America 250: Life in the 1860s Day Landis Valley

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS HERE

Saturday, July 18, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Step back in time at Life in the 1860s Day at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, a one-day immersive living-history event that explores civilian life during one of the most transformative decades in American history.

As part of our America 250 programming, this event offers a unique interpretation of the Civil War era—focusing not on the battlefield but on the everyday lives of those who lived through the 1860s.

🧺 Experience Civilian Life in the 1860s

Throughout the day, the museum grounds will be transformed into a living representation of 1860s Lancaster County. Visitors will encounter:

• Civilian reenactors portraying daily life
• Demonstrations of 19th-century crafts and trades
• Domestic activities and rural household work
• Interpretations of community life during the Civil War era

This event highlights how families, workers, and communities lived, adapted, and carried on during a time of national upheaval.

⚾ Featured Activity: Philadelphia Town Ball (Circa 1860)

A highlight of the day is Philadelphia Town Ball, an early bat-and-ball game that helped shape modern baseball.

Town Ball was played in open commons and neighborhood fields using handmade equipment and flexible rules. It was fast-paced, social, and deeply rooted in 19th-century community life.

🕰️ Live Demonstrations & Youth Participation

At 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:15 PM, and 3:15 PM, visitors can experience Town Ball in action.

Rich Helnick, President of the Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg, will lead interactive matches designed especially for children ages 6–12.

These sessions will:

• Introduce children to 1860s-style gameplay
• Adapt modern baseball knowledge to historic rules
• Encourage participation across skill levels and ages

Town Ball is flexible and engaging, offering a fun, hands-on connection to early American sports history.

👨‍👩‍👧 A Family-Friendly Living History Event

Life in the 1860s Day at Landis Valley is ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experiencing the past in an interactive way.

Unlike traditional Civil War events, this program focuses on:

• Everyday civilian experiences
• Community and culture
• Hands-on demonstrations and interpretation

For those interested in military history, be sure to attend our America 250 Military Days in August, which will focus on battlefield and soldier experiences.

💲 Admission

Regular admission applies through the Visitor Center:

• Adults: $12
• Seniors (65+): $10
• Children (6–11): $8
• Children 5 and under: Free

📍 Location

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road
Lancaster, PA 17601

⚠️ Event Notes

• This is a one-day outdoor event
• Activities take place throughout the historic site
• Town Ball sessions are first-come, first-served
• Weather-dependent programming may vary