Image courtesy of the Friends of Hope Lodge
Special tours are slated for Dec. 7 and 14
What happens when you mix the glitz and glam of the holidays with a touch of local history? You get Christmas joy at Hope Lodge.
Located at 553 S. Bethlehem Pike in Fort Washington, this historical site, preserved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, in association with The Friends of Hope Lodge, the property will be dressed up for the holiday season. Its caretakers are hard at work now to make the space ready for Christmas.
It's beautiful décor and historically preserved lodge will culminate with two big events, and both are open to the surrounding communities. Ross Frantz, treasurer of the Friends of Hope Lodge, said that the upcoming tours are a wonderful combination of history and holidays.
“Visitors can learn about the history of Christmas, as celebrated at Hope Lodge over the last 275 years,” said Frantz.
The first of the two events, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the 1748 Hope Lodge, will be on Saturday, Dec. 7. Holiday Mansion Tours bring those of all ages through the home, which will be “all decked out for the holidays.” Guided tours will begin at noon, and continue on the hour at 1, 2 3, and 4 p.m. For the 5:30 and 7 p.m. tours, a lantern-lighted guide will assist you in getting the “full colonial experience.”
After touring the gorgeously adorned rooms, guests can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, cider, and cookies in the Visitor’s Center as they browse the museum’s shop.
Tours are recommended for those ages 7 and up. A full tour includes a staircase, as there is no elevator to the second floor. Tours are limited to ten guests per hour to give each visitor an ample time to peruse the Lodge.
Those attending a tour are asked to arrive at least ten minutes prior to the tour’s starting time. Tickets will be $8 for adults, $5 for seniors 65 and over, and $5 for youth ages 6 to 17. Those age 5 and under are free to attend, as are members of the Friends of Hope Lodge, on a current member list.
Tickets for the Dec. 7 event can be purchased online here. Purchasing your spot in advance is recommended as there are only ten spaces per tour.
Both evenings’ events are designed to bring the past to the present, and of course, to the future, too.
“Maintaining and preserving Hope Lodge helps us learn about our local history, and pass the knowledge onto future generations,” said Frantz.
The fun does not stop there. A second event, slated for Saturday, Dec. 14, will include Holidays at Hope Lodge and Colonial Tavern. On this date, guests can enjoy a self-guided tour of the lodge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. while enjoying the sounds of the Ambler Symphony Orchestra from 1 to 3 p.m.
A train display will be set up for viewing, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be stopping by to greet children and, of course, be sure their wish lists are received in time for Christmas.
Following tours of the Lodge, the museum shop will be open for unique holiday gift buying. Adults enjoying the festive event can continue celebrating the holiday joy at the Colonial Tavern, which will have warm fires and a wide selection of cold craft beers from Round Guys Brewery.
Cost for the Dec. 14 events are $8 for adults, and children 12 and under are free, as well as Friends of Hope Lodge members. Beer will be an additional charge. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online here. Cash, check, or card are accepted.
For more information on the Christmas Holidays at Hope Lodge, call 215-646-1595, email hopelodgepa@gmail.com, or visit https://www.historichopelodge.org/holidaysathopelodge.
