Nov 21, 2013 2 min read

Three history groups are offering a chance to chill out Nov. 30 on a hike with George Washington along the Connoquenessing Creek in historic Harmony.

The hike commemorates the 260th anniversary of a mission to the area for which a young Washington volunteered – an adventure that led to the French and Indian War. The date also is the anniversary of Washington’s overnight stay at a Delaware Indian village, on the north side of the Connoquenessing, that he and guide Christopher Gist recalled as Murdering Town.

Sponsored by the Harmony Museum, Old Stone House and Washington’s Trail 1753, the program will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the museum’s Stewart Hall, 218 Mercer St. Guided hikes begin at 10 a.m. and continue every 45 minutes until about 1 p.m. Guides’ commentary includes readings from Washington and Gist’s mission journals, and provide expanded perspective on their hazardous journey between October 1753 and January 1754.

A shuttle will transport participants to the 1825 Mennonite meetinghouse. Guides will lead hikers on the borough’s hike-bike trail along the Connoquenessing and Mercer Street to the museum. Along the way, hikers will visit an encampment arranged by the 42nd Regiment of Foote, Campbell’s Light Infantry.

Hike reservations can be made by calling the Harmony Museum at 724-452-7341. Admission is $3 per person, with no charge for children 5 years old and younger. Payment will be collected at the event. Each hike group will be limited in size, so participants are urged to reserve start times. The walk will cover about a mile on a well-maintained trail and borough sidewalks.