Free ice cream, magic and mansion open house at Grey Towers

MILFORD – A fun, fee-free day on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grey Towers National Historic Site, Milford, Pa, will feature an open house of the historic mansion, presentation of “Trees” by stilt-walkers, a magic show, a special historic exhibit, and balloon art for the kids.
An ice cream social with free cones will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.
In lieu of a fee, visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to a local food pantry.
Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic to enjoy on the estate grounds.
Sponsored by the US Forest Service with support from the Grey Towers Heritage Association, the events are held to commemorate National Public Lands Day and to show appreciation to the community for support throughout the year.
“The US Forest Service and its partners are taking this moment to thank the community for its year-round support and to welcome the community to enjoy this unique and iconic national treasure, right in their backyards,” said Bill Dauer, Director of Grey Towers.
“The community has been so supportive of the public programs offered at Grey Towers,” said Ed Braniff, President of the Grey Towers Heritage Association. “The visitors are always enthusiastic and responsive to what we offer, and this is our way of thanking them and all of our supporters.”
“The free ice cream social is a re-creation of the ice cream socials that Gov. Gifford Pinchot and his wife Cornelia offered for the community at Grey Towers when they lived here in the 1920’s and 1930’s,” said Dauer.
“We strive to offer programs and events that carry on the traditions and legacy of the Pinchot family.”
Schedule of events11 a.m.: Stilt Walkers presentation of “Trees”
12 p.m.: Mark Dolson “Wings of Magic” show
1 to 4 p.m.: Balloon art
1 p.m.: Stilt Walkers presentation of “Trees”
2 to 4 p.m.: Ice Cream Social
All three floors of the Grey Towers mansion will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free of charge. A special exhibit featuring artifacts that illustrate the social activist life of Cornelia Pinchot will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visitor films will be shown from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and visitors may especially appreciate the film of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Grey Towers on Sept. 23, 1963.
In case of inclement weather, the events will be held in the tented pool terrace, but space is limited.
For information, call 570-296-9630 or send email to greytowers@fs.fed.us.