Hey, Lehigh Valley enthusiasts, history buffs and lovers of learning - August is for you!

During the weekends this month, several historical sites in the area and beyond are participating in the Lehigh Valley Passport to History program. That’s right - you have eight days to come learn the amazing history that is, at some locations, right in your backyard.

“Lehigh Valley Passport to History is a partnership of historic sites and resources in and around Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton counties. Let our group connect you with historical activities, events, tours and exhibitions throughout the Valley,” the Passport to History website states. “Passport to History Month is a celebration of local history, stories and the community that bring Lehigh Valley history to life. Each weekend in August, participating historic and cultural sites will open their doors to the public with tours, activities and programs for visitors of all ages.”

In addition, child-friendly tours and children’s activities and games will be available. As a parent of a 4-year-old, who is very energetic, I appreciate when businesses and organizations keep in mind youngsters need a bit more interaction and fun incorporated with the learning.

The following list contains the sites currently participating.

Aug. 7 and 8

• Horner’s Cemetery, Northampton (Saturday only)

• George Taylor House, Catasauqua (Saturday only)

• Leesport Lock House Foundation, Leesport (Saturday only)

• National Canal Museum, Easton (Saturday only)

• No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, Lansford

• Northampton Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Easton

• Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, Pennsburg

Aug. 14 and 15

• Whitehall Historical Preservation Society, Whitehall

• Horner’s Cemetery, Northampton (Saturday only)

• George Taylor House, Catasauqua (Sunday only)

• 1803 House, Emmaus

• Alburtis Lock Ridge Historical Society, Alburtis

• Emmaus Historical Society, Emmaus

• Forks Township Historical Society, Easton

• Lower Macungie Historical Society, Emmaus

• Williams Township Historical Society, Easton (Saturday only)

• Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, Stroudsburg (Saturday only)

Aug. 21 and 22

• Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, Bethlehem

• Historic Easton Cemetery, Easton

• Jacobsburg Historical Society, Nazareth

• Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth

• Slate Belt Heritage Center, Bangor

Aug. 28 and 29

• Coopersburg Historical Society, Coopersburg

• National Museum of Industrial History, Bethlehem

For further information on Passport to History, visit lvhistory.org. On this website, you will find additional details on the specifics of what each site is offering, maps, cost (if any), hours and more.

For example, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aug. 7, Horner’s Cemetery will be open for free tours. While visiting this cemetery, you will hear stories of the community’s ties to Gen. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

Then from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 15, the George Taylor House will have a special sale - get two for the price of one - on house tour tickets. There will also be other activities outside of the house, such as garden tours and interactive demonstrations by re-enactors dressed in colonial attire, which are free.

Come out to Jacobsburg Historical Society noon-4 p.m. Aug. 21 for a community picnic with free hot dogs and craft demonstrations, in addition to free tours.

And from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 29, National Museum of Industrial History will have half-off admission for tours. A special feature will be a demonstration using an 1800s printing press noon-3 p.m. My son was a big fan of this museum.

Also, be sure to check out the Lehigh Valley Passport to History Facebook page to stay up to date on what’s happening.

Take some time this month to get out and explore the many historical homes, markers, farms, artifacts and other sites available.

There sure is a lot to learn and enjoy.

Stacey A. Koch

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press