What To Do: A look at difficult history at Brandywine River Museum

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times 

The Brandywine River Museum of Art (1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, www.brandywine.org) has been hosting a pair of special exhibitions since February 1 – “Votes for Women: A Visual History,” and “Witness to History: Selma Photography of Stephen Somerstein.”

With regard to the former – if you snooze, you lose because “Votes for Women: A Visual History” will close on September 27. “Witness to History: Selma Photography of Stephen Somerstein,” on the other hand, will remain open until November 1.

“Votes for Women: A Visual History” includes drawings, illustrations, and posters from museums, historical societies, and private collections that visualize the complex political messages conveyed by suffragists, will close on September 27. Also included are historic photographs of marches and rallies, including the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Procession in Washington D.C. Examples of the costumes, clothing, sashes and other emblems of women’s activism worn by suffragists enliven the presentation, drawing comparisons between the representations and realities of women’s struggle to win the vote. 

Presenting an inclusive historical narrative, the exhibition recognizes the efforts of women of color and their community networks, which have been largely overlooked, giving the false impression that women of color were absent from the struggle for voting rights. As a way to recognize these marginalized communities, the Brandywine commissioned a diverse group of women artists to create a mural of illustrated portraits featuring some of the women whose role in winning voting rights has been historically minimized because of their race or ethnicity.

The museum is also hosting a special tribute to Betsy James Wyeth, who passed away in April 2020 — a memorial display of 20 Andrew Wyeth works featuring his wife. All works are from the Andrew and Betsy Wyeth Collection, including quite a few that have never been exhibited before. This exhibition is running through October 11.

Admission to the museum is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (65+) and $6 for students with ID and children ages 6-18.

This is also the final weekend to check out the current exhibit at Pottsgrove Manor (100 West King Street, Pottstown, 610-326-4014, www.historicsites.montcopa.org). “Physician, Patriot, Potts: An Exhibit on Dr. Jonathan Potts” is running now through September 27.

Pottsgrove Manor exemplifies the restrained elegance of early Georgian architecture popular with wealthy English gentry during the mid-18th century. Built in 1752 for John Potts, ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, the mansion was situated on a nearly 1,000 acre plantation, which by 1762 included the town of “Pottsgrove.”
As a successful ironmaster and merchant, John Potts, was appointed Justice of the Peace and Judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. He was elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly from both Berks and Philadelphia Counties.

Although only four acres of original property remain today, Pottsgrove Manor has lost none of its original charm and architectural beauty. The sandstone exterior, elegant interior and fine furnishings reflect the eminence that the Potts family had attained before selling the property in 1783.

For this exhibit, Pottsgrove Manor has been transformed to tell the life story of Jonathan Potts, who was born in 1745 to John and Ruth Potts.

Potts dedicated his career to the study and practice of medicine. He organized the military army hospitals to prevent the spread of smallpox. Eventually, his leadership brought him back to Pennsylvania and the Valley Forge winter encampment in 1777-1778 as the Director of Hospitals in the Middle Department.

Interactive components in the exhibit will help connect everyone to Potts’ life and turning points for his journey.

Visitors can find Potts in a London coffeehouse as his educational path is disrupted. They can visit his busy doctor’s office and see original 18th-century medical objects on display. They will be able to join in the arguments in the Pennsylvania Assembly on the outbreak of war and discover the conditions faced while treating soldiers in military hospitals.

Participants can learn how Potts’ military experience impacted the rest of his short life and, with the help of immersive displays, reflect on his legacy. Documents and artifacts from Jonathan’s life – on loan from Fort Ticonderoga, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the College of Physicians, a private collection, and more — will be on display throughout the museum.

The display also features letters, a hand-drawn map of Fort Ticonderoga, Potts’ dissertation, and the original daybook from his practice to connect with the struggles and triumphs that shaped his life.

Pottsgrove Manor is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission fee is a suggested $2 donation.

The Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http://www.chaddsford.com) annually hosts its “Harvest Festival” at this time of year and then follows with “Adult Trick or Treat” throughout October.

