The Daniel Boone Homestead Associates are excited to offer a new event this summer – Kite Day! Bring your favorite kite for an afternoon of kite flying on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 12:00 – 4:00pm.
June 10th marks Benjamin Franklin’s kite flying experiment in 1752, where he tied a key to his kite and took it out during a thunderstorm to see if an electrical charge was produced. However, there is uncertainty as to the extent to which this experiment occurred and some historians even believe the famous storm experiment is mostly a myth. Regardless of how exactly Mr. Franklin discovered electricity, the organization hopes visitors join in celebrating with family and friends.
The second owner of the Daniel Boone Homestead, William Maugridge, was an acquaintance of Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia prior to his moving to Berks County. Both belonged to the same clubs and organizations in Philadelphia in the mid-eighteenth century. After purchasing the Boone property in 1750, Maugridge became one of the first magistrates or judges of Berks County when the county was founded in 1752.
In addition to flying your favorite kite, visitors can learn about Benjamin Franklin and some of his simpler science experiments. The event will even have some hands-on experiments for families to try. Volunteers will also be demonstrating kite flying throughout the afternoon.
Admission for Kite Day is free. Guided tours of the Boone House will be offered at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Guided tour admission applies – Adults $10.00, Seniors (65+) $8.00, Youth (6-17) $5.00. Children 5 and under and DBHA members are free. thedanielboonehomestead.org or Daniel Boone Homestead on Facebook. The event is sponsored and run by The Daniel Boone Homestead Associates.
The Daniel Boone Homestead is the birthplace of the famed frontiersman, born in 1734. The Boone House, constructed in three stages throughout the eighteenth century, is a 10-room stone structure fully furnished to the period and situated on 579 acres of rolling countryside.
The Daniel Boone Homestead is located halfway between Reading and Pottstown, one mile north of Rt. 422 near Baumstown. The Homestead is owned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and daily historic operations are run by the Daniel Boone Homestead Associates, a local, nonprofit organization.
