Author Archives: Maddie Conley

Adventure Together: This month, find out what Dillsburg’s Moon Tree is all about, and help make a world of difference to local kids

February 26, 2026 | by Natalie diSanto

Child’s Moon Tree inspired art

In 1971, NASA sent the Apollo 14 mission to the moon, a mission manned by three astronauts with 500 tree seeds.

Astronauts, like ordinary people, are multifaceted, and aeronautical engineer Stuart Roosa was not only obsessed with space, but also a lover of trees. Working with the U.S. Forest Service, he conducted an experiment that changed our national landscape. After orbiting the moon, the tree seeds were germinated and planted across the country.

Pennsylvania is home to eight of the Apollo 14 “Moon Trees,” and there’s one right here in central Pa. With just over 700 people having traveled to outer space, a 30-minute drive seemed worth it to visit an organism that has been outside of Earth’s atmosphere.

Located at Dillsburg Elementary School, the Moon Tree was planted through the joint efforts of then PA Department of Forest and Waters Forester Jack Winieski and then-Principal Larry Rhone. Winieski was known for his work engaging younger generations of foresters and had children in the Dillsburg school system during the time that Rhone was making strides to beautify the school campus. The two men met through community work and, together, they secured a Moon Tree sapling and planted it on Arbor Day 1983.

Since the Dillsburg Elementary Moon Tree grows on school grounds, the best time to visit is when school is not in session. The bonus to being considerate is that your family can use the playground post Moon Tree observance. The sycamore looks like any other tree, except the plaque that proclaims its history. It is surreal to see a 5-foot-wide tree and know that, 55 years ago, it was a quarter-inch seed hurtling through space at hundreds of miles an hour. Once you’re ready to play, there are slides, monkey bars and climbing apparatuses to enjoy. There’s also a grassy area, walking path and two baseball fields. The campus makes for a wonderful afternoon.

Paint the Sky

In the RadioLab podcast that introduced me to Moon Trees, the hosts polled kids on what they thought a Moon Tree would look like. Let imagination skyrocket by creating your own Moon Tree, starting with a stick. The stick will become your tree, so find one with twigs branching off the sides like boughs, then paint a galaxy scene on a piece of paper and be sure to include a moon in your sky. Once the paint is dry, glue the stick to the moon, then decorate your Moon Tree. Our Moon Tree hosts a treehouse for aliens with a UFO coming in for landing. Add sparkle to your art by gluing sequins for stars. This project is a fun mixed-media endeavor that engages kids’ imaginations in a big way and opens up discussions on the Earth and its solar system.

Star Students

Children can best reach for the stars when they are happy and well fed. Join an effort to ensure every child has access to food with Cocoa Packs. The Cocoa Packs organization was founded by Christine Drexler with the intent to provide supplemental food and support to local children to enhance their overall wellness. They pursue their vision of a world where all children have what they need to succeed in six counties here in central Pa., including Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, Cumberland and York.

Cocoa Packs uses a method called food rescue or the practice of collecting fresh, edible food that would otherwise go to waste from restaurants and other food establishments. Food rescue is both effective and good for the environment as it gets food to those who need it while reducing waste. Cocoa Packs also offers clothing services where folks can donate or receive items. Additionally, the organization has lending libraries, computers, desks, creative stations and homework assistance.

People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to donate their time and talents. Students, scouts, churches, local businesses and other organizations can volunteer and assemble packs. Because of its accessible options, Cocoa Packs is a wonderful way to volunteer with your whole family. If your child could benefit from Cocoa Packs, check out their website to learn about enrollment.

Similar to the journey of a seed sprouting into a tree, each of our actions has an opportunity to become something greater. We see this reflected in the efforts of astronaut Stuart Roosa and Forester Jack Winieski, two people with an adoration for science who made an impact on forestry, each in their own way. We also see it in Christine Drexler, who noticed an issue and took action to help address it. We may see it most in how our children grow into their own individuals. Some live like shooting stars while others resemble meandering constellations. Together, we are building a future to share with those we love to the moon and back.

The Dillsburg Elementary Moon Tree is located at 202 S. Chestnut St., Dillsburg, to the right of the building.

To learn more about Cocoa Packs, go to www.CocoaPacks.org.

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Back to the Bard: Gamut casts an Iron Age spell with the legendary “King Lear”

February 26, 2026 | by Hope Mackenzie

Gabriella DeCarli, Weimy Montero Candelario, Alex Winnick

“Who is it that can tell me who I am?”

Gamut Theatre Group in downtown Harrisburg has long been considered the city’s “go-to” Shakespeare Theatre.

Every year, Gamut produces an educational Shakespeare production and a “Free Shakespeare in the Park” production. However, it’s been eight years since the theatre has produced a Shakespeare play on their Select Medical Mainstage. Finally, they are back to the bard with “King Lear.”

This month, Clark Nicholson, artistic director and co-founder of Gamut Theatre, takes on this beast of a role as the tortured king.

“Let’s be honest, people have wondered for a long time when Clark would get around to playing this role,” said Thomas Weaver, the director. “It’s a heavy load for any actor. Lear pretty much feels everything a human can feel at some point.”

But he assures us, “Clark is in his prime for Lear, and I think we’re all excited to see what he does.”

Nicholson isn’t the only Harrisburg Shakespeare Company all-star you’ll see in “King Lear.” The cast and crew are beautifully constructed of local veteran actors as well as new talent. Jeff Wasileski (Gloucester), Rachel Landon (Goneril), Robert Campbell (Cornwall), Karen Ruch (props designer), and Andrew Nyberg (set designer) are just a few of the many names you’ll see listed in your program.

Weaver didn’t stop at a brilliant cast. His concept for “King Lear” makes this production unique from anything you’ve seen before. Gamut’s version is set in a Celtic, Iron-Age Britannia with “ancient Druidic practices and beliefs” serving as a “backbone to this story.”

The director specifically mentioned the character of the Fool as a key competent to his storytelling. Whereas most productions follow the classic “court jester” model for this character, Weaver leaned into the Druidic notes and has the Fool serving as a priest and seer, accompanying Lear on his journey.

“A great deal of my inspiration came from one of my favorite genres of film—folk horror.” Weaver said. “Films like ‘Midsommar’ and ‘The Wicker Man’ have greatly informed this production. It’s made for some creepy and beautiful moments!”

Speaking of “creepy and beautiful,” another important facet of this show is the fight choreography. Elizabeth Hood, also playing Edmund in the production, took months to craft fight scenes that will leave you flinching, shrieking and, ultimately, leaning in for more. Here’s your warning—there will be blood and guts. “Yay!” Or “Ew!” (depending on your personality).

Blood and guts aside, audiences will not only see a stunningly cool spectacle, but they will also leave asking questions. Or, feeling permission to ask the questions that plague us all.

“Who is it that can tell me who I am?” Lear asks. The whole play begs us to consider—who are we when everything we’ve known is stripped away from us? What is nothingness, and how does that haunt the soul?

I know—we’re giving you some great conversation topics for the way home. Regardless of their discomfort, the questions are there. Because humans are there. And humans have been trying to figure out how to be human since we started.

