HARMONY, Pa. – George Washington’s early military experience in western Pennsylvania, including a central role in precipitating the French and Indian War, will be discussed by Slippery Rock University history professor David D. Dixon at Historic Harmony’s annual Harmoniefest dinner program Feb. 16.
Awards given. Historic Harmony will also present Heritage Awards to property owners for preservation projects. More than 70 awards have been presented since 1991, most of them to individuals or organizations in Harmony, Zelienople and the townships of Jackson and Lancaster.
Dixon’s illustrated presentation, “Washington in the West,” will explore Washington’s first years of soldiering experience, much of it in western Pennsylvania, and its influence on his later leadership as Revolutionary War military commander and the nation’s first president.
The Washington 1753 Commemorative Committee is developing a tourism program for marking Washington’s path through what became Butler County in 1800.
Other activities. The committee plans site markers, route signage and a brochure, and is encouraging other counties to extend the project as part of the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War.
Tickets for Harmoniefest, named for an annual festival of the communal Harmony Society of German immigrants that settled Harmony in 1804, are $20 per person, including dinner.
Entree choices are stuffed chicken breast, sirloin tip roast or vegetarian lasagna.
Reservation deadline. The deadline for reservations is Feb. 8. The event begins at the Harmony Museum’s Stewart Hall with a 6 p.m. reception. Reservation information may be obtained by contacting Historic Harmony at 724-452-7341.
