Walking Through History This Holiday Season

History and the stories of our past are incredibly important to a better understanding of who and where we are, timelines, and how things came to be, showing us what works and what has not worked, and what connects us across the past, present and future! 

We have the privilege in Bucks County to be surrounded by some of the earliest history of our nation and our own state of Pennsylvania! With that privilege comes the responsibility of preserving our historic places, educating the public about the historic events that occurred at those places and how those activities shaped and informed the larger narrative of the history of our boroughs, county, state, nation and world! 

Many of our local historic places are non-profit entities that receive little or no money from state or federal resources and rely heavily on donations from the public to meet their needs to be able to maintain and restore these often 200–400-year-old buildings. Special events held throughout the year are lifeblood opportunities to draw visitors into these incredible treasures and allow them to share their remarkable and vibrant histories.

Just imagine how in Historic Fallsington, you can walk in the footsteps of William Penn and his contemporaries. 

Bolton Mansion allows you to follow the history and legacy of the Pemberton and Morris families, early settlers of Bucks County with ties to early presidents, a US Envoy to Spain, banking, local land deals, the University of Pennsylvania, and other important members of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland’s history! 

Historic Summerseat is a home owned by two signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, also home at an an early consul/diplomat, the location where General George Washington stayed for a week in early December 1776 to plan the crossing of the Delaware and the Battle of Trenton, hosted the Marquis De Lafayette on his Farewell Tour!

These priceless treasures are supported and maintained by groups of hardworking and dedicated volunteers! New volunteers are always welcome and necessary for these places to continue their missions and work, so please consider giving your time and talents to local historic sites. In this world where we search for meaning, validation, and fulfillment, volunteer work provides purpose and  bonds us to those who share a similar passion, in this case history!

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to support our historic places is to go visit them. Follow them on social media to find announcements for dates to participate in the unique events they host throughout the year. 

Therefore, come join the Historic Holiday Tour on Saturday, December 13 that includes guided tours at Historic Fallsington (3 buildings will be on the tour), and Historic Summerseat from 2  -5 PM and Bolton Mansion Candlelight guided tours from 2 - 7 PM. One ticket to visit all three sites! Adult tickets are $30, Youth (3-17) $15 and under 3, are free admittance. You choose which place to start at, then travel to each of the next two locations with a mindfulness to the times at which each location will be open for tours.

Tickets can be purchased at: boltonmansion.org/event/historic-holiday-tour-2025/.   Tickets are available now until the day of the event unless all tickets are sold out. The proceeds will be divided equally between all three historic locations to help them in their individual missions and preservation/education work.                                                                                                                         

Enjoy all three historic places decked out in holiday finery to set your mood for the holiday season with special events at each location. At Historic Fallsington they will have presentations on how Christmas was celebrated in the past, showcasing trees decorated by local groups. Historic Summerseat will feature beautifully decorated rooms with multi-themed trees throughout the home, holiday music and sweet treats to enjoy. Bolton Mansion will have candlelit rooms decked in holiday décor appropriate for each room, live harp music, holiday foods on display and historic chocolate from the hearth. 

We hope to see you at the Historic Holiday Tour festivities!