So, if you like sick combat, quick dialogue, spiritual connectivity or existential questioning—you’ll love Gamut Theatre’s production of “King Lear.”

See you at the theatre, where your questions aren’t answered, but expanded.

“King Lear” runs March 7 through March 29 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/lear or call 717-238-4111.

UPCOMING EVENTS

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

“King Lear”
March 7 to 29
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

“Pinocchio”
Popcorn Hat Players
March 7 to 21
Saturdays at 1 p.m.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Community Corner: Notable March Events

February 26, 2026 | by Missy Smith

Community Corner

Maple Sugar Fest
March 1: Explore the annual Maple Sugar Festival at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 12 to 4 p.m. Visitors can try tapping a tree, see maple syrup and candy making, and learn about the types of syrup. Products available for purchase. www.forthunter.org

Spring Concert
March 1: Harrisburg Choral Society presents “A Season of Reflection—Psalms in Song” at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 25 W. Springettsbury Ave., York. Tickets available online, from Choral Society members or at the door. www.harrisburgchoralsociety.org

Scavenger Hunt
March 1-31: Kids ages 0-12 are invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday at New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, for a month-long scavenger hunt to find characters from his popular storybooks. Find all items around the children’s room and win a prize. cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Brain Health
March 3: Penn State Extension hosts “Building Brain-Healthy Habits,” a webinar for learning how to age well to protect memory and thinking, 12 to 1 p.m. Webinar offers research-backed strategies to support cognitive well-being and brain health. www.extension.psu.edu

Wellness Walk
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Take a moderate walk on paved, gravel and dirt surfaces led by a volunteer at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to see the park’s trees and animals, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Networking Mixer
March 4: Socialize with local business professionals at an afternoon mixer at Everstand, 5120 Simpson Ferry Rd., Mechanicsburg, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is free and open to Chamber members. wschamber.org

Music Awards
March 4: Save the date for the 7th annual Central Pennsylvania Music Awards and its Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Celebrate the best of local music. www.cpmhof.com

Zen Meditation
March 4, 18: Sit in silence to practice awareness and letting go of your thoughts at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 2 to 3 p.m. Participants ages 18 and older will practice letting their minds “sit and stay” with gentle consistency and acceptance. All spiritual paths welcome. fredricksenlibrary.org

Kids Discover
March 5: Kids ages 5 to 10 are invited to explore the world of geese and their adaptations at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Program will include a short walk, craft and activities to take home. explorewildwoodpark.org

Home + Garden Show
March 5-8: Experience gardens and outdoor living displays, designer rooms, expert and celebrity presentations, special events, plant and specialty markets and more at the 2026 PA Home + Garden Show at PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. www.pahomeshow.com

Calm the Mind
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Learn short, easy 15-minute meditations to calm anxiety, worry and depression on Thursdays, 12 to 12:30 p.m., at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. Meditations suitable for people of any background. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Ice & Fire
March 7: View ice-carvers, watch fire dancers and enjoy family-friendly activities at Harrisburg’s annual Ice & Fire Festival, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Festival includes a downtown street festival, vendors, entertainment and more. Ice sculptures will be placed throughout the city. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Bird Safety
March 7: Join Appalachian Audubon Society at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1 to 2 p.m., to learn about the Bird Safe Harrisburg initiative, including a bird collision monitoring program. Hear how to make your home or business bird-safe and how to volunteer. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Book Sales
March 7, 21: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Tech Support
March 7, 21: Penn State Harrisburg students and computer science majors will set up an IT help desk at Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will help troubleshoot issues with cell phones, laptops or other devices. hersheylibrary.org

Charter Day
March 8: Celebrate the commonwealth’s 345th birthday on the 26th Annual Charter Day with free admission to the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 12 to 5 p.m. View the original 1681 charter that granted the land of Pennsylvania to William Penn and explore hands-on museum stations. www.statemuseumpa.org

Tea Party
March 8: Enjoy an afternoon tea and visit with Molly Pitcher, American Revolutionary War heroine and central Pennsylvanian, at John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 2 to 4 p.m. Tea service will be served from the Cameron family silver. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Legislators’ Forum II
March 12: Join Harrisburg Regional Chamber and West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2026 Legislators’ Forum II—Senate, a formal breakfast for chamber and CREDC members to hear from local elected officials. Event will be held at Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Food Rally
March 12: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from food trucks or restaurants and enjoy shopping and special promotions. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Contra Dance
March 13: Harrisburg Area Contra Dance Association hosts a 2nd Friday Contra Dance with live music, 8 to 10:30 p.m., at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Rd., Mechanicsburg. There will be a free beginner lesson at 7:30 p.m. www.harrisburgcontra.org

GardenWise
March 14: Explore the annual GardenWise event at Central York Middle School, 1950 N. Hills Rd., to explore environmental stewardship and sustainable gardening, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experts will share practical tips, innovative techniques and latest findings for cultivating a thriving, eco-friendly landscape. www.extension.psu.edu

Train Show
March 14: Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society hosts its Railroad and Model Trains Show at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore model railroad items of all gauges, books, videos, hardware, clothing and more. www.harrisburgnrhs.org

Birds & Coffee
March 14: Enjoy a cozy winter morning in the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to enjoy birdwatching with a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Join a naturalist and Appalachian Audubon to observe and count common feeder birds as part of Project FeederWatch. explorewildwoodpark.org

Volunteer Day
March 14: Enjoy the outdoors and help with park and habitat enhancement projects at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

NEST Expo
March 14: Parents are invited to the free NEST Expo, 12 to 4 p.m., 1430 N. Mountain Rd., Linglestown, to explore community and professional support for parenting. Event includes resources, raffle, food trucks and discounted maternity photoshoot. www.nest-hbg.com

Dance Night
March 15: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for a Cha-Cha lesson at 2 p.m., followed by three hours of social dancing at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. All levels welcome. Admission is $15, $10 for members and $5 for students. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA

Shamrock Shuffle
March 17: Susquehanna Township Parks and Recreation hosts a Shamrock Shuffle Kids Trail Fun Run at Boyd Park, Continental Dr., Harrisburg, 5:30 p.m. Admission is $15 or $10 for township residents. www.susqparks.com

Bird Walk
March 18: Start off your morning at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, with an early migration bird walk led by Wildwood volunteers, 8 to 10 a.m. Look for waterfowl, early songbird migrants and lingering winter bird species. www.wildwoodlake.org

Media Talk
March 19: American Association of University Women (Harrisburg) will host Joyce Davis, opinion editor for PennLive and the Patriot-News, in a talk about “Challenges to the American Media—A Veteran Journalist’s Perspective,” at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 6:30 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

3rd in The Burg
March 20: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

St. Patty’s Parade
March 21: Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 2 p.m. The Lucky Charm 4-Miler race through downtown Harrisburg precedes the parade, beginning at noon. www.harrisburgstpatricksdayparade.com

Flower Walk
March 22: Take a walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1:30 to 3 p.m., to look for skunk cabbage and other cold tolerant plants and observe how plants overwinter. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Game Day
March 22: Frederickson Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, invites the community to a board game day for adults 19 years of age and older, 1 to 5 p.m. Library will have games available to play, but feel free to bring your own. fredricksenlibrary.org

