Bryn Athyn National Historic Landmark District Dedication and Celebration

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The newly dedicated Bryn Athyn Historic District encompasses four beautiful buildings — Cairnwood Estate, Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn Cathedral, and Cairncrest — all of which participate actively in the life of Bryn Athyn College students. Cairnwood serves the College as a special events facility hosting educational lectures, graduation events, and historic tours. Glencairn serves as Bryn Athyn's on-campus Museum, facilitates the long-standing Education Internship, provides classroom space, and brings lectures, concerts, and exhibits to enhance Bryn Athyn's cultural life. Meanwhile, students intern regularly at both Bryn Athyn Cathedral and the New Church Offices at Cairncrest.

So Bryn Athyn students joined the celebration — some as volunteers, some as participants — on April 18.

Glencairn Museum, Cairnwood, and Bryn Athyn Cathedral were open all day for the enthusiastic crowds to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.

Brent Pendleton from the Cairnwood Board of Governors emceed the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which featured speeches by US Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Pennsylvania State Senator Stewart Greenleaf, Pennsylvania State Representative Thomas Murt, Academy of the New Church President Eric Carswell, and Glencairn Museum Director Stephen Morley.

The official plaque was presented to Bryn Athyn Mayor Hyland Johns by Carolyn McCloud, Superintendent of the Independence National Historic Site in Philadelphia. Congresswoman Schwartz presented the Historic District with a United States flag which has flown over the Capitol in Washington DC.

More than 2,000 people enjoyed the all-day events in perfect spring sunshine. Some of the day's highlights included:

Passport Tours with official passports stamped at each event location
Classic trolleys providing transportation
Horse & carriage parade
Scavenger hunt throughout the district
Open houses at each building with guided tours
Stone carving
Glass blowing
Sheep shearing
Face painting
Horse-and-carriage rides
19th century arts and crafts
Serenades by local men's a cappella choir, Sons of Art
Marketplace of local vendors with high-quality crafts and food
Re-dedication service at Bryn Athyn Cathedral

For more information, visit www.bahistoricdistrict.org.