Lancaster County is abundant in Pennsylvania German history, and Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is the center of it all. The state museum celebrates Pennsylvania German history, heritage, horticulture, and agriculture.  

Upon visiting Landis Valley Village, guests can traverse the campus which includes 30 historic buildings creating a “heritage village environment.”

The core of the village includes original buildings all previously owned by different generations of the Landis family, a group of Pennsylvania German Mennonite farmers.  

Other generations lived in Landis Valley and constructed more buildings all the way up to the last generations who founded the museum in 1925. The oldest house on the property dates from the start of the 19th century and is known as the Jacob Landis Farmhouse.  

After an interior makeover, the house is reopened to the public.  It features exhibit panels on the farm, architecture and village.  

For those looking to ring in Fall, Landis Valley Village will be hosting its annual Harvest Days event the weekend of October 7-8. During the event, demonstrations and vendors will celebrate different facets of the harvest in Pennsylvania German country. 

Volunteers will be making apple butter, apple molasses, and sauerkraut. There will also be demonstrations of textile, woodworking, leatherworking, and butchery.  

Landis Valley’s Site Administrator David Blackburn says that the Harvest Days event is not just apple ciders and corn mazes. Instead, it is more about connecting tourists and locals alike to the history of the Lancaster region.  

“It’s a way to celebrate fall, but it’s inviting folks to celebrate with us,” he said.  

In addition to the festival, there will be a range of craft classes hosted at Landis Valley during the upcoming autumn season. These hands-on crafts, such as wool-spinning, basket-making, and ceramics are meant to help students immerse themselves in the rich history of the county.  

There are also classes that cater to school groups of all ages. The “Hands on History” days allow children to learn what life was like over a century ago. This day of fun includes crafts, a one-room Schoolhouse lesson, farm chores, and more.  

Don’t miss the chance to step back in time and experience the vibrant history and traditions of Lancaster County at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum.

Pennsylvania German ceramic traditions