The songs of a young America are returning to Bucks County this month, offering a chance to experience the hopes, traditions and everyday life of a nation finding its voice.
The historic Octagonal School in Wrightstown will host its October open house on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring area musicians and historical reenactors performing music from the period when the school was in operation.
Returning for a third season by popular demand, Marti and Bob Stevens of Fallsington and Nancy and Forest Deal of Titusville, New Jersey, will present a variety of traditional religious, children's, popular and patriotic songs from the early 19th century.
The program will also celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary with a singalong of Francis Scott Key's “The Defence of Fort M'Henry,” written in 1814 and later renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before becoming the national anthem.
Built and operated by local farmers and residents, the Octagonal School served as a private subscription academy from 1802 to 1850. While it was not affiliated with a particular religious denomination, many of its trustees, teachers and supporters attended the nearby Wrightstown Meeting of the Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers. It closed in 1850 as public schools were established throughout Pennsylvania.
Today, the building operates as a historical museum owned by Wrightstown Township and managed by its Historical Commission. The October open house offers visitors an opportunity to explore the historic site while hearing the music that shaped everyday life in the early years of the United States.
The Octagonal School is located at 2091 Second Street Pike, at the intersection with Swamp Road. Parking is available via the Swamp Road entrance.
For more information, contact Mary Lee Johnson at 215-870-2013 or history@wrightstownpa.org.
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The open house takes place Sunday, Oct. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the historic Octagonal School in Wrightstown.
Area musicians and historical reenactors will perform religious, children's, popular and patriotic songs from the early 19th century. The program will also include a singalong of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
The school is located at 2091 Second Street Pike, at the intersection with Swamp Road. Parking is available via the Swamp Road entrance.