This year is different — thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Winery’s message for this autumn is —

“We might not be able to host large events this year, but that’s not stopping us from getting in the Halloween spirit. We’re offering a new take on our fan-favorite program with Adult Trick or Treat Wine Kits!

During this nightmarish 2020, you can still keep the tradition alive with Chaddsford wine and your own customized experience.

Snag an Adult Trick or Treat Wine Kit at the link below and then pick it up Curbside at the Winery or Peddler’s Village Tasting Room.

The first 200 orders will receive a complimentary keepsake Halloween wine glass (one glass per kit ordered). Adult Trick or Treat Wine Kits are offered only while supplies last.

The Wine Kit includes three of the winery’s best-selling fall wines (Spiced Apple, Traminette, and Harbinger), a Halloween Pairing Guide, a West Chester-based Scavenger Hunt and the keepsake Halloween wine glass.

The winery’s website explains how it works – 

Enjoy it at home.  Let our pairing guide help you choose the best Halloween candies, autumnal treats, and spooky snacks to enjoy with your wine kit.  Gather up the goods and plan a frightfully fun evening with friends – ideally around a fire pit or scary movie screening – or go on a local adventure.

Check out the scavenger hunt option that’s also included with each Wine Kit!  For this experience, we’ve partnered with West Chester-based businesses to create the ultimate Halloween food and wine pairings.  We’re talking the type of combos that trick-or-treat dreams are made of.

Take your passport to any or all of these partner locations to enjoy a special 10% discount on their featured item(s). Collect all the goods and then share the love with your closest ghouls and gals.

Featured pairing at Carlino’s Specialty Foods — Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie or Apple, Pear, Cranberry Crumb Pie with Spiced Apple.

Featured pairing at Éclat Chocolate — Passion Fruit Chocolate or Pear Caramel Chocolate with ’18 Traminette.

Featured pairing at Gemelli Gelato — Dark Chocolate Gelato with ’17 Harbinger

Wine Kits must be ordered in advance online and be picked up curbside. Wine Kits may not be consumed onsite. 

The 29th Annual Harriton Farmstead Fair was held last September at the Harriton House (500 Harriton Road, Bryn Mawr, www.harritonhouse.org)

The popular annual event in Lower Merion Township featured crafts, antiques, pony rides, historic house tours, children’s games, muskets and soldiers, blacksmiths, stone carvers, cabinetmakers, spinners, skep weavers, bluegrass music, and falconry (and other birds of prey).

As an added attraction, the historic 1704 house was open for tours during the day.

The 30th Annual Harriton Farmstead Fair will have a much different approach.

The Harriton Fair has been reimagined this year as a bluegrass concert on September 26 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be treasures for sale, tours of the historic house, and blacksmithing demos.

Reservations are a must this year as space will be limited. Tickets are available for $25 with children (under 10) admitted free.

The annual “A Taste of Greece” festival is running now through September 27 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church (30 East Forge Road, Media, http://www.stgeorgegreekfestival.org). It too will look a lot different than usual.

The free festival focuses on food — tasty Greek main dishes such as moussaka (eggplant dish), shish-ka-bob (meat and vegetables on skewers) and placki (fish) and Greek dessert treats including baklava (phyllo, nuts and honey) and kataifi (shredded wheat and nuts).

The food aspect of the festival is still happening

Other activities such as midway rides, vendors with crafts and Greek items, live music by Greek American bands and folk dancing demonstrations are victims of the pandemic currently gripping the nation.

This message was posted on the church’s Facebook page – “Join us for a Taste of Greece! Our Annual Greek Festival is back this year as a “Take Out Only Event” that includes Authentic made from scratch Greek dishes, pastries, and specialties. This event may be socially distant, but you can bring a real taste of Greece right to your door!

“Online food ordering is available for easy pickup at https://stgeorgefestivalinmedia.square.site/
When online ordering please check the box “Request curbside pickup” and enter your vehicle info for us to bring your order to you. At the end of your order when entering your contact info, please select “Schedule for later” to select the day and time you would like your order to be ready.

“You can also view our outdoor menu from your car and order when you drive up.”

Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon-9 p.m. on Sunday.

Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com) is already hosting Pumpkinland, its annual autumn-themed interactive event.

