Living history program and town tour

MILFORD — The US Forest Service at Grey Towers will offer a special living history program and town tour that is sure to capture the imagination of anyone who wants to learn more about the prominent Pinchot family and the many contributions they made to conservation in America and the Milford community since the 1800s. The special program, which is free and open to the public, is planned for Saturday, May 16, beginning at 11 a.m. at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford. A living history portrayal of James and Mary Pinchot, called “Welcome to Our Home,” introduces visitors to the family that built Grey Towers and the significant work they did to begin America’s conservation movement. A walking tour of the town will follow at 12 noon and will illustrate the many architectural and social contributions the family made to shaping the Milford community. Pre-registration is suggested by calling 570-296-9630 or by email at greytowers@fs.fed.us. The living history program will start at 11 a.m. sharp at Grey Towers. The walking tour will meet at the lawn of the Community House, Broad and Harford streets, at 12 noon. Town tour participants will learn about the many community contributions -- in addition to Grey Towers-- that were made by the family, who came to Milford in the 1800s and quickly became active community members, contributing greatly to the growth and development of the region. Some significant buildings with Pinchot history include Forest Hall, the Community House, Normandy Cottage, the Pike County Courthouse and others. Gifford Pinchot founded and served as first chief of the USDA Forest Service and was twice Governor of Pennsylvania. For more information about Grey Towers and public programs, visit the web at www.fs.fed.us/gt .