Free Concert
March 22: Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Rd., Mechanicsburg, hosts Filament, Philadelphia-based Baroque chamber ensemble, in a free public performance with works by J.S. Bach, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy standards originally written for Broadway and Hollywood. trindlespringlutheran.org

Empty Bowls
March 23: Join Carlisle Arts Learning Center and Project SHARE for their annual community Empty Bowls fundraiser to help food insecurity in the Carlisle area, 5 N. Orange Street, Suite #4, Carlisle, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a selection of local soups and take home a handmade ceramic bowl by a local potter. www.carlislearts.org

Women of Excellence
March 24: YWCA Greater Harrisburg hosts the 37th annual “Tribute to Women of Excellence” awards dinner at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey, 5:30 to 8 p.m. The tribute will honor 28 outstanding women in the capital region who make a difference in their communities. www.ywcahbg.org

Listening Tour
March 25: Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women hosts a capital region listening session to inform the first State of the Woman Report in more than 20 years. Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Begins 4 p.m. Register in advance: https://linktr.ee/pawomen.

Peaceful Poses
March 27: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, hosts two Peaceful Poses yoga sessions—a yoga story time for kids ages 2 to 5 at 10 a.m. Kids will explore mindful movement, focus on deep breaths and find ways to learn about their feelings. fredricksenlibrary.org

Art Auction
March 27: Harrisburg Habitat for Humanity’s 21st annual “Art Builds Homes” art auction will be held at Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, 6 to 10 p.m. Event includes an artist reception with hors d’oeuvres, music, live and silent auctions and live art auction. www.harrisburghabitat.org/art-builds-homes

Wild Art
March 29: Meet the artists behind “Art in the Wild,” as they put finishing touches on installations for the outdoor art exhibit at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, Take a self-guided, 3-mile trail walk to chat with the artists and observe their creation processes, 1 to 3 p.m. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Happenings: Our March Calendar of Events

February 26, 2026 | by Missy Smith

Art Association of Harrisburg

Museums & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“Mustang Then and Now,” through April 19

“Old School Rods and Customs, through April 19

SAAB Showroom, through April 19

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“A Contemplative Dream,” works by Surina Slack that depict surreal fantasy landscapes that reference lucid dreams, witchcraft, psychedelic experiences and emotional memories, through March 22; reception: March 6, 5-8 p.m.

“Women of the Permanent Collection,” featuring a variety of female artists from the 20th century with their own distinctive style and unique perspective, through March 27

“A Day in the Life,” featuring the work of Sarah Mendez, Mark Dennis, Rebekah Campbell and Lisa Moore, through April 2; reception: March 20, 5-8 p.m.

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

Works from The Art Center collection, Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 3-26, 12-7 p.m.

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Faces & Places,” works by Mindy Deardorff and Sherryl Heberlig Sunday, through April 19 (select dates)

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

“Dandelion—CALC’s 2026 Members’ Show,” exploring the many shades of yellow and/or visual puns, through March 14

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

March artist of the month

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

Artwork by Erin Margerum, March 4-28

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, through April 11

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, community room, through May 30

Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery
847 Cumberland St., Lebanon
LebanonPictureFrame.com

Gallery’s Choice—A selection of paintings by local artists, through March 29

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

New works by Tami Bitner, Ann Yeager, Paul Gallo, Cindi Hardwicke, Rachael Bowense, Tara Chickey, through March 15

New works by Tina Berrier, Caren Shelley, The Huckle Buckle Boys, Jeff Scorza, Eve Tiday, Marjorie Taylor, Annika Koser, Justin Pettingell, March 16-April 12

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Works by Ali Wunder and Emily Fussner, through March 3

Capstone artwork by seniors in the B.A. studio art program, March 21-April 12; reception: March 21, 4:30 p.m.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

“Ned Smith—Unseen,” through March 21

Artwork by Marjorie Taylor, March 28-July 18

“Reflections,” mixed media artwork by Kristen Wierman, through April 4

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Art in the Stacks—Elisha Esenu, March 1-31

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Art Faculty Exhibition, through March 20; reception: March 12, 5:30-7 p.m.

Student Honors Show, March 30-April 10; reception: April 9, 5:30-7 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

“Bannered Heroes—Celebrating Pennsylvania’s African American Veterans,” presented by Beta Pi Boulé, the Harrisburg chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boulé)

“Game Changers—Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across PA in diverse fields, detailing their contributions and challenges they faced in their lifetimes

“Horse2Auto—A Transportation Revolution,” exploring the transition from horse to automobile through the history of three vehicles from Pennsylvania’s last transportation revolution

“Illuminating Independence,” featuring 35 original “illuminations” of the Declaration of Independence, completed over 10 years by self-taught Harrisburg resident and penman Sherman Notestine

“Revolutionary Things—Objects from the Collection,” special exhibit bringing together a wide range of objects that testify to Pennsylvania’s outsized role in the American Revolution, scheduled to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

“Nightfall,” juried exhibition exploring the concept of oncoming night, whether metaphorically or through medium and technique, through April 5

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“The Secret Paris of the 1930s—Vintage Photographs by Brassaï,” through April 4

The Trout Gallery
Dickinson College
240 W. High St., Carlisle
717-254-8159; troutgallery.org

“A Measure of Value,” works by Faith Ringgold, Sue Coe, Andy Warhol, the Guerilla Girls and others that consider how art and artifacts intersect with economic principles of markets, through April 4

“Dissecting Locomotion,” examining Eadweard Muybridge’s groundbreaking scientific and photographic project, “Animal Locomotion,” through April 4

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

“Souls Shot Portrait Project: Portraits of Victims of Gun Violence,” March 6-27

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle…Art,” group show, through April 11; reception: April 11, 2-4 p.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; explorewildwoodpark.org

“Art in the Wild,” an outdoor environmental art exhibit with works by local artists created with mostly natural materials, March 29-Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

March 2, 4, 9, 16, 25: Swing dance classes, 6-9:30 p.m.

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

March 3: Make Your Own Glass Marbles (12+ w/legal guardian), 6-8 p.m.
March 4 & 18: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step (adults), 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
March 5: Make Your Own Glass Marbles (12+ w/legal guardian), 6-8 p.m.
March 5: Torn Paper Workshop (adults), 1-4 p.m.
March 19-April 2: Still Life (ages 9-14), Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
March 17-April 21: Functional Pottery (12+ w/legal guardian), Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.
March 18-April 22: The Ceramic Studio (adults), Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m.
March 19-April 23: Pottery for All (adults), Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
March 20: Surface Decoration Workshop (adults), 6-8:30 p.m.
March 24-April 21: Watercolor for the Very Beginner (adults), 6-8 p.m.
March 24-April 14: Next Steps for the Very Beginner in Watercolor 3-5:30pm
March 27: Mug Mania (adults), 6-8 p.m.

Bosler Library
158 W. High St., Carlisle
717-243-4642; boslerlibrary.org

March 2: Monday Night Book Group, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tabletop Gaming, 4:30 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Mah Jongg Club, 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
March 11: Wicked Wednesday Book Group, 1-2 p.m.
March 11: Adult Coloring Night, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
March 23: Graphic Novel Discussion Group, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 27: Just Mysteries, 1-2 p.m.

