Spring is in full bloom at Hale Farm and Village with the addition of new public events in April and May. Picnic Days at Hale are April 24, 25 and May 1, 2, 8 & 9; Behind the Ropes: Architecture and Curiosity Tour is April 24; Mystery on the Farm is May 15; The Citizens of Hale Early Bird Plant Sale is May 20 & 21 and Italian Herb Container Garden Workshop is May 20.
Picnic Days on the Farm: April 24, 25 and May 1, 2, 8, 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Guests can pack a picnic and enjoy the natural beauty of the living history museum and Cuyahoga Valley as the season comes into full bloom. Explore forests and trails, search for indigenous wildflowers and observe the diversity of migrant birds returning for the season. Children will enjoy games in the Village Green or craft kits that can be completed on site or at home. Spring-themed museum demonstrations, such as cooking with foraged plants, flower pressing and specially curated craft & trade demonstrations are included.
Admission is a reduced rate of $6 per person; WRHS members, youth 2 and under and active military are free. Tickets are available online or admission can be purchased at the door.
Behind the Ropes: Architecture and Curiosity Tour: April 24, 10 a.m. – noon. This provides participants a full-access pass to learn about the history of the museum. How was the Herrick house moved to the museum? What was the fireplace used for in the basement of the Goldsmith house? Is there still a spring room in the Hale House? Guided by Hale’s Preservation Manager, visitors will explore behind the ropes and learn about architectural and preservation information. Reservations are limited and required, recommended for ages 13 and older. This is a walking tour and will require stairs. Admission fees are $25 adults, $20 WRHS members and $12 youth 3-12 years.
Mystery on the Farm: May 15, two sessions (noon – 3 p.m. or 5 -8 p.m.). “Help Save the Farm,” presented by Hale Farm & Village and Noble Art Entertainment, leads guests through a series of vignettes to find clues and solve the mystery of the deed to the farm. Gather your family and friends and be transported to early 20th-century Western Reserve, where historical fiction comes to life. Meet the extraordinary characters of this imaginary town and gather clues as you move from building to building. Test your skills of deduction or stumble upon a red herring. Reservations are limited and required ($30 adults, $25 WRHS members and $20 youth 17 years and younger). This family-friendly event is suggested for visitors 13 years of age and older.
Hale’s annual Citizens of Hale Plant Sale returns May 20 from 4-7 p.m. and May 21 from 9-2 p.m. Heirloom plants and herbs with significance to Northeast Ohio will be offered, along with unique perennials, all grown at Hale Farm & Village. This year’s plant sale will also focus on pollinator plants and gardens and will continue during the Sow & Grow Pollinator Festival June 12 & 13.
The Italian Kitchen Container Garden Workshop will be offered on May 20, 6pm-8pm. This gardening workshop will provide all the necessary tools and equipment for you to create your own container Italian cooking herb garden. Led by the Citizens’ auxiliary group of garden enthusiasts, you will learn best planting and care practices and take home some fun summer herb recipes along with your beautiful herb container garden. Reservations are required and limited; $50 per person or $45 WRHS members.
All events will comply with state and county health guidelines including wearing masks and social distancing.
Hale Farm & Village, a living history museum of the Western Reserve Historical Society, is located on 90 acres in Bath, Ohio with 32 historic structures, farm animals, heritage gardens, farming and early American craft and trade demonstrations. Visit halefarm.org or call (330) 666-3711 for more information.
Photo credit Nancy Balluck