Pumpkinland is open from mid-September through early November and takes center stage at Linvilla Orchards. Larger than life figures and scarecrows illustrate the legends and lore of the harvest season, featuring local history and some of the many stories of pumpkins and apples.

Visitors will see piles of pumpkins in all colors, shapes and sizes more than 100 tons of pumpkins on display.

There is also a huge selection of straw bales, corn shocks, toys and fall decorations of all kinds.

This year the site’s offerings have changed a bit to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

Guests will still be able to enjoy hayrides and train rides, test their navigation skills in the straw bale and cornfield mazes, pick their own fall apples, grab some candy and caramel apples, and see the Linvilla jack-o-lantern exhibit.

This year, timed tickets will be required for Linvilla’s Autumn Moon, Harvest and Witch’s Hayrides. Timed tickets allow the staff to safely manage the numbers of visitors throughout the day.

For sanitary reasons, face boards will not be available for photos this fall, and the playground will be closed for the foreseeable future.

It’s time to welcome autumn and one of the best ways to do this is by checking out the corn mazes at Ramsey’s Farm (Ramsey Road, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-477-1499,www.ramseysfarm.com). The farm’s event season lists September 26 as 2020’s “Opening Day.”

Corn mazes, along with hayrides, a pumpkin patch and scarecrows, will be featured at Ramsey’s Farm, which is located in northern Delaware on Route 92 just south of the Pennsylvania-Delaware state line. The new season runs on weekends now through October 31.

Ramsey’s “Pumpkin Patch” has been in operation since 1995 and the farm’s varied mazes have been delighting and baffling visitors who return each year for the popular annual event. The owners of Ramsey’s Farm raise pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, popcorn, feed corn and hay.

The farm’s pumpkin field stretches over 12 acres and yields approximately 20,000 pumpkins each season. Hayrides around the farm will be offered from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Visitors will be able to shop for pumpkins and other items at the farm store. There will also be hot food and beverages available for purchase.

Tickets are $8 for the corn maze, $5 for the sorghum maze, $3 for the hay maze, $3 for pumpkin painting and $3 for a hayride.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm (150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, 717-687-6843, www.cherrycrestfarm.com) has opened its popular annual “Flashlight Maze” and will keep it open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night through November 7. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm has reserved several weekends during the autumn months for Flashlight Maze.

This special activity allows visitors to experience the Amazing Maize Maze in total darkness. All you need are flashlights and a few friends.

The Flashlight Maze is a nice, non-scary, Halloween alternative that has appeal for people of all ages. The Flashlight Maze, which has a $12 admission fee, is open from 6:30-10 p.m. with the last entrance into the Maze at 9 p.m.

The main attraction is Cherry Crest’s “Amazing Maize Maze,” which is billed as “the world’s most dynamic and interactive corn maze.” It is a five-acre corn maze with over two-and-one-half miles of paths, scenic bridges, and clues.

Participants can walk at their own pace as they encounter the “Kernels of Knowledge” along with a variety of clues, tunnel slides, and watering stations. They can also check out a bird’s eye view from the two bridges and watch everyone’s flags waving high above the corn.

The average time to complete the “Amazing Maize Maze” course is one hour. Ticket prices start at $19.

The 2020 season for the Scarecrow Competition and Display at Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com) has already started. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.

Visitors can stroll around the Village to see the Scarecrow Competition and Display, which showcases more than 100 creative and colorful scarecrows. The Scarecrows are on outdoor display through October 27.

The public is invited to vote for the winners. Ballots are available in all shops and restaurants. The ballot boxes are located in the Hospitality Center at the Cock ‘n Bull, Giggleberry Fair, and Buttonwood Grill.

A great way to enjoy autumn’s annual color display is to ride a special excursion on an area tourist railroad.

The West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, 610-430-2233, www.westchesterrr.net) is running its special “Fall Foliage Express” trains on September 27, October 4 and 11 and November 1 and 8. Trains depart at noon and 2 p.m.

The round-trip train ride travels to the village of Glen Mills and back and lasts for 90 minutes. During the brief layover in Glen Mills, riders can have a snack in the railroad’s picnic grove along the Chester Creek.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for children ages 2-12 and free for kids under two.

