AVELLA — Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, part of the Senator John Heinz History Center family of museums, has announced a full calendar of family friendly public programming in 2025.

Meadowcroft is the oldest site of human habitation in North America and a National Historic Landmark located in Avella. Visitors of all ages can explore the Rockshelter, where the region’s earliest inhabitants dwelled more than 19,000 years ago.

Meadowcroft’s 2025 public program schedule includes:

– May 25: Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird — Join Meadowcroft for a special presentation by Katie Fallon of the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, featuring live raptors and insights from her book “Vulture.”

– June 14: Meadowcroft Atlatl Competition — Beginners are invited to try the atlatl, a spear-thrower used by prehistoric hunters, and watch some of the world’s best competitors from the World Atlatl Association compete for high score.

– June 14 and Aug. 24: Rockshelter Tour with Dr. Diane Landers — Experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the Meadowcroft Rockshelter with Dr. Diane Landers, an original member of the 1974 excavation team.

– July 4: Independence Day Celebration — Celebrate the spirit of America with historical demonstrations and period games at Meadowcroft’s 18th-century frontier area and 19th-century rural village.

– Aug. 16: Vintage Base Ball Day — Come watch base ball 19th-century style with the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder and the Addison Mountain Stars using 1860s rules.

– Sept 20-21: Washington & Greene Counties Covered Bridge Festival — Visit Meadowcroft’s 1871 Pine Bank Covered Bridge during this annual celebration.

– Sept. 27-28: Frontier Heritage Weekend — Get a first-hand look at the everyday lives of 18th-century frontier families during Frontier Heritage Weekend.

– Oct. 5: Walk in Penn’s Woods! — In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Meadowcroft will serve as a host venue for the day of educational woodland walks to highlight Pa.’s forest and wildlife resources from prehistoric to modern day.

– Nov. 22: Meadowcroft’s Taffy Pull & Fall Celebration — Visit Meadowcroft’s historic log houses to learn about historic confection while you make an old-fashioned sweet treat to take home. Limited space is available, and an additional program fee applies. Advanced reservations are recommended.

For more information on Meadowcroft’s programs and to purchase advance tickets, visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events and select Meadowcroft in the drop-down menu.