Family Fun Day

Join Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum for a day filled with fun for the whole family! Our third annual Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00am to 5:00pm. As always, admission is free for kids 12 & under! Check out all of our planned special programming below.

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary year, Andalusia will augment its already popular exhibition Revolutionary Family: The Biddles and American Independence by presenting three historical interpreters who portray lesser-known figures and experiences central to the American Revolution: a free Black soldier in the Continental Army, the civilian women who kept the army running, and the French forces whose support helped secure American independence.

Noah Lewis is a historical interpreter with over four decades of experience bringing to life the true story of Edward “Ned” Hector, a free Black soldier in the Continental Army. Hector served in the Third Pennsylvania Artillery as a teamster and a bombardier, fighting at the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. Lewis interprets Hector’s responsibilities driving a wagon and firing a cannon, educates the public on period attire and equipment, and discusses the history of Black soldiers like Hector who served during the American Revolution.

Samantha Allison is a public historian and Civilian Programs Coordinator at Washington Crossing Historic Park. She specializes in the experiences of Revolutionary War camp followers and civilian life during the American Revolution. Through immersive, research-based interpretation, she explores the daily lives of the women who supported the Continental Army as laundresses, nurses, sutlers, and providers of the labor and trade services that sustained the army. Her programs emphasize the essential yet often overlooked contributions of ordinary people whose resilience helped shape the Revolutionary cause.

Justin Blocksom has interpreted the American War for Independence for 27 years. He portrays a Capitaine en Seconde (Second Captain) in the Régiment de Gatinois, bringing to life the indispensable role French forces played in securing American Independence. The regiment served in the Caribbean before fighting at the Sieges of Savannah and Yorktown, with the latter ending the war. Through period-correct uniforms, equipment, and engaging interpretation, Justin will compare the standard French military issue of 1779 with what the average American soldier was fortunate to possess, highlighting the importance of the Franco-American alliance and the global conflict it inspired.

Join Ms. Houda from the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library for a special storytimes at Andalusia Gardens! Enjoy camping–inspired tales, and a fall-themed craft surrounded by the beauty of the garden. Storytimes begin at 11:00am and 2:00pm.

Radical Americana artist Jody Graff will lead a family-friendly art-making session outdoors. Details TBA.

Don’t miss this one-hour outdoor Vinyasa Flow style yoga session led by Trina Shumsonk of Atlas Yoga & Movement. Exercise amidst nature on a cozy mulch wood path. The class begins at 11am. You’ll then have plenty of time to explore Andalusia’s award-winning gardens and waterfront views – we’ll be open until 5pm. Please bring your own mat and blanket for extra comfort on the ground! Special ticket is required, capacity is limited. Get tickets here.

Come and enjoy the activities or simply relax in our gardens or by the banks of the Delaware River. Picnicking is encouraged! Please review our guidelines here.

Tours of the Historic House will take place every 30 minutes from 10:30am to 3:00pm. Reservations are recommended to guarantee availability.

DETAILS