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (32 West Bridge St, New Hope, 215- 862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) offers a two-and-one-half hour, 35-mile roundtrip ride on its “Fall Foliage Trains” from October 3-November 1. Every weekend, the rail line in Bucks County will operate regularly scheduled round trip trains out of New Hope Station and SEPTA’s Warminster station.

It’s “All Aboard” for a day of history, leaf-peeping, and excitement. Guests can take a peaceful ride on the rail line’s beautifully restored railroad cars through the woods and hills of historic Bucks County. This 14-mile round-trip excursion offers riders a unique way to experience nature’s burst of colors. Riders also frequently spot deer, foxes and wild turkeys among the colorful autumn landscapes.

Ticket prices start at $45.99.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, www.wwrr.com) is back up and running with the Mount Cuba Meteor excursion.

You can take a leisurely 1.5-hour round-trip ride up the Red Clay Valley to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove, where you’ll enjoy a 30-minute layover to have a picnic or simply admire the natural surroundings. The Mt. Cuba Meteor excursion is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon outside with family or friends.

This event is powered by one of the railroad’s historic first-generation diesel locomotives.

Scheduled dates for the excursions are September 26, October 4 and November 14.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $13 for children (ages 2-12).

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, 484-754-EXPO, http://www.phillyexpocenter.com) is hosting the Just Between Friends sale this weekend. To manage occupancy and allow for safe social distancing, the sale will take place in Hall B and Hall C.

The annual event is scheduled to run today through Sunday in Oaks.

Just Between Friends posted this message on its website –

JBF is committed to continuing to help Philadelphia area families.

Here’s how we plan to do it:

We will adjust our operations to operate like an essential retail store.

We will implement the recommended social distancing and re-opening guidelines set in place by our Franchisor, the State of Pennsylvania, the County’s Department of Health, and the CDC.

We will allow families to safely sell with us and safely shop with us.

While our economy recovers from this health catastrophe, we need to do our part to help our families and each other.

Hours for the sale are 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on September 25, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on September 26 and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on September 27.

Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, www.easternstate.org) is always a spooky place to visit. Now, it has become even spookier with its new “Night Tour.”

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers.

Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners.

Eastern State Penitentiary’s vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious lawbreakers, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and Al Capone.

Alphonse “Scarface” Capone got his first taste of prison life in Philadelphia and served seven months sentence in this cell. Philadelphia newspapers noted that Capone’s cell contained fine furniture, beautiful rugs, tasteful paintings, and a fancy radio.

At night, the cellblocks fall into darkness and the penitentiary takes on a different energy — its imposing architecture emphasized by dramatic lighting that makes its quiet stillness even more striking.

Many of the programs available during the day are also offered at night, including “The Voices of Eastern State” Audio Tour, award-winning exhibits, and artist installations.

Additionally, some new activities will be available exclusively for the “Night Tour,” including two large-scale video projections on the interior of the penitentiary’s 30-foot-high perimeter walls.

A silent film shot at Eastern State Penitentiary in 1929, with flickering images of prisoners in the mess halls and officers patrolling the corridors, will play in the Cellblock 3 courtyard. In the Cellblock 7 courtyard, 20 animated short films that were created by incarcerated artists for Eastern State’s 2019 project Hidden Lives Illuminated will also be on view.

The lighting design for Night Tours will highlight the prison’s iconic, gothic architecture. Searchlights will sweep from the guard towers over the cellblocks and yards, just as they did when Eastern State was an active correctional facility.

At the moment, all tours are self-guided. Visitors can pick up an audio guide and disposable earbuds on their way into the penitentiary. Once they have their audio guides, they will follow a linear, one-way path through the site to help ensure physical distancing.

Tickets are $19 for Wednesday and Thursday nights, $26 for Fridays and Sundays and $32 for Saturdays

The Independence Seaport Museum (211 S. Columbus Boulevard Philadelphia, 215-413-8655, www.phillyseaport.org) is open again and has a variety of special events on its schedule.

“Boatin’ in the Basin” will be offered on September 26 from 4-5 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.

