Old Economy Village’s 2008 Summer Day Camp, “Tracking Nature’s Clues,” will take children ages 6 to 12 on an adventurous journey as they track clues to discover the wonders of the of the Harmony Society’s Natural History Museum of 1827. Camp is held from August 4th to the 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. The registration deadline is July 27th. The cost is $125 for the Friends of Old Economy Village members and $150 for non-members. For those registering by July 11th, a $25.00 early registration discount is available.
Campers will learn, through hands-on activities, about weather, astronomy, tracking animals and bird watching, and about the Plains Indians encountered by Lewis and Clark, all in the context of the Harmonists History Museum collection. Camp explorers will discuss where people traveled to see museums over 180 years ago, and how the way we look at museums today is different from the way they saw things.
In the early 1800s, the Harmony Society invited the public, not just Society members, to visit the Museum, charging 10 cents for admission. At that time there were few museums in America, and especially few west of the Allegheny Mountains. Birds, rocks, butterflies, elk and other animals will be subjects for campers to investigate along with art, music meteorology, photography and astronomy from an early 19th century perspective. Campers will predict the week’s weather and will scrutinize nature for prediction clues. Wildlife will be observed and findings recorded to share with other “ornithologists”. These young scientists will also undertake stereographic photography using a special viewer, an early version of 3-D virtual imaging. Participants will also investigate how history is presented today as they acquaint themselves with site exhibits along with a behind-the-scenes Curator-led tour.
This program is sponsored in part by a generous contribution from the Dominion Foundation. Dominion invests in organizations and programs that improve the quality of life in those communities in which the company provides electricity or natural gas service. Dominion is committed to providing the support needed to develop society's most valuable natural resource, our youth.

Should your children be unable to attend Tracking Nature’s Clues, Old Economy Village is open Tuesday through Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday: Noon - 5:00 p.m. The site is closed Mondays and holidays except Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day (call for hours.) Please allow 2 hours for a visit. Admission is charged.

Economy, a National Historic Landmark Site, has 17 restored, original structures furnished with collection from the Harmony Society, a German communal group known for its industrial prosperity in textiles and manufacturing, railroad investments and winemaking. Visitors may encounter traditional craftsmen and can perform historic chores, view the formal gardens, original paintings, books and tools. The Visitor Center offers visitors an orientation film, a permanent exhibit on the Harmony Society, and a new exhibit entitled Out of Harmony, which discusses the tensions and divisions which existed within the outwardly peaceful Harmonist community.

People with disabilities who need special assistance or accommodation to attend the Workshop or visit the site should call (724) 266-4500 in advance of their visit to discuss their needs. Pennsylvania TDD relay service is available at (800) 654-5984.

Old Economy Village, located off Route 65 in the National Historic Landmark District of Ambridge, is one of 25 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History®, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. For more information or to request a free 24-page visitor guide, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us or phone toll free 1-866-PA TRAIL. For more information on Old Economy Village visit www.oldeconomyvillage.org.