TRICENTENNIAL
After spending most of the 20th century in quiet repose, the Estate began a new century in 2000, by leaving Slaymaker ownership and embracing new owners and a renewed vision for historic preservation. History buffs and curious visitors frequently stopped at the Estate for photos and exploration. One day, a visitor asked if they could get married on the Estate! After much restoration and adaptive work with the support of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster and Salisbury Township, the mansion house of the Estate remains a personal residence while the formal gardens and tobacco barn host a wide variety of weddings and events for guests.
When March 16, 2020, marked the COVID pandemic closure, one comforting fact was that the Estate had survived through many centuries and pandemics. Surely, it would stand as a timely witness once again. On June 26, 2020, the Estate reopened to hosting events, but had to delay the 300th Anniversary celebration until 2021. The celebration that ensued on July 3, 2021, was historic, and brought to light a new vision for an annual Living History celebration to be held in July each year. The following photo gallery highlights the many supporters and participants that made the Tricentennial celebration a major success.
PA 69TH IRISH VOLUNTEERS
The PA 69th Irish Volunteer unit birthed the vision for an annual Living History event held at White Chimneys Estate. Without their vison and support, the Living History Events would not be possible. During the American Civil War, the lads of the 69th PA Irish Volunteers fought every campaign with the Army of the Potomac. From 1861 to 1865, they were in the midst of every major battle. These men, mostly born in Ireland, fought under their green battle flag to save the Union. Of the 1007 men originally mustered in 1861, less than 56 still served at Appomattox. The PA 69th is the most known for repulsing Pickett's charge on July 3, 1863 at Gettysburg. During Pickett's Charge none of the 250 men who remained in the regiment, left his post. At one point, they were completely surrounded and continued hand-to-hand combat until the charge was broken. They suffered 60% casualties, leaving only 100 men fit for duty. Today, they participate in numerous demonstrations and re-enactments across the country, and lead the annual events at White Chimneys.
The present day Meyer owners thank you for your support and love of Historic Preservation. Each and every one of our supporters are crucial to the remembrance of our Nation's beginnings and the Founding Fathers of the New World. See you at the next Living History celebration!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE AMAZING PEOPLE
TRICENTENNIAL 2021
