As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania is rich in American history. From the Constitution to the Declaration of Independence to the Battle of Gettysburg site, the Keystone State has some of the most treasured pieces of history lying within its borders. It is not only full of museums that highlight its history, but it houses many historical villages that have been preserved or recreated for us to experience what life was like over a century ago. Here are 15 historic villages in Pennsylvania that will transport you back in time:
1. Old Bedford Village, Bedford
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Step back in time to the 18th century as you cross the Claycomb-covered bridge into Old Bedford Village. Visitors of all ages will enjoy re-enactments, colonial crafts, exhibits, and special events. This seasonal village is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
2. Old Economy Village, Ambridge
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(Editor's Note: Old Economy Village is closed until further notice. Visit the website or Facebook page for updates on re-opening.)
On the banks of the Ohio River lies Old Economy Village a historic settlement in Ambridge. The village tells the story of the Harmony Society, one of the oldest and most successful religious communal groups of the 19th century. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
3. Historic Sugartown, Malvern
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The 19th Century village of Sugartown is located on Sugartown Road in Malvern. Walk the streets to engage with the past through authentic 19th-century experiences. Tour homes, a barn and shop in the museum to take a piece of history home with you. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
4. Old Mill Village, New Milford
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Founded over 50 years ago to preserve the rich heritage of the area, Old Mill Village has become a center of education and history. Crafts and artifacts of the late 18th through the early 20th centuries are displayed, giving a glipse as to what life was like here. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
5. Historic Fallsington, Fallsington
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The village of Fallsington is protected by Historic Fallsington Inc. to preserve its heritage. It lies in southeastern PA at the falls of the Delaware River. Visitors love stepping back into the 18th-century Quaker times and experiencing living, worship, and commerce as the Quakers once did. This village is open mid-May through mid-October. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
6. Eckley Miners’ Village, Weatherly
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(Editor's Note: Eckley Miners' Village Museum is closed until further notice. Visit the website or Facebook page for updates on re-opening.)
Located in eastern Pennsylvania, Eckley Miners' Village educates visitors about the story of anthracite coal mining along with patch towns and their residents, through the preservation and exploration of the site and its collection. Come for a visit and experience life at coal patch towns during the time when coal was an essential industrial fuel. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
7. Landis Valley Village, Lancaster
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(Editor's Note: Landis Valley Museum is closed until further notice. Visit the website or Facebook page for updates on re-opening.)
Open year-round, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a living history village of Pennsylvania Dutch life. Once an actual rural crossroads village, Landis Valley has more than 40 historic structures located on 100 scenic acres. Guides and skilled artisans at the village dress in costume for a full Dutch experience. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
8. The Village at Washington Crossing Historic Park, Washington Crossing
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The Taylorsville area of Washington Crossing Historic Park houses the park's village where you can tour many historic structures. This is where George Washington and 2,400 troops crossed the icy Delaware River in December of 1776. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
9. Historic Yellow Springs, Chester Springs
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This 18th and 19th-century village includes preserved ruins of the first military hospital built in America. Built in 1777, the hospital was a chief medical facility for the Valley Forge encampment. The historic village now celebrates the astounding history and culture of a thriving colonial community and spa town, fashionable even before General George Washington commissioned the hospital. This village also has an arts center that hosts classes. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
10. Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia
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This historic village (technically a street) preserves over 300 years of colonial Philadelphia. Two adjacent houses, built in 1755, are now a museum and are open seasonally to the public. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
11. Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, Newton Square
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Since 1974, the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation has given visitors a glimpse of 18th century Pennsylvania farm life through group programming, weekend activities, and outreach opportunities. The Plantation is open to the general public on Saturdays from April through November. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
12. Historic Rittenhouse Town, Philadelphia
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Historic Rittenhouse Town is a preserved village in beautiful Fairmount Park and the birthplace of the first paper in North America. The mill site and adjacent 1707 Rittenhouse Homestead and Bake House serve as reminders of the importance of the paper-making industry to the development of early America. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
13. Peddler's Village, New Hope
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For over 50 years, visitors have loved walking the winding brick pathways to experience shopping, dining, and relaxing in this colonial-style village. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
14. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, Avella
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As the oldest site of human habitation in North America, Meadowcroft Rockshelter provides a unique glimpse into the lives of prehistoric hunters and gatherers. Visitors of Meadowcroft can also step back in time to experience rural life over 150 years ago. Meadowcroft Village carefully recreates all of the charming qualities of an Upper Ohio Valley village from mid-19th century. A 16th century Indian Village allows visitors to travel 400 years into the past and re-live what life was like for the Eastern Woodland Indians. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
15. Saint Peters Village Historic District
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If you enjoy strolling around historic towns in Pennsylvania, Saint Peters Village provides a glimpse of what life was like more than 100 years ago. Located in the Hopewell Big Woods, this village is arranged along a 1/4-mile stretch of Saint Peters Road and small enough to stroll through in just a few minutes. Click here for more information on this historic Pennsylvania village.
Have you visited any of these historic villages in Pennsylvania? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
And for more interesting facts about Pennsylvania's history, be sure to check out these 12 significant events.
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