Learn about the autumnal icon, the pumpkin, at this fun, family-friendly event on Saturday, October 11 at 10am! Discover our love for pumpkins and why we decorate our front porches each year with a vegetable we probably won’t eat. Plus, embark on an exciting pumpkin hunt across the grounds before creating your very own decorated gourd masterpiece to take home!

We’ll begin the program with a fun “seek and find” activity and learn about the different types of pumpkins, followed by a reading of “The Pumpkin Book” by Gail Gibbons.

In this cheerfully-illustrated, simply-presented book, children can learn about the growth cycle and many varieties of pumpkins, and even how to plant their own.  Award-winning author Gail Gibbons also relates the special role pumpkins played in the first Thanksgiving, the history behind carving pumpkins into jack’o’lanterns, and how pumpkins are still part of our celebrations today. [Penguin]

After storytime, we’ll head to the “pumpkin patch” on the front lawn of President James Buchanan’s Wheatland to “pick-your-own” pumpkin to decorate in the spiffy style of your choice!

Perfect for families and children 3-8 years of age (though all ages welcome!). The full length of the program is from 10-11:30am. Tickets are $5/Child and free for Adults. (Ticket price goes towards the purchase of supplies.) Advance registration is required to guarantee supplies for everyone. LancasterHistory requests the presence of at least one (1) adult per household. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 717.392.4633 and registering over the phone.