News & events

Frohe Weihnachten! Come celebrate Christmas in the style of the town's founders. Harmony hosts its traditional German Christmas Market on Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 15, 12 – 4 p.m.

Christmas markets are a quintessential part of the holiday season in Germany, and they have become so for families just north of Pittsburgh: each year thousands visit the historic town for wholesome fun for the whole family. Sing, raise a toast of Glühwein to the town and its history, and shop — candies to candles, homemade gifts to kitchen goods.

Admission

$10. Children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older $5. All admission directly benefits the Harmony Museum.

Entertainment

The Alpen Schuhplattlers, a local traditional dance group, perform on the stage in the tent at 12:30 and 4:30 on Saturday and 12:00 and 3:00 on Sunday. The Teutonia Männerchor — the men's choir — sings at 1:00 and 3:00 on Saturday.

Parking

Leave the holiday hustle to us: look for signs for off-site parking with free transport to the market.

Wear your Dirndl or Lederhosen, or come as you are. Questions: hmuseum@zoominternet.net or (724) 452-7341.

This lovely work of art, done in the shape of a floral horseshoe and nosegay, is made from human hair from seven different people. Crafted by Nancy Elizabeth Scott during the 1880s, it would have been a cherished memento made from the hair of dear friends and family.

Hair work was as popular a drawing-room occupation as knitting or crocheting in the nineteenth century. Locks of hair were exchanged between dearest friends and loved ones and turned into a myriad of objects besides wall art — bracelets, earrings, rings, watch chains, shawl and cravat pins, pencil cases, even riding whips. These delicately wrought pieces also served as memorials for loved ones who had passed away.

Godey's Lady's Book, the go-to publication for ladies' style, published instructions on preparing the hair, patterns for the pieces, and sold the tools and materials. Strands were washed, dried and tied off onto lead weights laid across a frame — as simple as a hat's band-box or a piece of paper — and woven to the chosen pattern. Today hair art is a highly prized collectible among lovers of Victoriana.

The museum's example, created by Nancy Elizabeth Scott, was donated by her paternal granddaughter, Martha Cleland. Ask to see it on the tour.