Capital Blue Cross Connect
4500 Marketplace Way, Enola
www.capitalbluecrossconnect.com/wellness/fitness-classes

March 2, 9 16, 23: Virtual Nature & Wellness Series, 12 p.m.
March 2, 9 16, 23, 30: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24: Mindful Yoga & Meditation, 10 a.m.
March 4: Nutrition Workshop—Eat Better as a Family, 11 a.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Ready, Steady, Action in person and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Strong and Fit in person and virtual, 10 a.m.
March 11: Cooking Connections—Culinary Workshop, 6 p.m.
March 31: Blood Drive, 11 a.m.

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

March 4-April 15: Intermediate/Advanced Wheel 103 (ages 16-adult), Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. (no class: April 1)
March 7: Pen/Ink Watercolor Card, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 7-28: The Right Fit (ages 10-15), Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
March 9: Third Space Craft Night, 6-8 p.m.
March 18-April 8: Drawing Basics, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
March 20-May 4: Wheel 102, Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
March 20: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
March 21: Creativity Exercises for Fun and Inspiration, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 21: Bird in a Next pottery (ages 6-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 28: Put Your Color Pedal to the Metal (ages 13-adult), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 28: Eucalyptus Magic, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

March 10: Books on Tap at Rubber Soul Brewery, Hummelstown, 6-7 p.m.
March 14: Reading the Rainbow at LGBT Center of Central PA, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

East Pennsboro Library
98 S. Enola Dr., Enola
717-732-4274; eastpennsborobranch.org

March 3: Read to Dogs, 6-7 p.m.
March 4: Family Game Night, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
March 7: Dr. Seuss Day, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
March 11: Bean Mosaic Cow Craft, 6:30 p.m.
March 12, 26: Story Time and Craft, 6:30 p.m.
March 17: Drive-In Movie Night—“Balto,” 5:30-7:30 p.m.
March 19: Drop-In STEM Play, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
March 24: BINGO for Books, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 25: Human Trafficking Presentation, 6:30 pm.

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: The Stitch Sitch, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 4: I Am 59 1/2 What Now? (Taking Care of Your Financial Future with Rose Financial Associates), 1-2 p.m.
March 7: Figment Forge, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 11: Assets Under Management and What It Means for Your Retirement and Financial Future (Taking Care of Your Financial Future with Rose Financial Associates), 1-2 p.m.
March 19: Sip and Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 25: East Shore Cinema, 2-4 p.m.
March 29: Pigment of Your Imagination, 2-4 p.m.

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
717-367-7467; etownpubliclibrary.org

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Fiber Artists, 3-6 p.m.
March 6: Taste of Western Lancaster County!, 4:30-9 p.m.
March 7: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 14: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 21: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 28: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

March 19: Spring Homeschool Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

March 1: Pokémon Club for Tweens and Teens, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25: Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5), 11-11:30 a.m. and 6-6:30 p.m.
March 2, 9, 23: Book Explorers (ages 3-6), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
March 2, 16: Fredricksen Writes, 7-8:30 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Food and Farm Discovery Zone, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24: iPhone Basics Series, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 4, 18: Zen Meditation, 2-3 p.m.
March 5: Special Themed Storytime (ages 3-5), 10-10:30 a.m.
March 5: Elementary LEGO Lab, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
March 6: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
March 10, 24: Read to Dogs, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 13, 27: Device Advice, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 14-15: Oscar Shorts, 1-4:30 p.m.
March 16: World Explorers, 6-7 p.m.
March 20: Family Paint & Pix!, 6-8 p.m.
March 21: Neurodivergent Adult Support Group, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 22: Games, Cards and Puzzles, 1-5 p.m.
March 27: Book Dragons Club—Book Keepers, 6-8:30 p.m.
March 27: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime for Preschoolers, 10-10:45 a.m.

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

March 6: St. Patrick’s Day Painting (ages 12 and older), 6-8 p.m.
March 7: Kids Crochet Workshop (ages 5 and older), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 7: Beginner Crochet Workshop, 1-3 p.m.
March 21: Easter Basket, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 22: Easter/Spring Watercolor (ages 12 and older), 2-4 p.m.
March 28: Easter Basket #2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

George & Hettie Love Memorial Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

March 7: Otherworldly Book Club, 12-1 p.m.
March 14: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 20: Intro to Zines, 3:30-5 p.m.
March 21: Silent Book Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 28: Write On!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

March 10-April 28: Oil and Acrylics, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 12-April 9: Water Media, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

March 7, 14, 21, 28: Guided Garden Walk, 10-11 a.m.
March 8, 15: Early Spring Nature Walk, 2-3 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

March 2: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
March 2: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
March 3: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
March 3: Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
March 3: “Mysteries, She Wrote” Mystery Book Group,1 6:30-8 p.m.
March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26: Penn State Hershey Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 4: LEGO Club, 1-2 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Community Crochet Night, 6-7 p.m.
March 5: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Teen Time, 2:30-4:15 p.m.
March 5, 19: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
March 7: Painting with Kayla, 2-4 p.m.
March 7, 21: Cyber Lions PSU Tech Support, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 9: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 10: Philosopher’s Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 14, 28: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
March 17: Splash of Serenity—Watercolors for Relaxation, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 17: Tween Tuesday, 4-5 p.m.
March 17, 31: Silent Book Group, 10-11:30 a.m.
March 21: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 28: Fused Glass Owl, 1-4 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.org

March 23: Fourth Monday Program—On the Road at Historic Grace Church, 6-7 p.m.

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S. Front St., Harrisburg
717- 233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

Mansion Tours, Tuesdays-Friday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
4945 Horn Road, York
717-757-6441; hornfarmcenter.org

March 1: Emerging Abundance—Late Winter Foraging Walk 1:30-3:30 p.m.
March 10: Stick It and It Will Grow—Planting Habitat with Live States, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 15: Grow a Forest with Sticks—The Secret of Live Stakes, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 15: Grow Your own Garden Fence—Introduction to Living Willow Structures, 1:30-4 p.m.
March 24: Building a Regenerative Economy for Local Tree Nuts, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 28: Intro to Power Tools—Build a Picnic Bench, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
March 28: Critter Crawl—Salamanders, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 29: Grow Your Own Microgreens, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 31: Soil Ecology and Self-Renewing Fertility, 6-8 p.m.

