Heritage Days, which is designed to highlight the history of Christiana, including the Underground Railroad, the Quaker abolitionist movement, the railroad, local agriculture and the area's industrial history, will be presented by the Christiana Historical Society (CHS) on Friday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sept. 13 will be a music-only event, while the main festivities will take place on Sept. 14. All activities are free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.

The event will be centered at the William P. Brinton House, 17 Green St., but will also extend within a short walking distance to the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave.; the Christiana Masonic Lodge, 115 E. Slokom Ave.; and the Underground Railroad Center at Zercher's Hotel, 11 Green St.

Planning for the event began last November by a committee composed of CHS members as well as people from the community. "We have a lot of different locations and a lot of fun stuff (planned)," said CHS member Terry Buchanan, one of the event organizers. "There is a lot happening; the day is action-packed. It has the potential to be a phenomenal event."

New this year will be a bluegrass music festival on Sept. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. The featured artist will be Hilton and the Pickers. There is no charge for the concert, and attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

On Sept. 14, free tours will be offered at the Christiana Underground Railroad Center. Visitors can learn about the local history of the Underground Railroad, the Abolitionist movement and the Christiana Resistance. People may preregister for tours online or at the hotel on event day.

The public will also have a rare opportunity to visit the Christiana machine shop, which is located next to Zercher's Hotel. "It has been a pillar of Christiana since (it opened) in 1878," Buchanan stated.

Also on Sept. 14, visitors will be able to take a guided wagon tour through town and learn about the historical significance of local landmarks, the people who lived there and their contribution to local history. Tickets can be purchased online or on the day of the event.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the day. Performers will include the Roland Zimmerman Family, which will perform bluegrass, old-time country music and folk music at 10 a.m.; acoustic guitarist Joel Stoltzfus at 11:30 p.m.; and HDMR, a solo artist who performs his own music, at 2 p.m.

Outside the Brinton House under a tent will be a demonstration by local tinsmith Karen Hurd, a program about the history of corn harvesting, a display of Civil War memorial and displays by the Sadsbury Friends Meeting and the Moores Memorial Library, among others. The Lancaster Fencibles will demonstrate molding Civil War bullets and discuss Civil War firearms.

Children's activities will include a petting zoo, face painting and entertainment by strolling magician Doc Yoder. Children will also be able to explore a fire engine from Christiana Fire Company and be able to put out a simulated house fire with an actual fire hose. A photo booth will also be available.

A special train will shuttle children and adults from the Brinton House to the Christiana Freight Station, where visitors can learn all about the railroad. The train ride is free.

Strollers in period attire will be around the Brinton House, and attendees will be able to talk to Civil War re-enactors who will set up a historically authentic encampment and demonstrate drills and shooting.

At the Masonic Lodge, there will be a program about the Christiana Resistance, a display of antiques, talks by authors Joel Moore and Harry Kendall and spinning and weaving exhibits, among other displays.

A chicken barbecue will be prepared on-site by Randy Yoder, with proceeds from sales to benefit CHS. Two food trucks - Mocha Motion Coffee and 22bbq - will also be on hand.

In the past, the main focus was to highlight the Christiana Resistance, a slave rebellion that took place on Sept. 11, 1851. This year, additional aspects of Christiana history will be featured. "The Resistance is the most fascinating piece of history, but Christiana is so rich in history in a lot of other areas," Buchanan added.

For complete details about Christiana Heritage Days and a schedule of events or to make a reservation for the museum tour or wagon ride, visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com/heritage-days-2024 or http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety.