What is Community? Who is Northampton County?
Join us for the grand opening of Destination: Northampton County and a full day of tours, programs, and family activities! FREE admission.
Since 2016, we have been working with residents throughout the county to collect stories, photographs, and heirlooms from the past 75 years. The result is a family-friendly, interactive exhibition that celebrates inclusivity, diversity, and community by sharing the stories of those who settled here long ago as well as today.
Imagine coming to America to create a new life. Why would someone leave home? What would you bring on your journey? Where would you go? Visit the reimagined Philadelphia dockside and “emigrant depot” where Northampton County immigrants once arrived. Explore suitcases and trunks brimming with items travelers brought on their journey. Then, “time-travel” into the 20th century to explore how families maintained their traditions while making a home in a new place.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Northampton County.
Explore our community’s stories. Share your own.
Schedule of Day’s Activities:
Tour the new exhibition with curator Brittany Merriam (throughout the day)
Six-Word Memoir Community Interactive & World Map Community Art (Where did your family come from?)
Family Room Activity Stations: Story: What Would you Pack in Your Suitcase?, Map Station, Heritage Foods and Celebrations, Cock-a-Doodle-What? (animal sounds from around the world)
Tales from the Grapevine: James Birdsong, Barbershop owner, will share stories about entrepreneurship and barbering in the exhibit gallery.
10:00-2:00 – Street and Playground Games with Berry Steiner – Children’s Games through the Generations & Double Dutch demonstration at 1:00 – Come and Play!
10:30 am – Oilcloth Stories talk with Carol Dean Henn
1:00 pm – The Little Gate-Crasher talk and book signing with Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer
2:00-4:00 pm – Storytime and Conversation with Judie Dickerson and Cops ‘n’ Kids
2:00 pm – music with Carol and Patrick Poladian
This exhibition and opening day programs are sponsored in part by the Lehigh Valley Engaged Humanities Consortium,
with generous support provided by a grant to Lafayette College from the Andrew W.
Mellon Foundation, the County of Northampton, the Brown Daub Foundation, and Dr. Kenneth and Lois Wildrick.