Johnson Memorial Library
799 East Center St., Millersburg
717-692-2658; dcls.org

March 5: DriveHer Knowledge, 6-7 p.m.
March 16: Bring Your Own Book Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 18: Weekday Getaway, 4-5:30 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Story Time, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
March 10: Creative Movement Story Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
March 14, 28: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 14, 28: Puzzle Party, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 19, 26: Play Scrabble!, 1:15-3:15 p.m.
March 21: Craft-A-Palooza, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 24: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-2 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-409-5781; centralpalgbtcenter.org

March 1, 8, 15, 22: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Passageways, 2 p.m.
March 14: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

March 4, 11, 18: Zine for Teens, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 10: Information Basics, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 17: Snapology, 5-6:30 p.m.
March 31: Coloring for Teens, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

McCormick Riverfront Library
101 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-234-4976; dcls.org

March 16: Ace That Job App, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St., Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

March 2, 9 16, 23, 30: STEAM Club, 6 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Tiny Tots Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Wee Readers Storytime, 1-2 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Teen Time, 4-5 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: LEGO Club, 6-7 p.m.
March 14: Community Table Top Game Time, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

March 15: Glass Eggs Workshop, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 22: Fluid Art Workshop, 1-4 p.m.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

March 4: Pre-K Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
March 15: Waterfowl Survey, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 21: PA Hunter-Trapper Education Course, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

March 1-31: Dr. Seuss Scavenger Hunt (ages 0-12)
March 1-31: Read Across America Reading Challenge (ages 0-18)
March 2, 16: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 3: Pout-Pout Party (ages 3 and older), 5-6 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 4: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 5: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 5: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 5: Kids Paint Party (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
March 6: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21: Take and Makes (ages 0-12)
March 7, 21: Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 9-April 13: Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
March 10: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
March 10: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 12: Toddler Time (ages 2-3), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 12: Pi Day Art & Architecture Workshop (ages 6-12), 5-6 p.m.
March 13, 20, 27: 1,2,3 Paly With Me (ages 1-3), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 14: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
March 17: Brush Hour Art Club (ages 12 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
March 19: Movers and Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 20: Mini Gold at the Library (ages 8-12), 6-7 p.m.
March 22: 40 Years at the NCPL with Judy Dillen, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 26: STEM Sort & Match with Spring Sensory Bins (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 28: Crafty Crafters, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 31: Junior Scientists (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.

Panacea Healing Arts
701 N. Mountain Rd., Harrisburg
484-373-9109; panaceahealingarts.com

March 2: Crystal Bowl Sound Immersion, 6-7 p.m.
March 6, 20: Hero’s Journey (Role Playing Game-Based Personal Growth for Teens/Young Adult), 6-8 p.m.
March 7: From Stuck to Unstoppable—Simple NLP and Self-Hypnosis Tools for Real Change, 2:30-4 p.m.
March 10, 17, 24: Intro to Breathwork, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 16: Central Pennsylvania Psychedelic Society meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
March 17: Sonic Neural Experience (advanced breathwork), 6-8 p.m.
March 30: Gentle Yoga & Sound Immersion Savasana, 6:30-8 p.m.

Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning
100 Mt. Allen Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-591-7213; thepathwaysinstitute.org

March 9, 16: The World of Ancient Rome, 1:30 p.m.
March 10, 17, 24, April 7, May 12: The American Film Institute’s Top 50 Films (5-session series), 1 p.m.
March 11: Scams All Around Us—Don’t Take the Bait, 10:30 a.m.
March 11: President Putin—25 Years and Counting, 1:30 p.m.
March 12: The Mantrailing Bloodhound Locating the Missing, 10 a.m.
March 13, 20, 27: Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes (3-session series), 10 a.m.
March 16: Exploring Bob Dylan’s Musical Legacy, 10 a.m.
March 19, 26, April 9: Exploring AI—Practical Tools for Everyday Life (3-session series), 10 a.m.
March 19: Behind the Beat—The Surprising True Stories of the Beatles, 1 p.m.
March 23: The Beauty of the Natural World, 1 p.m.

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

March 3: Clovers, Peeps & Easter Eggs Mosaic Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
March 4-April 8: Homeschool & Cyber School Art Class (grades 4-9), Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 4-April 8: Public After School Art Class (grades 4-9), Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

March 6, 21: Storytime—Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket, 10:30 a.m.
March 7: Memory & Logic, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.
March 13: Curiosity Kids—Gardens, 11:30 a.m.
March 18: Candles, 11:30 a.m.
March 20: Virtual Program—Remembrance and Reflection, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
March 22: Memory & Logic, 1-3 p.m.
March 25: Signs of Spring—Leaves!, 11:30 a.m.
March 27: Curiosity Kids—It’s Alive or Not?, 11:30 a.m.

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

March 25: Open Figure Drawing

Susquehanna Township
1900 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-909-9228; susqparks.com

March 14: Mind Techniques Seminar, 10 a.m.
March 17: Shamrock Shuffle Kids Trail Fun Run at Susquehanna Township Boyd Park

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

March 7: Sourdough Basics, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 7: Clay Smoker Faerie House Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 9: Susquehanna Clay Club Meeting, 6 p.m.
March 10: Mosaic Clover/Easter Egg/Peep Bunny Class, 6-8 p.m.
March 11: Insect on Flower Watercolor Class with Summer of Key
March 14: Soup & a Bowl Fundraiser Chili Competition, 12-3 p.m.
March 27: Pennsylvania Birds Watercolor Class, 6-8 p.m.
March 27: Dirty Date Night on Wheel, 7-9 p.m.
March 28: Hand Built Flower Pot Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 28: Beginner Resin Workshop, 1-3 p.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; explorewildwoodpark.org

March 3, 10, 17, 24: Weekly Wellness Walks, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18: Cat In The Hat Learning Series, 10-10:45 a.m.
March 5: Kids Discover—Gregarious Geese (ages 5-10), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 8: Bonsai Workshop, 12 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 11: Penn State Extension Master Gardener’s Veggie Series—Growing Great Tomatoes, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 14: Spring Wreath Workshop, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
March 14: Birds & Coffee with Appalachian Audubon Society, 10-11 a.m.
March 14: Volunteer Work Day Litter Clean-up, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 17: Growing Up Wild—Educator Workshop, 1-3 p.m.
March 18: Bird walk—Waterfowl and Early Spring Migrants, 8-10 a.m.
March 21: Kids Discover—Mammals and Their Pelts (ages 5-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
March 22: Flower Walk—Earliest Bloomers, 1:30-3 p.m.
March 25: Penn State Extension Master Gardener’s Veggie Series—Vegetable Gardening Through the Seasons, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 29: Art in the Wild—Meet the Artists, 1-3 p.m.

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
200 W. Second St., Hummelstown
717-566-0949; dcls.org

March 28: Sourdough for Beginners, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Live Music

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

March 5: The Phil Collins Story
March 6: Vienna Boys Choir
March 8: The Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters
March 12: Air Supply
March 13: Celtic Woman
March 15: Mark Lowry, Endless Highway
March 27: Mitchell Tenpenny
March 28: The Oak Ridge Boys

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

March 5, 12, 19, 26: Open Mic Night
March 6: Flux Capacitor, Joe Kenney Band
March 8: Dale and the ZDubs, Sons of Paradise, Rock Creek Kings
March 11: Sunsquabi, Manic Focus
March 14: St Patrick’s Day Kick Off Party with Big Mike
March 21: Hellbender Hootenanny
March 27: DUUNES, Mdnght Dsco, Observe the 93^rd

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

March 6: Jazz in the City
March 7: York Symphony’s “Carmen Meets Beethoven”
March 13: Tartan Terrors
March 14: Stanley Jordan
March 21: Turn to Stone—A Tribute to ELO
March 22: John Moreland & Patterson Hood
March 24: The Infamous Stringdusters
March 28: The Machine Performs Pink Floyd

