A traditional Chinese dance performance. (Courtesy of Mary Hall)
Scores of visitors, including many families with young children, gathered at the Pearl S. Buck House National Historic Landmark in Hilltown on Feb. 21 to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse.
The annual celebration, hosted by Pearl S. Buck International and co-sponsored by the Central Bucks Chinese-American Association, featured a variety of traditional performances, crafts and cultural demonstrations. Guests enjoyed dance and musical performances, Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting activities, shadow puppets, face painting and lessons in using chopsticks, according to a Pearl S. Buck International press release.
Additional highlights included a Chinese fashion show, demonstrations of the Chinese zither and tea ceremonies, as well as food and coffee vendors. Visitors also had the opportunity to tour the historic Pearl S. Buck House museum throughout the day.
Kenneth Cha and the Dream Saxophone Academy perform traditional and popular American and Korean music. (Courtesy of Mary Hall)
Guests practice Chinese calligraphy. (Courtesy of Mary Hall)
Guests are treated to a Zither demonstration and the opportunity to try playing the instrument. (Courtesy of Mary Hall)
Children get their faces painted. (Courtesy of Mary Hall)
A Chinese tea ceremony demonstration is held. (Courtesy of Mary Hall)As the organization continues its cultural and educational programming, Pearl S. Buck International is also inviting community members to get involved through volunteer opportunities beginning this spring.
Monthly volunteer orientations will return starting March 19 at 1 p.m. at the organization’s campus at 520 Dublin Road in Perkasie. The session will allow prospective volunteers to learn about the nonprofit’s mission while touring the historic house museum and surrounding property.
Volunteers support the organization in a variety of ways, including serving as tour docents, assisting with the archival collection, helping in the gift shop, processing letters from sponsored children and supporting major events such as the annual Juried Craft Show and Festival of Trees.
Participants are also encouraged to contribute their own talents, which have helped spark projects ranging from public quilt displays and book discussion groups to theatrical performances and photography projects centered on the Pearl S. Buck House.
Those interested in attending the March orientation can register by calling 215-249-0100, ext. 110. Additional orientation sessions will be offered in the coming months for those unable to attend the March date.
Pearl S. Buck International promotes cross-cultural understanding, supports children and families around the world and preserves the legacy of Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck through the stewardship of her historic home and educational programs. More information is available at pearlsbuck.org
