Annual Welsh Heritage Day At Griffith Morgan House On March 3
By Robert Fisher-Hughes, AAP Columnist and Amateur Historian
The sounds, smells and tastes of Wales will delight and enlighten visitors to the historic, colonial home of the Morgan family in Pennsauken on the first Sunday in March from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A warm hearth and the aromas of simple Welsh farmhouse foods prepared by a skilled cook will greet the visitors first. The sweet sounds of Welsh folk tunes performed on harp by Laura Dishong waft from the adjoining parlor evoking the legendary bards of old Cambria. “All Through the Night” has rarely sounded so sweet!
In the opposite wing of the ancient home, authentic and traditional Welsh foods will be offered for the tasting and kindling the “hiraeth,” or homeward longing of Welsh heritage. While enjoying the Welsh delicacies, a display about the land and language, myths and history, migrations and persistency of the Welsh offer food for consideration as well.
At last, the more playful and boisterous expressions of Wales’ heritage are embodied in the pirate crew The Sea Dogs! The spirits of Captain Henry Morgan and the dread pirate Bartholomew Roberts, among other unsavory Welshmen, will be stirred by the sea shanties and lore offered by these perennial favorites come ashore from parts unknown. Griffith Morgan, himself a Welsh mariner, would no doubt be pleased.
Griffith Morgan House is located at 243 Griffith Morgan Lane, off River Rd. between Delair and Route 73. Admission and tours are free and there is also plenty of free parking available. In addition, the Griffith Morgan House is also open for tours and research by appointment throughout the year.
Visit the Griffith Morgan House and Pennsauken Historical Society pages, or the group, “Pennsauken History Forum,” on Facebook for more details and directions; or call (856) 486-9561 and leave a message or e-mail to pennsaukenhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