Participants will be able to boat around the Penn’s Landing basin in a swan, dragon, flamingo, or duck – an activity that is billed as “the perfect socially distant outdoor recreational activity for you and your household. “

“Boatin’ in the Basin” requires pre-purchased tickets, no walk-up tickets will be available. Pricing is per boat and all rentals will be for one hour.

Under normal circumstances, the last week of September is time for the Delaware River Festival – a multi-faceted event celebrating the area’s major river.

The time has arrived by the festival has a different look – and a different name. The “Virtual 2020 Delaware River Festival” is scheduled to run from September 26 through October 4.

Festival organizers have this message – “This year we’re bringing the Delaware River Festival to you virtually in new and exciting ways featuring never-before-seen content, special events, and activities to celebrate this beautiful river.

Whether you’re tuning in from Camden, Philadelphia, or somewhere else in the world, we’ve got something for you.”

The schedule for September 26 features “The Big Sit” at 8 a.m. at The Discovery Center (3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia), “National Public Lands Day” at 9 a.m. at Croft Farm (100 Bortons Mill Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.), “Virtual Yoga Livestream” at 11 a.m., and “Fall Migration Bird Walk” at 2 p.m. at Saddlers Woods (250 MacArthur Boulevard, Haddon Township N.J.).

Activities for September 27 include “Kite Flying and Family Fun” at 11 a.m. at Center for Aquatic Sciences (1 Riverside Drive, Camden, N.J.), “Fun with Bugs Demonstration Featuring the Spotted Lanternfly with a Take Home Craft Project” at 11 a.m. at Camden County Environmental Center (1301 Park Boulevard, Haddonfield, N.J.), “Virtual Peek at Kite Flying Livestream” at noon, and “Soils, Fertilizers, and our Environment Livestream” at 4 p.m.

September 28’s calendar includes “LIVE Storytime associated with water Livestream” at 9 a.m., “Trails along the Delaware: Discover the DRT & DRHT Loop Livestream” at 10 a.m., “Dragonfly Mercury Project Presentation Livestream” at 4 p.m., “Sunset on the Delaware River Livestream” at 6:30 p.m., and “Family Story time: “River” by Elisha Cooper Livestream” at 7:30 p.m.

September 30’s activities include “Camden Waterfront Tour Livestream” at 10 a.m., “Plastic Pollution Solutions Livestream” at 11 a.m., “LIVE Storytime about water Livestream” at noon, “Tour of Camden County’s Hydroponics Green House with Q&A Livestream” at noon, “Virtual paddle on the Cooper River, NJ Livestream” at 2 p.m., “Spotted Lanternfly Q&A Livestream” at 2:30 p.m., and “Rancocas Creek: Building a National Water Trail from a slaughterhouse past Livestream” at 4 p.m.

On October 1, there will be an “Entertainment by Ants on a Log Livestream” at 10 a.m.

If you want to see weapons demonstrations and observe what life was like during wars from America’s past, you’re in luck this weekend.

Fort Mifflin (Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, www.fortmifflin.us) has re-opened – but also with some restrictions.

Fort Mifflin’s outdoor space is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., weather permitting. Visitors can explore 40 acres of history and nature including a beach along the Delaware River and a nature trail through the High Battery.

The historic site will present “Private Yankee Doodle Weekend with the 4^th CT Regiment” on September 26 and 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.

Visitors to the Fort will be able to join the 4th Connecticut Regiment throughout the weekend as it demonstrates life as a soldier in the Continental Army. The living exhibit is based on the memoir of Private Joseph Plumb Martin who served at Fort Mifflin during the 1777 Siege.

The event will feature weapons demonstrations, cannon firings, guided tours plus special outdoor activities. Visitors can earn a special reward for participating in the “32 Pounder Incident Challenge!”

Fort Mifflin, which was originally called Fort Island Battery, was commissioned in 1771. It was also known as Mud Island Fort because it sits on Mud Island (also known as Deep Water Island) on the Delaware River near the Philadelphia International Airport. During the American Revolutionary War, the British Army bombarded and captured the fort as part of their conquest of Philadelphia in autumn 1777.

