Hike through History 
at the Zimmerman Center

Take a short hike with us into Native Lands County Park to discover how the Susquehannock Indians lived along the river. Native Lands Park is the site of the Susquehannock peoples' last community and is adjacent to the Zimmerman Center property. Learn about their society including foodways, loghouses, and immense trade network. Accommodations made for inclement weather. Available every Saturday and Sunday at the Zimmerman Center.

 
Stories of Columbia Walking Tour
Columbia's rich history began with a rural settlement along the Susquehanna River in the early 1700's and developed into a thriving industrial center, a place of refuge for the Underground Railroad, and a destination for outdoor tourism. Join Susquehanna Heritage on a journey through time. We'll meet at Columbia Crossing at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 11th.  The route is a mile-long loop. Wear your walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. The tour is free, donations go toward Columbia Crossing programs.

Explore the lives of  three notable river residents who were molded by the Susquehanna, inspiring their success in science, art, and social justice. 

Samuel Haldeman, a 19th century scientist from Bainbridge whose principal contributions were in the fields of zoology and linguistics, but he was well versed in other disciplines as well, including archeology, geology, chemistry, and natural history.

 In 1816, Stephen Smith bought his freedom and enough lumber to start his own business. This eventually led Smith to become one of the wealthiest African Americans prior to the Civil War and a leader in the Underground Railroad.

Lloyd Mifflin, a 19th century poet and painter from Columbia. He was known as 'America's greatest sonneteer' for writing over 500 poems. His landscape art captured the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, choosing the peacefulness of nature over the noise of the industrial areas.

 
Pumpkin Painting Party!
October 27 at 11:00 am - 3:00 pm at Columbia Crossing

Fall fun for the whole family! Unleash your creativity and paint a pumpkin to take home and celebrate fall on the river. We'll have all the pumpkins, paint, glitter and supplies you need to get creative!  This event is for all ages. Suggested donation of $2 per person.
Homeschool Workshops Scheduled

Homeschool Geocaching Workshop
October 9, 1:30 PM 
Ages 8 and up, Free
Join State Park Educator Curtis Sherwood and Columbia Crossing Program Coordinator Allison Scholz for an introduction to geocaching with handheld GPS units. Geocaching is a great way to experience the outdoors! Learn about this fun pastime and go hunting for locations and treasures! This workshop will start at Columbia Crossing with an introduction to geocaching and how to use hand-held GPS units. After that, it is off to hunt for caches in Columbia River Park. A limited number of GPS units will be available for use during the program.
 
Homeschool Water Testing Workshop
October 23, 1:30 PM
Ages 8 and up, Free
Join Program Coordinator Allison Scholz and Chesapeake Conservation Corp Intern Amy Kochel for a hands-on water quality testing workshop. We will investigate the Susquehanna River and a storm water runoff to see how healthy the water currently is. Students will use tests to determine the chemical properties, and investigate the physical health if water conditions permit.

Come meet Raven Ridge Wildlife Center's creatures of the night at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center on Sunday, October 28th. Learn about the animals and enjoy some spooky refreshments from 4pm-6pm. At 6pm, join author and paranormal investigator Rick Fisher for a presentation about "Ghosts of the River Towns". A donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated (children under 5 free). All proceeds will be donated to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center.

 
In This Issue
Quick Links
Save the Date for ExtraGive November 16th!

Susquehanna Heritage will once again participate in ExtraGive on Friday, November 16th. This event is Lancaster County's Largest Day of Online Giving! We need your help to create a vibrant, environmentally conscious community along the Susquehanna.

Rent Our Facilities
Host your next family or business event at Columbia Crossing or the Zimmerman Center. All rentals support our important work along the River. 

Visitor Center Hours

Tuesday through Sunday
10 am to 4 pm

Columbia Crossing
Tuesday through Saturday
10 am to 4 pm
Sunday
12 pm to 4 pm