Article Photos

NORTHUMBERLAND - The Friends of Joseph Priestley House Museum will hold a public grand reopening celebration in conjunction with the annual Heritage Day from 1 to 4 p.m. next Sunday at the museum, 472 Priestley Ave.

A dozen area volunteers, dressed in 18th-century costumes, will portray Priestley's family members, associates and townspeople of the era. The costumed guides will answer questions in each of the rooms of Priestley House and demonstrate the use of period artifact reproductions and lead children's games.

In Priestley's laboratory, Ron Blatchley of New Berlin will offer chemistry demonstrations in the persona of Joseph Priestley at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Seating is limited in the laboratory and will be on a first come, first served basis.

Refreshments common to families in Priestley's day will be served at the Visitor Center.

Admission is charged to tour the house: $6 for adults and $4 for children. Admission is free for active military and their families.

Joseph Priestley was a British Unitarian theologian, scientist and political philosopher who settled in Northumberland in 1794 after his beliefs brought him into conflict with the Anglican Church and the British king. He was an intellectual "giant" whose works laid the foundation for that branch of science we now call chemistry.

Although he is best known for is experiments with gases, especially oxygen, he was prolific in his writings on other areas of intellectual endeavors. He had important contribution in the fields of education, moral philosophy, theology, metaphysics, political economy, history and physical science. His political beliefs influenced his friend, Thomas Jefferson, when the latter wrote the Declaration of Independence.

Priestley died in Northumberland in 1804 and is buried there with his wife and one son in Riverview Cemetery.

The Friends of Joseph Priestley House is a not-for-profit membership organization that began this month to operate the museum under an agreement with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, owner of the property. The Friends' goals are to promote interest in Joseph Priestley and his work and to research and restore the Joseph Priestley House.

The group provides educational programming and conducts fundraising activities. Members receive free admission to Joseph Priestley House, discounted rates at special events and a 10-percent discount on purchases made at the gift center. The Friends always are seeking additional volunteers to staff the visitor's center, conduct tours and help in diverse ways.

More information is available at www.josephpriestleyhouse.org.