The Bronx, NY -- On Saturday, October 23, Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum will hold its fourth annual Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This fun and festive event offers a variety of different activities for the whole family.
The stars of the day are a Native American duo known as the Leaf Arrow Storytellers. Members of the Sac and Fox and Caddo Indian Nations of Oklahoma, they will present coyote tales, creation stories, and historic folklore filled with tribal family values in words and song while dressed in Native American regalia. Performances are at 11 a.m. and 12 Noon. Space is limited; please call ahead to reserve.
Continuing the Native American theme, visitors are encouraged to gather around the museum's authentic Northeastern Woodlands wigwam to learn about the life of the original Bronx natives, the Lenape Indians.
Adding to the fun will be a variety of autumnal arts and crafts from pumpkin painting to corn-husk-doll-making. Cider pressing demonstrations will be held with opportunities for all to work the press and enjoy cider accompanied by tales of apple lore.
A Mansion Mouse Hunt will send visitors through the period rooms of the 19th-century Greek Revival mansion looking for (pretend) mice. A prize will be given to those small fries who find all the mystery mice. Docents in costume will also be on hand to talk about the history of the mansion and its furnishings.
Harvest goods will be available both for sustenance during the event and to take home afterwards. Sweets from local City Island bakery Sugar & Spice, honey, maple syrup, and more await.
The event fee is $5 per adult; $10 per child. Group/Family (2 adults, 2 children) rate: $25. Reservations are strongly suggested. Call 1.718.885.1461 or direct email to: info@bpmm.org
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is located at 895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, New York. To reach us by public transportation, take the #6 Lexington Avenue Local subway to Pelham Bay Park station, followed by the Westchester Bee-Line #45 bus direct to the Mansion gate. For driving directions, please visit www.bpmm.org. The Mansion and Carriage House are open to the public for guided tours on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. The gardens and grounds are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Mansion admission is $5 adults, $3 seniors and students, free for children under six. Visiting garden and grounds is free.
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by the Bartow-Pell Conservancy, and a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. Programs are supported by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York State Council on the Arts. Other public program support comes from the New York city Department of Parks and Recreation, New York City Councilman James Vacca, New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, New York State Senator Jeffrey Klein, Congressman Joseph Crowley, Toyota, and Con Edison.
