On Friday, July 3, Elizabethtown will put patriotism in the spotlight when it hosts the Hometown America Celebration and Fireworks. Events will take place at several locations in town, including the Winters Heritage House Museum, 47 E. High St.

From 10 to 11 a.m., the museum will lead an architectural walking tour of Elizabethtown, said Teresa St. Angelo, museum director. Space is limited to 12 adults for the half-mile tour.

During the same time frame, story hour for children ages 4 to 12 will be held at the museum, with stories, crafts, songs and a snack, all with a red, white and blue theme. Tickets are available both as singles and as a family package for four, which includes both the tour and the story time.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the museum will welcome visitors to view "Remembrance," its quilt exhibit. People are also invited to play backyard and board games outside the museum. Games will include ring toss, checkers, pick-up sticks, paddle ball, jacks, card games, Lincoln Logs and more. Games are for all ages, and there is a suggested small donation to participate.

At the H.U. Coble House, 33 E. High St., events will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include "The American Revolution" by Ken Burns showing on the building's TV. An American Revolution exhibit will feature information about the town's role in the conflict, and red, white and blue crafts will be available for people age 4 through adult. These activities will also be by donation.

From 7 to 9 p.m., the festivities will continue at the Elizabethtown Fairgrounds, 900 E. High St. The celebration will include kids' activities, food trucks and a DJ. At dark, approximately 9:15 p.m., a fireworks display will wrap up the event.

The event is a collaboration between the Winters Heritage House Museum and Elizabethtown Borough.

"Former Elizabethtown Preservation Associates Inc. board president Phil Clark first suggested that Winters Heritage House Museum take a leading role in partnering with Elizabethtown Borough to provide opportunities for the community to explore local and national history while commemorating America's 250th anniversary," St. Angelo said. "As part of that effort, Winters Heritage House Museum became a nonprofit affiliate of America250PA, joining museums, historical societies and cultural organizations across Pennsylvania in creating exhibits, programs and events that help people of all ages discover and appreciate our shared heritage."

Borough manager Ann Roda noted that the museum's programming complements the borough's Hometown America Celebration of family activities and fireworks.

"Together, these events create a meaningful communitywide celebration leading into Independence Day," St. Angelo said.

She added that the day promises to be a fun and memorable way to celebrate Elizabethtown.

"Winters Heritage House Museum has something for every member of the family on July 3," she said. "Visitors of all ages can relax and enjoy our Road to Liberty exhibit, story hour, the Ken Burns documentary on the American Revolution, an architectural tour of Elizabethtown, crafts, games and songs. After exploring the museum's activities, head to the Elizabethtown Fairgrounds with family and friends. Elizabethtown Borough Council member Andy Schoenberger has planned an evening of fun, featuring kids' activities, a DJ, food trucks and fireworks."

She invites everyone out for the celebration.

"We hope everyone who attends enjoys spending time with family, friends and neighbors while celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary," St. Angelo said. "It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the past, enjoy the present and inspire the future."

And she hopes the event will spark interest in other museum programming.

"Winters Heritage House Museum's America250 celebration continues even after July 3 with programs and events that combine history, heritage, art and community engagement," she said. "Visit the Winters Heritage House website, http://www.wintersheritagehouse.org, and our Facebook page to discover an event or program to attend."

To purchase tickets for the aforementioned activities at the Winters Heritage House Museum, call the museum at 717-367-4672.