July 15-21, 2004

mixpicks

Celtic Colonials

A pleasant indicator of the confusing legacies of America's colonial ties can be found right in our area, at the estate of Graeme Park. Its original name, Keith House, refers to the family who first founded it; Sir William Keith moved from Aberdeenshire, in northeast Scotland, to become governor of Pennsylvania in 1717. His house was also known as Fountain Low, and it still survives — the only residence of a Pennsylvania colonial governor that still exists. His son-in-law was Dr. Thomas Graeme, who had also emigrated from Perthshire, Scotland, and Graeme's daughter nearly lost access to the family's estate, torn between her American residence and the British allegiance of her husband, another Scot named Henry Hugh Fergusson.

The combined histories of these three Scottish families have been upheld at Graeme Park, and they will be celebrated Saturday, in its Celtic Heritage Festival. There'll be bagpipers, rounds of Highland games on display and myriad crafts including jewelry, kilts and pewter ware for sale.

Celtic Heritage Festival, Sat., July 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., $4-$7, Graeme Park, 859 County Line Rd., Horsham, 215-343-0965.

—Juliet Fletcher