The Daniel Boone Homestead Associates kick off its 2026 season with an annual open house event — Pennsylvania’s Birthday.
Formerly known as Charter Day, this event recognizes the day William Penn received his land grant for Pennsylvania from King Charles II of England in 1681. In observance of Pennsylvania’s founding, the Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter Township — the birthplace of the famed frontiersman Daniel Boone, born in 1734 — will host an open house and living history event featuring 18th-century demonstrations, trades, and hands-on activities.
Held from 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, the event offers open-house tours of the Boone House. Constructed in three stages over the 18th century, the Boone House is a 10-room stone structure, fully furnished to the period, situated on 579 acres of rolling countryside.
During the tour, learn about the three families who lived there during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Volunteers will be cooking a hearty meal over the open hearth and discussing the “6 Weeks of Want.” In the parlor, view an apothecary display and learn about medicine in the 18th century.
Families are invited to step back in time to the 18th century at the Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter Township during an open house and living history event on March 8, celebrating Pennsylvania’s Birthday. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Boone Homestead Associates)
In the Daniel Boone Homestead craft shop, visitors can try writing with a quill pen and learn about education in the 18th century at the open house and living history event on March 8. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Boone Homestead Associates)
The Daniel Boone Homestead open house and living history event celebrates Pennsylvania’s Birthday with 18th-century demonstrations, trades, and hands-on activities on March 8. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Boone Homestead Associates)
Other buildings in the historic area will also be open for viewing, including the Smokehouse, Blacksmith Shop, Homestead Barn, and Bertolet Log House. Volunteers will demonstrate spinning, blacksmithing, and gunsmithing. In the craft shop, visitors can try writing with a quill pen and learn about education in the 18th century. Plus, children and their families can enjoy colonial toys and games.
The Homestead is owned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and daily historic operations are run by the Daniel Boone Homestead Associates, a local, nonprofit organization. Pennsylvania’s Birthday is a PHMC-wide event and several historic sites across the state participate.
No admission is charged for this program, but donations are welcome. No pets (except service animals) and no smoking on site. Several activities and demonstrations are weather-dependent. This program is funded and presented by the Daniel Boone Homestead Associates.
For the most up-to-date details, visit www.thedanielboonehomestead.org and Daniel Boone Homestead on Facebook.