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

March 20: Amoroso Da Capo

Capital City Music Hall
234 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
capcitymusichall.com

March 1: Rumours ATL
March 5: Candlebox
March 6: Glif CD Release Show
March 6: The Emo Night Tour
March 7: The Pietasters
March 13: Hold Fast
March 14: Internal Bleeding
March 14: I Love R&B
March 15: The Browning
March 20: Super 70s Rock Show
March 20: All Your Friends Indie Party
March 21: Battle of the Bands 2026
March 21: Gimme Gimme Disco
March 25: Sebastian Bach
March 27: Noun
March 28: Nailbite

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar
204 Locust St., Harrisburg
717-909-9191; carleysristorante.com

March 4, 25: Christine Purcell
March 5, 26: Dr. Nyce
March 6, 20: Roy Lefever
March 7, 21: Chris Emkey
March 11, 18: Tristin Lynee
March 12, 19: Andrea Britton
March 13, 27: Ted Ansel
March 14, 28: Anthony Haubert

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

March 21: Start Making Sense—Talking Heads Tribute
March 22: Cherish The Ladies Irish Music, Song & Dance
March 27: Dirty Deeds—The AC/DC Experience
March 28: Beginnings—Music of Chicago

Elizabethtown College
1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
717-361-1212; etown.edu

March 16: Jocelyn Swigger
March 23: Virginia State University Concert Choir

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

March 6: The Badlees, Jellybricks
March 7: The Badlees, Hot Wing Jones
March 10: Tannahill Weavers
March 20: Music for Good w/Meghan Cary, Peter Quinn Farell, Cate Monaco
March 28: Sugar Mountain—A Tribute to Neil Young

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

March 1: “The Golden Age of the Silver Screen”
March 14-15: “Masquerade”

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

March 21: Hershey Symphony—Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel” in Concerts

Hollywood Casino
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville
717-469-2211; hollywoodpnrc.com

March 7: Draw the Line
March 13: Little Rock Band
March 14: Luv Gods
March 20: Hunkajunk
March 21: Until Sunrise
March 27: New Normal Band

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

March 1: The Texas Tenors
March 5: Taiko Project
March 10, 11: Blue Man Group

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

March 17: Doric String Quartet

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

March 5: Vienna Boys Choir
March 21: Messiah University Concert Choir
March 24: Messiah University Jazz Combo

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

March 14: Big Sky Quartet

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. Third St., Harrisburg
717-238-9304; pinestreet.org

March 22: Juliette Tacchino and Grant Loehnig

Stock’s on 2nd
211 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

March 13: Saint Eldred

Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

March 9: Dervish
March 10: Tannahill Weavers

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; westshoretheatre.org

March 6: Haus of Monsters—Tribute to Lady Gaga
March 7: Best Shot—A Tribute to Pat Benatar & Women Who Rock
March 8: Cumberland Honey, Aroostine Lively, Grace Mahar, Gena Lanette
March 9: Dervish
March 13: St. Patrick’s Kickoff Concert with Seasons
March 20: Blitz Dynette
March 21: Philadelphia Freedom—A Tribute to Elton John
March 27: Erica Lyn Everest
March 28: Jeffrey Gaines, Meaghan Farrell
March 29: The Unforgettable Big Band

XL Live
801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg
717-409-8975; xlhbg.com

March 7: Ballyhoo! Artikal Sound
March 13: Nashville Nights—The Ultimate 90s Country Band
March 14: Kilmaine Saints, The Super Hi-Tech Jet Fighters
March 25: Burning Witches
March 26: The Soul Rebels
March 28: Nirvani, Alice In Sane, Age Against the Machine

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

March 7: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy and the Celtic All Stars
March 21: Great American Crooners

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

March 7: Tupelo Honey

The Stage Door

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

March 19: “Menopause The Musical 2—Cruising Through ‘The Change’”
March 20: “Riverdance”
March 26: “Dr. Seuss The Cat in the Hat—Live on Stage!”

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

March 7: “Couples Therapy—The Theatrical Show”
March 12: “Kinky Boots”
March 14: Havana Night with Luis Santiago
March 19: The Outlet—Music & Poetry Open Mic
March 21: “Stone Soup…And Other Stories”
March 26: Kristin Key

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

March 1-8: “The Time of Your Life”

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

March 1-21: “Little of Shop Horrors”
March 27-May 10: “Oklahoma!”

Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

March 4-21: Popcorn Hat Players present “Pinocchio”
March 7-29: “King Lear”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

March 6, 7: Rich Vos
March 13, 14: Dan Frigolette and Josh Ryan
March 20, 21: Coleman Green, Ryan Cox
March 27, 28: Chris Wiles, Shane McConnaghy
March 29, 30: Steve-O

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

March 6: Free Improv, Lil’ Stinkers, Neighborhood Gossip, Am I the Assshow?, Who’s There?, On the Record—An Improv Talk
March 7: Free Improv Mixer
March 13, 15: Level 1—Intro to Improv Class Graduation Show
March 14: Formerly Barn Bitches
March 28: Get to the Point!, Grandy

Hershey Area Playhouse
830 Cherry Dr., Hershey
717-533-8525; hersheyareaplayhouse.com

March 6-8: “Sally Sells Seashells (And You Can, To!)”

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

March 5: Neil deGrasse Tyson
March 13: Jim Jefferies
March 14: Steve Martin & Martin Short
March 24-29: “Tina—The Tina Turner Musical”

Keystone Theatrics
The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; keystonetheatrics.com

March 1: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmpa.com

March 1-15: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare”

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

March 14: “The Magic School Bus”

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

March 1: Spring Senior Series
March 26-29: “Hansel and Gretel” opera

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

March 5: EFF Live
Through March 7: “Stoney Brook”
March 14: BaRPG
March 20-22: “Jesus Christ Superstar”
March 25-April 2: The Good at Heart Festival
March 26: “Anne Frank: Stories from the Annex”
March 27-29: “Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed & Unbowed”

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Road, Camp Hill
717-737-6768; oystermill.com

March 6-22: “Love, Loss and What I Wore”

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

March 6: We the People First Friday—“Unbound: Poetry, Presence and the Art of Becoming”

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

March 19: Dancing with the Celts
March 20: Gary Gulman
March 24: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Golden Crunch: Fried chicken stand opens in the Broad Street Market

February 20, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Damien Randell at his new stand in the Broad Street Market

Damien’s Fried Chicken is only on its second day open in the Broad Street Market, but owner Damien Randell said he’s already getting requests.

“I’m like the chicken DJ,” he said jokingly.

At his stand in the stone market building, Randell fries wings, breasts, drumsticks, gizzards and livers, and makes fresh cut fries too.

The menu is intentionally simple to start, as he gets his footing with the new business, but he plans to add more. Several customers have already put their votes in for potato salad, he said.

Randell most recently managed a local Restaurant Depot and has had businesses in the past, but this is his first in the food industry. While working at the Restaurant Depot, Randell said he got to know several market vendors, who encouraged him to consider starting a business in the market.

