Harriton House to Host Annual Beekeeping Event

Over the summer, is buzzing with activity. Sure, plenty of people visit the historic establishment, but the buzzing comes from something slightly different to the groups of people wandering about the property—bees. Bryn Mawr's Harriton House has taken advantage of keeping nature's pollinators and uses them to help educate the public. 

During Harriton's Annual Beekeeping event July 23, children and adults are invited to attend a presentation to learn more about how honey bees are a crucial fixture in the pollination of plant life. 

"It's an enjoyable sight at an historic site that [residents] may not know," said Bruce Gill, executive director and curator of Harriton House. "It's also an education piece on the honey bee and its value in our food supply."

A long partnership with allows Harriton to bring in environmental educators to help people understand the importance of the honey bee. Stacy Carr-Poole, director of education at Riverbend, thinks bees are fascinating.

"There will be a really nice introduction to beekeeping," she said. "We focus heavily on their importance as a natural pollinator."

During the event, she said, children will be able to dress in beekeeping suits, see how the bees live in hives, learn about their social behavior and, perhaps most importantly, taste honey fresh off of the comb.

"It's something that people don't often get to do," Gill said. "They can learn that honey is nature's perfect food."

What: Harriton House Annual Beekeeping Event

Where:

When: Saturday, July 23 (rain date the following weekend)

Who: All are invited, though reservations are necessary. Call 610-525-0201 or email info@harritonhouse.org.

Cost: Free