Frolic at the Conococheague Institute to Support Local History

Written by Matthew Wedd

As the summer winds down, we are all looking forward to a break from the heat and all the festivities that fall brings. It seems every weekend in the region is backed with harvest festivals, fairs, concerts, and more.

At the Conococheague Institute, the end of summer also means the beginning of another busy education booking season. Though we host free programs year-round each Saturday and bookings and summer camps do occur, when schools are in session we can expect several hundred students on site every week from the start of the school year until it gets too cold to be outside. With programs that include colonial life skills, social studies, nature conservation and even STEM with our medicine and surgery programs, there are centuries of stories to learn.

By making education fun and hands-on we’ve created an immersive experience to bring history to life, and were awarded the 2023 Non Profit of the year from the Tuscarora Chamber of Commerce, and a 2023 PA Museums Institutional Award for our programs.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Conococheague Institute is able to offer these award-winning programs thanks to the support of our amazing community who join as members, donate to our annual operating funds, and who support funded projects. The site recently installed 11 new interpretive panels supported by the Kermit and Clarisse Hicks foundation that tell everyone’s story, ranging from women’s history, a focus on the enslaved people on the frontier, lost fauna, religion and a indigenous land acknowledgement too.

Grants also allow the site to grow in new ways, such as the children’s playground and picnic area that was funded by a Franklin County IMPACT! Grant this spring.

On September 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Conococheague Institute will be hosting an evening event, the “Fall Frolic Fundraiser” to raise money for its education programs, and to celebrate this year of accomplishments with ribbon-cuttings on these new additions.

This event is a ticketed fundraiser (prices start at $35 for members, $45 for non-members) that combines both our beautiful natural setting, our historic ambience and charm with live entertainment, food and drink.

The location will be our tavern at the Conococheague Institute, where Michaux Brewing Company will be providing ticket holders with two 5-ounce beer samples and having several of their varieties available to purchase. Michaux is located in Waynesboro, and their drinks are often named after trees and conservation themes which perfectly matches CI’s own environmental efforts.

Entertainment will be provided by Cormorant’s Fancy, who focuses on music from Ireland, Scotland, and the Celtic nations, as well as Appalachian, Old Time, and other traditional American folk music.

Food for the Frolic will be from Hicksville BBQ, who last year impressed everyone with a huge hog roast and sides. The smell of slowroasted meat, beer, and the sounds of music and laughter is the perfect accompaniment to a tavern.

New for 2023: Children’s Tickets

As we focus on children’s education, we are happy to have families attend. Children’s tickets do not include beer samples, and are not tax-deductible, but will allow your whole family to help support CI without the need for a babysitter.

From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., we’ll be encouraging families to explore our historic areas, and there will be activities and games for young and old to enjoy. Try your hand at nine pins, play a round of whist with a frontiersman, or test your aim with some archery.

Then from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the food, music and drink will be in full swing, with plenty of opportunities to both donate and win with raffles, silent auc- tions and more.

We’d like to thank businesses that have chosen to financially sponsor this event: Mercersburg Academy (whose student participation is one of our greatest partnerships), Visit Hagerstown - Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (who promote our events in the Tri-State), and Liberty Auto and Tire (one of the many great local businesses that are also annual members).

If your business would like to become a sponsor, or would like to pledge to our annual operating costs for education, contact us. All contributions are tax deductible!

Tickets are limited to 150, and are on sale now at Eventbrite, or by contacting the Conococheague Institute. Email info@cimlg.org, phone 717-3282800 for more information, or stop by any Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Order your tickets now directly at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2023-fall-frolic-fundraiser-tickets-674262095077?aff=oddtdtcreator