Randell had visited the market when he used to make the trip to Harrisburg from Reading to visit family when he was young. The diversity of vendors and customers stood out to him, he said. He also said he sees the “potential” of the market and believes that he arrived at the perfect time, as the fire-burned brick building is being restored.

So far, he said his debut in the market has been welcomed.

“It’s been nothing but love,” he said. “Everybody’s been so helpful.”

And while he’s new to owning a restaurant, Randell is seasoned in the kitchen. Having five kids has made him a chef, he explained. Cooking even helped him form a special connection with his daughter, who he would watch cooking shows with.

For the chicken he serves up hot to hungry market customers, Randell uses a “secret spice.” He wouldn’t give up the secret, but said you’ll have to come try his chicken and taste it.

“I just want to bring the community together through some fried chicken,” he said.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Plants + Pints to return this spring with plant-based vendors and a charitable mission

February 18, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Plants + Pints 2025. Photo by Michael Yatsko.

An upcoming event will make living healthy fun.

Plants + Pints returns to Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg on Sunday, April 12, bringing together plant-based vendors and craft beverages for a good cause.

“Plants + Pints is exactly the kind of event that brings downtown Harrisburg to life,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which is hosting the festival with Sara Bozich Events. “We’re thrilled to welcome it back to Strawberry Square in 2026 and continue highlighting the incredible plant-based and plant-forward talent we have right here in our region.”

The event, which has been hosted downtown for several years, will highlight vegetarian and vegan food, products and beverages. Over 40 vendors will be in attendance. Food and drink will be offered as samples and available for purchase.

Plants + Pints will run from 1 to 5 p.m.

Additionally, proceeds from the event will go to benefit Downtown Daily Bread, a nonprofit that feeds and shelters unhoused community members.

“We’re so grateful for this event supporting Downtown Daily Bread,” said Kristen Herman, executive director of Downtown Daily Bread. “Plants + Pints brings people together around a fun community event, and the proceeds provide critical support for the meals, shelter, and services our guests rely on every day.”

Tickets are $20 and kids under 12 years old are free.

Downtown street parking is free on Sundays.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit Sara Bozich’s website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

HMAC employees, patrons speak in support of venue, ask City Council for help

February 17, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

HMAC

Employees and patrons of a Harrisburg music venue on Tuesday asked for City Council’s help to keep its doors open.

Harrisburg Midtown Art Center (HMAC) earlier today announced that it would close, saying that it cannot get essential operating licenses after failing to pay entertainment taxes.

During council’s work session, over a dozen residents indicated that they were there in solidarity with HMAC and spoke on behalf of the venue during public comment.

“HMAC has approached the mayor and the city solicitor with a concrete plan to pay the taxes owed and despite HMAC’s attorney reaching out, neither the mayor nor the city solicitor have responded, I believe for two weeks,” said resident Julia Tilley. “The only comment that was made that was shared with me was that the administration really doesn’t care if HMAC closes. Now I really can’t believe that anybody would’ve said that, but if they did, if it is true, I think it is a pretty terrible position for a city that is hemorrhaging restaurants and other businesses.”

According to John Traynor, one of the concert venue’s co-founders, HMAC has been closed for two weeks, not being allowed to operate without essential licenses, like health and mercantile licenses.

City Solicitor Neil Grover told TheBurg that HMAC owed a “substantial” amount of unpaid entertainment taxes and said that this is an “issue of their making.”

Traynor shared the same sentiments as Tilley, that HMAC has attempted to work out the issue with the city, but hasn’t received a response. Grover told TheBurg that HMAC’s offer, as of last week, constituted “pennies on the dollar” for what it owed.

Tilley urged council to look at the city’s amusement tax rate of 10% per ticket sold, which, she said, is higher than Philadelphia and New York City.

Amy Trout, co-founder of the Blacklisted Poets of Harrisburg, which hosts events at HMAC, said that her group found a home at the venue.

“It is the only venue in this city that has ever made us feel welcome and wanted and appreciated,” she said. “And I think it is so important to support the arts.”

Another man, who said he is a local promoter who hosts events at HMAC, said that Chris Werner, an HMAC principal, gave him a chance.

“I hope that there’s an answer because if there isn’t and HMAC closes down, I have to figure something out,” he said. “I started from the bottom there.”

Another woman who used to work for HMAC said that working at the venue gave her “purpose.”

“We want to stay working in the city, we want to stay living in the city, and a lot of us, it’s a very real possibility that we’ll have to leave the city both as residents and workers […] We want to stay and we love our city very much.”

Werner’s daughter even stepped up to the mic to share how her father’s business impacted her.

“HMAC has always been my safe place and where I felt the most protected,” she said. “It’s where I see my future. It’s where I learned everything. While most kids grow up trying to figure out their future, I’ve always known.”

Several council members expressed their support for city businesses and said that they would look into the situation with HMAC.

“I don’t want to see another Harrisburg business close. I really hope that we can all work together, we’re all adults in this room, and find a solution because I don’t think any of us can afford for another Harrisburg business to close,” said council member Jocelyn Rawls.

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Warming shelter opens for youth experiencing homelessness, with planned pay-what-you-can restaurant to come

February 16, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Thrive warming shelter

Harrisburg youth in need of a safe place to go have a new option.

City-based Thrive Housing Services on Monday held its grand opening of a warming shelter in Midtown for children, teens and young adults experiencing homelessness.

“We wanted to make this a space that is nice and cozy so that they can feel like they have family, they can feel like they have friends, they can feel like they belong somewhere and their voice is heard,” said Dee Allen, Thrive’s executive director.

The service center, at 1122 N. 3^rd St., will serve as a place for young people to hang out, rest, get snacks and find connections with service providers that can help them with things like housing and basic needs.

Thrive warming shelter

“We definitely are going to make sure that they get the things that they need so they can move forward out of homelessness,” Allen said.

Thrive currently offers housing across the city for young adults experiencing homelessness. Allen described the new center as a way to reach more young people in need of help.

Youth ages 10 to 24 are welcome to utilize the center. Up to 20 youth can be in the center at once.

“Our children and young people in this community certainly need space to belong,” said Randie Yeager, Dauphin County Human Services director. “I’m just so excited for this opportunity for our young people.”

The property, which also includes 1120 N. 3^rd St., was previously owned by Heartshine, a group that renovated the property and planned to open a pay-what-you-can restaurant. However, that restaurant was never completed or opened. Heartshine later gifted the property to Thrive.

In addition to the warming center, Thrive plans to re-start the pay-what-you-can restaurant in the building that is set back beyond a small courtyard. They are also working to renovate and build out four apartments for Thrive clients above the warming center building. Allen said that those two projects are projected to be complete at the end of the year, but are heavily dependent on funding.

Planned pay-what-you-can restaurant next to the warming shelter

Allen described the restaurant as a way for anyone to be served food and given dignity, regardless of their income level and ability to pay. There will be suggested menu prices provided. The restaurant will also employ Thrive clients, giving the young adults job training and experience.

While the restaurant and apartments are still in the works, Allen said that she wanted to get the warming center open first, due to the recent extreme cold temperatures.

“It was two degrees last week,” Allen said. “We interviewed a kid last week, right before it got cold, and he was staying behind in a pizza shop […] I was like, we’ve got to hurry up.”

