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Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art MuseumsVisiting one or more of Lancaster County's Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art museums is a good way to begin your visit. Most likely, if you are interested in visiting Lancaster County, it is because you are interested in the unique culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch, the Amish and the Mennonites. If this is your first visit to the region, you probably only have a vague understanding of that culture. To make the most of your visit, it would be helpful to acquire a basic knowledge of the region's history and culture. Of course, you can do this by reading travel books or visiting websites such as this. However, the best way to acquire a deep understanding quickly is by visiting a museum. Somehow, observing firsthand the three dimensional artifacts is more effective in conveying meaning than a mere picture. Also, there are plenty of friendly people around to answer you questions as well as make recommendations to enhance your visit. During your visit to Lancaster County, you will see many country shops and Amish stores, roadside stands, auctions and even farmers markets which sell folk art. Since these items make super gifts and souvenirs, you are likely to be tempted to buy some. Visiting one or more of the Pennsylvania Dutch folk art museums is a good way to make sure that you understand what you're getting. It is also a way to learn how to discriminate between junk and authenticity.
General Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art Collections The Americana Museum of Bird-in-Hand Exhibits include a barber shop, woodworking shop, tea parlor, print shop, millinery, toy store, blacksmith shop, tobacco shop, apothecary, wheelwright shop, and a country general store. Victorian carriage rides through Bird-in-Hand and surrounding farmlands are offered on select days during the season. Heritage Center of Lancaster County
Landis Valley Museum As a visitor you will be privileged to witness local artisans crafting authentic traditional Pennsylvania Dutch folk art as well as demonstrating a variety of activities such as gunsmithing, blacksmithing, weaving, lace making, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and more. Most exciting are the many events held throughout the year such as the Pennsylvania German Christmas celebration known as the Days of Belsnichel; Harvest Days; and the Herb Faire which is the largest sale in Pennsylvania of rare, traditional plants and herbs. Leonard & Mildred Rothman Gallery Kready’s Country Store Museum Mennonite and Amish Quilt Musuems The Lancaster Quilt & Textile Museum Exhibited items extend beyond quilts to include Amish-made clothing and decorative household items, as well as related textiles from other communities. Visitors can learn about the history of the Amish, defining characteristics of Lancaster County Amish quilts, the process of making a quilt, and more. The museum features a variety of interactive experiences. Visitors can feel the fabric used by quilters and apply new knowledge to the task of identifying a Lancaster County Amish quilt. Visitors also will be able to test their knowledge of Amish culture through an interactive kiosk designed to correct common misconceptions about the Amish. Due to an expansion project that will provide additional exhibition galleries and visitor accessibility, the Quilt and Textile Museum is closed through late November 2007
The People’s Place Quilt Museum |