During the siege, 400 American soldiers held off more than 2,000 British troops and over 250 ships that had been responsible for launching an endless barrage of cannonballs into the fort. After five days of holding off the British, the American troops evacuated the fort after having successfully denied the British Navy free use of the Delaware River.

Admission fees for Fort Mifflin are: Adults – $8; Seniors – $6; Children (6 to 12) and Veterans – $4; Children 5 years and younger – Free.

The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation (3900 North Sandy Flash Drive, Newtown Square, www.colonialplantation.org) is presenting “Civil War Skirmish and Camp” this weekend.

Visitors can witness firearm demonstrations, drills, and camp life, in addition to learning what life was like for civilians during wartime. Skirmishes will take place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., while Sunday’s skirmish will be at 1 p.m.

No visitors will be admitted to the Plantation after the skirmishes have begun, so plan on arriving prior to the scheduled skirmish times. Advance tickets or member reservations are required.

The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation is an authentic living history site with the purpose of enhancing understanding of 1760-90 farm life in Southeastern Pennsylvania by providing high quality, research based experiences to the public.
The 112 acres of the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation provide the context of early American history, the setting where the impact of King George’s taxes was felt, the American melting pot began to simmer, and American ingenuity took root. The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation represents an average Pennsylvania farm, rather than interpreting any specific individuals.

The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation will be open every Saturday from September through November.

Masks must be worn at all times both indoors and outdoors (no gaiters or bandanas please; only close-fitting cloth or disposable masks permitted.)
Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children.

Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org) is open to the public and has a special event scheduled for this weekend.

On September 26, the site will host “Science Saturday” from noon-4 p.m. The event will be held at the Power Plant and all activities are included in admission.

The theme of this weekend’s “Science Saturday” is “Tune into Science.”

Sound is produced by vibrations. Participants will be able to create a musical instrument that will vibrate to make sound. Visitors of all ages are invited to discover solutions to science and engineering challenges at “Science Saturday.”

Visitors to Hagley will be able to see the beauty of Hagley’s Powder Yard along the Brandywine (outside areas only), explore Hagley’s Powder Yard Trail Experience (outside areas only) and see the grounds of the Eleutherian Mills Residence and the E. I. du Pont Garden (outside areas only).

The Hagley Museum Store is open as are the restrooms at the Visitor Center and Millwright Shop.

Tickets purchased online are $8 for adults and $4 for children 6 (and older). Tickets purchased in person at Hagley are $9 for adults and $5 for children.

At another Delaware attraction, the Historic Odessa Foundation (www.historicodessa.org) is presenting the photography exhibit, “A Wealth of Nature: Photographs by Jane Mruk,” now through November 1 in the Foundation’s Visitors Center gallery (201 Main Street, Odessa).

Since the age of eight, when her passion for photography was ignited, professional photographer Jane Mruk, has honed her art and developed a distinctive eye for noticing and capturing the beauty in nature.

The exhibit will include approximately 40 of her photographs. Ranging in size and subject matter, the photographs will focus on local scenes of the historic town of Odessa, where she has resided for the past 15 years. Also featured will be nature studies of Delaware’s flora and fauna.

A graduate of the Antonelli Institute of Graphic Design & Photography (now part of Harcum College), Mruk spent her early professional career as a graphic designer. After moving to Odessa, she established her own graphic design and photography business. She also is a frequent contributor to Outdoor Delaware magazine.

The Odessa gallery will concentrate on 18th- and 19th-century furniture, paintings and associated accessories, with an emphasis on Delaware material.

The Historic Houses of Odessa were operated by Winterthur from 1958-2003. The Historic Odessa Foundation opened to the public in December of 2005.

Today, Odessa is a National Registered Historic District and is also home to a National Historic Landmark and two National Parks Service Network to Freedom Sites. The Historic Odessa Foundation is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the past through tours, focuses on exhibitions, and living-history programs for children and adults.

If you love beer, you should check out the “Biergarten” at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein (5130 Academy Road, Philadelphia, www.cannstatter.org).