Thrive warming shelter

For more information about Thrive Housing Services or to donate, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Burg Review: “Ephraim Slaughter: Freedom’s Witness” tells the story of an overlooked Harrisburg hero with “pure poetry”

February 13, 2026 | by Gina Napoli

To celebrate Black History Month, Harrisburg is privileged to meet one of its adopted sons, Ephraim Slaughter, a Civil War Union Army veteran, community leader, and philanthropist who was born into slavery in 1846. Sankofa African American Theatre Company and Gamut Theatre tell his story through the poignant one-act play, “Ephraim Slaughter: Freedom’s Witness,” breathed into life by Director Sharia Benn, Pennsylvania playwright Teresa Miller, and several resident descendants who proudly claim lineage to their ancestor.

When we meet Ephraim Slaughter (Marcus McGhee), he is puttering around his living room dressed in a simple robe, listening to the staticky hum of an old-time radio. When he finds his way into his easy chair and sips from a delicate teacup, I feel ready to comfortably slide right along with him into the memories surrounding him. His bookshelf holds not only books, but mementoes like a brown globe, a canteen, and a leather urn, next to faded pictures and recently shined medals (Props Designer, Alex Winnick).

When he tells his life story, all comfort falls away. Slaughter escapes a plantation in North Carolina to enlist in the United States Colored Troops. He fought for our country’s freedom while finding his personal freedom. Then he changed into a bellhop uniform to fold napkins, meeting his wife in a hotel kitchen. Moving Slaughter’s life story through time and eventually to Harrisburg, McGhee deftly shifts his character’s age and various roles through simple costume changes (Costume Designer, Callie Lythgoe). McGhee, who shaved his head to embody the main character, creates an incredibly convincing Ephraim Slaughter.

Through his many life stations, Slaughter reminisces about the people alive in his memories, many of whom did not treat him well. Mystical voices from the past drift in and out of the hazy dream that memories and history become when they are cobbled together from historians and binders in dusty corners. The voices of Afrofuturism echo throughout, suggesting that Slaughter’s past of resistance is linked to the voices of the future. He stands as the embodiment of the sum of his memories, feeding his own experiences into future generations. Disembodied voices signify that there is more to his story than what we see right in front of us. (Voice-Over Cast: Clark Nicholson, Sergeant James McCall; General Benjamin Butler, Jeff Wasileski; Georgiana Slaughter, Leah Payne. Afrofuturistic Voice-Over Cast: Ursula Ayler, Weimy Montero Candelario, Lunden McClain, Najuma Norman, and David Payne. Sound Designer, Callie Lythgoe).

Each voice is channeled by Slaughter’s granddaughter, Yvonne Pittman (Melinda Anderson), who waves her hands to whoosh the voices in. Anderson also serves as the Narrator as the hands of time tick by. The symbolism of hands carries through Slaughter’s life story. He picked cotton with raw fingers, and later folded napkins while meeting his first wife, whose hands were caked with flour. Then he asked for the hand of a woman 43 years his junior to be his marital companion. These same hands passed the baton to the generations that followed, who press back at his likeness through museum glass.

The play’s dialogue is pure poetry. I find myself wondering if the humble, quiet Ephraim Slaughter spoke lyrically in real life, or if poetic license crept in. I quickly decide that I don’t care. I love the way the dialogue lilts its way into my brain, gliding across my ears first. Plus, the life story of a pillar of Harrisburg deserves flowery pomp and circumstance, with a little extra sprinkled in to compensate for the many times he was overlooked. And this play is focused on him, so he can hold the floor as long as he wants, and drop the mic when he decides.

“Memory is our greatest defense against erasure. This is truly a Sankofa piece, merging past, present, and truly, the future, bringing in elements of Afrofuturism,” Benn said of the two-year project. Research sources included members of Slaughter’s own family. His great-granddaughter, Dr. Sharonn Williams, shared her talents as historian and genealogist. You may be privileged enough to attend a performance with the real-life Yvonne Pittman. I was, and she shared wonderful memories of her grandfather’s pride and philanthropy surrounding homeownership during a time, according to Pittman, when Black folks didn’t own their own homes.

To me, up until this play, Ephraim Slaughter was just another statue at the National Civil War Museum, and the name on the placard of the Ephraim Slaughter American Legion Post 733, set at the entrance to Reservoir Park. Both tributes stand just as humbly as the man who, through 97 years and 19 presidents, “wrote down his life so we would know what it cost to get here.”

“Ephraim Slaughter: Freedom’s Witness” runs Feb. 14-22 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4^th St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, visit https://www.sankofatheatrehbg.com/ or https://www.gamuttheatre.org/sankofa.

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Harrisburg mayor says legal agreement with City Council is a “compromise,” not “celebration”

February 12, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Mayor Wanda Williams spoke about her agreement with City Council during a press conference in city hall.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams said that, while she and City Council reached an agreement on funding for top officials, she doesn’t see the compromise as a victory.

During a press conference on Thursday morning, Williams addressed her agreement with council following a legal battle over council’s defunding of several top positions as part of the 2026 budget.

“This is not a victory speech. It is a statement of compromise,” Williams said. “This is a necessary step to move the city of Harrisburg forward.”

Earlier this week, council and Williams filed a joint agreement in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas to re-fund a few of the positions that council had previously defunded, including the business administrator and project director for business administration/LERTA and create a new director of economic development position.

In the budget, council also removed funding for the police bureau’s director of community engagement and relations and partially defunded the director of building and housing and economic development. Those changes will stand.

Williams sued council in early January, alleging that council acted outside of its power, however, Dauphin County Judge Jeffrey Engle sided with council in his decision. A week later, council and Williams came to an agreement.

Council members, during a Tuesday legislative session, praised the agreement. Council Vice President Lamont Jones called it a “new day” for the city and a “shining moment.” Other council members saw it as a step forward for the city and for the relationship between council and the mayor.

In contrast, Williams said that the compromise with council was not something to celebrate.

“I do not confuse compromise with celebration,” she said. “My responsibility is not to win arguments. It is to protect the interests of the residents of the city of Harrisburg […] Compromise is sometimes necessary to keep a city moving. That is what great leadership does.”

Williams said that she didn’t “love” the terms of the agreement, but said that “because the voters, the taxpayers and residents deserve a city government that is unified,” she accepted the terms.

Terms of the agreement included Williams hiring a new business administrator and ending the practice of appointing “interim” directors and having council approve of new hires, an issue that informed council’s original decision to cut funding to two directors.

Williams and council did not meet as part of the negotiation process, but had their attorneys come to an agreement. Williams said that she has not met with council since then either.

When TheBurg asked if she would consider setting a meeting with council to work on their relationship, Williams said that her door is always open to council, but that no one has come to her office.

“This door is always open,” Williams said. “I even stay here until 6 or 7 o’clock at night. You’ll catch me here many a night. Two of them [council members] have jobs, the other five probably don’t have jobs, and I am here if they need me for any kind of information.”

Williams said that the city will begin searching for new employees to fill the business administrator, project director for business administration/LERTA and new director of economic development positions.

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