Upcoming Events

Old Home Week/Family Reunions
The dawn of the 20th Century that saw the completion of the new State Capitol Building and advances in the City Beautiful Movement in Harrisburg sparked the idea among civic leaders to invite those who had moved to other locales to return to witness the city’s progress and to be awed by plans for its future. The week of October 1-7, 1905 was therefore declared “Old Home Week” with the tag line of “The New Harrisburg for Old Harrisburgers” featuring amusements, events, celebrations and commemorations the likes of which the city would not soon forget. Neo-classical archways and columns were erected at key intersections to further reinforce the new aesthetic that the promise of the City Beautiful would bring. More than 25,000 former Harrisburg residents traveled to the city to curiously embrace the fondness of their hometown. Not only was the city showcased but the week afforded the opportunity for folks to share stories and recollections of the city’s past.

Now, as Harrisburg celebrates the 150th anniversary of its incorporation as a city, The Harrisburg SusqueCentennial Commission hopes to revive the spirit of Old Home Week by encouraging citizens to host their own family reunions during the summer of 2010. Start planning your own Old Home Week celebration with your family and friends.

Reunions aren’t just for families. Classes, neighborhoods, churches, clubs, even businesses are examples of groups whose members share common memories and interests and can plan a get-together. The Harrisburg SusqueCentennial Commission encourages YOU to celebrate your heritage and start your own Old Home Week reunion. E-mail us about your event, and we will post it on this site to help you publicize it. Be sure to send us your stories afterward!

For tips on how to plan a memorable reunion, read Reunions Magazine or visit www.reunionsmag.com.