The German traditional event will be open every Friday (until the end of October) and Saturday night (until the end of August). Cannstatter has the largest outdoor Biergarten in Northeast Philadelphia and is open every Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.

Tasty German food and drink will be available for purchase and live German music will be featured each night. Weather permitting, this is an outside event. Pets and outside food and drinks are prohibited and there is no cover charge.

There will be live entertainment from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Cannstatter’s picnic grove featuring some of the best local bands and musicians.

Food and drink offerings are “The Famous CVV Wings – Hot, Mild and Naked,” Chicken Tenders, Hamburger/Cheeseburger/Veggie-burger, Bratwurst, Hot Sausage, Mozzarella Sticks, Onion Rings, French Fries, Cheese Fries, German Pretzels and other weekly specials.

There will be a large selection of German and domestic beers on tap as well as mixed drinks, wine and bottled beer.

The live music act this weekend will be Blu Dogz on September 25. The schedule for October is 2, Don Bitterlich; 3, The Shantys; 9, Glenn McCollum; 16, TF Squared; 23, Blu Dogz; 30, Joe McArdle; and 31, Black Ops (Trunk or Treat Night).

Beer will also be featured at another event this weekend — the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (Mount Hope Estate and Winery grounds, Route 72, Cornwall, 717-665-7021,www.parenfaire.com).

The Faire features themed weekends and this weekend’s theme is “Oktoberfest.”

At “Oktoberfest,” which is scheduled for September 26 and 27 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. both days, guests will be able to raise a stein to German heritage with micro-brewed ales from the Faire’s very own Swashbuckler Brewing Company, the authentic food and dance of the Germanic Nations. And, if you have lederhosen, you are encouraged to wear it.

Featured events for “Oktoberfest” weekend are “Topfschlagen!” and “Men in Lederhose.”

This year’s 40th annual staging of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, an attraction that bills itself as “the most wondrous event in all the Knowne World”, is running now through November 1.

Every summer, the Faire, which takes place at Mount Hope Estate and Winery’s authentic 35-acre recreation of a 16th-century village in Olde England, features a new story from a different year of England’s past.

Unquestionably, the most popular attraction is the Jousting Arena. Visitors to the Faire flock to Bosworth Field whenever it’s time for the Ultimate Joust. Peasants lead cheers for their favorite knights while musicians pound out a heart-thumping beat. The Master of the List announces the combatants and soon an encounter of royal proportions ensues.

The Faire offers a wide variety of activities for visitors, including listening to bagpipe music, checking out handsome Lords in their colorful silks, watching a jester’s acrobatics, learning how to juggle, being the recipient of a gypsy woman’s flirtations and watching the march of Beefeater Guards.

Guildsmen’s Way is the area that features a large variety of merchants and artisans, including jewelers, candle makers, potters, herbalists, leather smiths, clothiers, and pewter makers — all offering for sale and demonstrating their ancient wares.

Tickets are $29.95 General Admission; $15.95 Children (5-11); Children 4 and Under Free, No Ticket Required.

There is a very good reason why collectors of antiques from all around the country will be heading to Pennsylvania’s Amish region this weekend.

Renningers “Antiques & Collectors Extravaganza” (740 Noble Street, Kutztown, 570-385-0104,www.renningers.net) is will be held September 25 and 26 and “Special Sunday at Renninger’s Adamstown” (Route 272, Adamstown) is scheduled for September 27.

The Extravaganza features hundreds of antiques dealers from up and down the East Coast. Since 1975, Renningers Antiques & Collectors Extravaganzas have been a meeting place for dealers and collectors from a variety of locales. The dealers buy and sell among themselves and offer vintage items for sale to the general public.

Many exhibitors set up shop outdoors — under tents and in the two large pavilions (each of which cover over 2,000 square feet). Also open is the Indoor Antiques Market and the Indoor Farmers Market.

Renninger’s Antiques Market in Adamstown is the final shopping mecca for antiques during the Famous Extravaganza weekends. Many dealers save special merchandise which they display during these special weekends.

Also, many dealers make a special trip to set up in the special outdoor market only these three times a year. The outdoor market opens at 5 am. The indoor market opens at 7:30 am.

Admission is free.