Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, renowned for its dedication to preserving Pennsylvania German culture, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a series of special events, new offerings, and a renewed focus on this significant historical site.

Located at 2451 Kissel Hill Road in Lancaster, the museum invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich heritage, traditions, and farming practices of Pennsylvania’s German communities. Since 1925, Landis Valley has offered immersive experiences through historic buildings, authentic artifacts, and live demonstrations of traditional crafts.

While the museum has a plethora of year-round events and exhibits to enjoy, and LVA Associate Manager Terry Kreider draws attention to a few that she’s particularly excited about, including events like Harvest Days on Oct. 11 and 12, which dates back to the 1950s and continues to bring people together.

“We’re really excited about what’s ahead,” said Kreider. “This year, we’re building on our traditional events while introducing new partnerships and experiences. We’re partnering with the National Action Alliance for a special living history Juneteenth Celebration on Jun. 19, which brings new depth to an event that’s been part of Lancaster for over 30 years. In May, we’ll host our Herb & Garden Faire, highlighting our heirloom seed project — an extension of our mission to preserve the past. Harvest Days will feature something new this year: a Saturday night bluegrass concert. Whether it’s Civil War Days in July, our December bonfire, or our new rotating exhibit about the Landis brothers and the museum’s origins, we’re working to add something special to every experience.”

Though deeply rooted in the past, the museum is committed to evolving for the future, ensuring that younger generations remain engaged through hands-on learning and community-driven events.

On this note, Kreider shares that there is a great deal being done at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum that is relevant to the modern world. The Museum’s work with foodways and historic farming techniques connects directly to today’s conversations about sustainability and biodiversity. Preserving heirloom seed lines is critical for biodiversity, and this mission is taken seriously through Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum’s Heirloom Seed Project. Established 35 years ago, this project focuses on seed preservation and growing heirloom varieties of vegetables that have historical significance for Pennsylvania Germans.

“Whether it’s baking bread, blacksmithing, or fiber arts, there’s a growing interest in skills that last,” explained Kreider. “Visitors can explore immersive demonstrations in blacksmithing, broom making, and textiles, and can even take part in the popular ‘Fleece to Fabric’ and flax fiber classes. These experiences aren’t just about the past — they’re about reclaiming skills, self-reliance, and connecting with history in a meaningful, tangible way.”

Reaching the 100-year milestone is a remarkable achievement, especially given the challenges faced by museums today. For Kreider, this anniversary highlights not only the museum’s resilience but also its invaluable role in preserving cultural heritage.

“Things are incredibly challenging in the museum world right now, so having a museum that operates as a public-private partnership is truly invaluable,” said Kreider. “We are owned by the state of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and supported by Landis Valley Associates, which is a 501c3 non-profit. In addition to fundraising efforts that support the museum, most of the people you interact with when you visit — whether in the buildings, in the museum store, or during your experience as part of our living history museum — are Landis Valley Associates employees or dedicated volunteers. Our passionate team is working to bring history to life and engage with our visitors.”

As Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum looks to the next 100 years, the museum remains dedicated to evolving while staying true to its roots. Whether through hands-on experiences or engaging exhibits, the Lancaster County landmark will continue to serve as a place where history comes to life, sparking curiosity and dialogue across generations.

Find more ways to explore Lancaster County at Discover Lancaster, a private nonprofit partnership organization that serves as the official Destination Marketing Organization for Lancaster County.