recycled materials. Suitable for adults and children. Each participant makes their own craft. Fee: $9 per person. Materials included. Registration required. Call 215-345-0210, ext. 123.
 

Calling all first-year witches and wizards! Get sorted into your houses, create your wands, and get prepared for classes in Potions, History of Magic, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, and much more.  Ages 8-12. $215/$185 BCHS members. Registration required, call 215-345-0210, ext. 123.  Camp runs from July 13-17.

Back by popular demand…Spend time as a family completing an early American craft. Create your own marbled paper for a beautiful bookmark or greeting card.  Suitable for both adults and children. Each makes his/her own craft. Fee: $7/person. Pre-registration required. Call, 215-345-0210 ext. 123.

Children, ages 6-11, will construct their own castle and test their skill with medieval siege engines. $9 youths/$6 member youths. Reservations required, call 215-348-9461, ext. 10.

Students who have finished grades 2-5 will build with Legos and learn to power their creations with syntax-based computer robotics. Fee: $145/$125 BCHS members. Registration required, call 215-345-0210, ext. 123. Camp runs from July 20-24.

Students who have finished grades 2-5, and Basics Lego Robotics will be introduced to Lego Mindstorms™ RCX computer technology. Fee: $145/$125 BCHS members. Registration required, call 215-345-0210, ext. 123. Camp runs from July 20-24.

Explore Henry Mercer’s unique castle buildings. Workshop focuses on architectural “basics”, concrete construction and Mercer’s architectural tiles. For children who have completed grades 4-6. $135/$115 BCHS members. Registration required, call 215-348-9461, ext. 10.  Camp runs from July 27-31.

The Jameson Sisters, otherwise known as Ellen Tepper and Terry Kane perform some of Henry Mercer’s favorite Celtic tunes for this year's Evening of Irish Music at Fonthill.   Ellen plays the Celtic harp and sings while Terry Kane sings lead vocals and plays mandolin and guitar. The duo perform traditional songs from Ireland, Scotland and England.  Gate tickets: $4 adults, $2 member adults, free (12 and under).  For more information, call 215-348-9461, ext. 10.