Monday, September 20, 2010

New Paint for the Erisman House













































Fresh Paint for an Historic Home

Now that the summer heat has finally relinquished its firm hold on Lancaster County, it's time to get some much needed painting done before the cold weather moves in. One of our current projects is repainting the historic Erisman House on the grounds of the Landis Valley Musuem.

Site staff workers Mike and Kyle are busy with the project that requires them to strip away old coats of paint and prepare the wood in a fashion that would deter mold from adhering (a problem with wooden structures, especially aging wood). Next, a linseed oil based paint is applied to the wooden slats. The paint is a traditional base that was once the standard paint used during the 18th and 19th centuries. The advantage of linseed oil based paint is that it lasts longer than Latex paint. The blue paint that is being applied to the window frames and trim is called Prussian Blue -- a color that dates back to 1706.


The Erisman House

The Erisman House was moved to Landis Valley in the 1960s from downtown Lancaster (315 West Orange Street). It was owned since the 1920s by the Erisman family and the last owner, George Erisman, had a business there where he first sold theatrical supplies such as costumes and later repaired dolls (called Erisman's Doll Hospital).


The home is believed to have been built in the late 1700s and it is constructed of logs that are covered with clapboard siding. If you look on the left side of the building (facing the yellow barn) there is a small window where you can see the orginal logs.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Two Great Museums, One Great Deal!


During the month of September, Hands-on House Children's Museum and Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum are partnering to offer a great opportunity for members to enjoy both venues!
If you are a member of the Hands-on House Children's Museum you will be able to visit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum for free throughout the month of September 2010. Landis Valley Associate members will be able to enjoy the same priviledge at the Hands-on House. How great is that?
For either museum, you must show your current membership card and a valid driver's license. You are limited to bringing only those people who are listed on your membership with you. Showing your card is only good for admission and not for any other museum benefits. If you don't have a membership to either museum, you may purchase one at one or the other (or both!)
We hope to see you soon!

Sundaes on Sundays in the Month of September

Don't let the dog days of summer get you down! Come on out and celebrate the end of one long, hot summer with Ice Cream Sundays at the Landis Valley Museum. It's every Sunday during the month of September from noon until 3 p.m. Enjoy lively fiddle music provided by the Lancaster County Folk Music and Fiddlers Society, horse drawn wagon rides and make your own ice cream sundaes for $1. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children 3 to 11-years-old, children 2-years-old and under are free. Landis Valley Associate members are free. See you on Sundays!