Homecoming IV is being held in Lewisburg, PA, which is near the final homesite of Martin Dreisbach (1717-1799). Martin and Anna Eva are buried at the Dreisbach Church which he helped to found.
Lewisburg, located in Central Pennsylvania, 7 miles south of I-80 and about 60 miles north of Harrisburg, is on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. It is noted for its Federal and Victorian architecture and is the home ofBucknell University.
PROGRAMFriday, June 25
9AM Registrations Open. Visit Local Attractions on your own. There are many interesting things to do in and around Lewisburg. Noon –2PM Lunch at the nearby Dreisbach Church. Hear about the history of this church. 2PM Return to Lewisburg and go sightseeing, shopping or look for antiques. 5 PM Get Acquainted in Hospitality Roomopen till ?? “Branch Dinners” On your own.
Saturday, June 26 8AM Registration continues 9AM “Get to Know Your Ancestors.” Brief Presentations on the Simon and Martin lines. 10-12AM Business Meeting 12-1:30 PM Lunch On your own 2 PM “Dreisbachs in the Civil War.” Hear about them and learn how to research your other ancestors. 3 PM Sharing time. Check out the displays and visit with your cousins 5 PM Reception in Hospitality Room 6 PM Buffet Dinner 7:30 Talk by Dr. Paul Riedesel “Old Wittgenstein in the early 1700’s”
Sunday, June 27 Celebrate Mass with Fr. Charles or attend morning services at the Dreisbach Church.
Union County is “Dry”. Any alcohol that you bring should be handled discreetly.
WITTGENSTEIN
As part of Saturday’s program, Dr. Paul Riedesel will talk to us about life in Old Wittgenstein. Wittgenstein, once an Imperial County in Central Germany ruled by the Counts of Sayn-Wittgenstein, is the ancestral home of the Dreisbach family. Abraham of Balde, the common ancestor of many of our Dreisbach lines, lived here in the mid 1500’s. Simon Dreisbach emigrated from Wittgenstein in 1743 and his cousin, Martin in 1751. Dr. Riedesel, a noted author, genealogist, and expert on Wittgenstein, will take us back in time so that we can learn more about how our forefathers (and mothers) lived and why they may have decided to take the bold step of emigrating to America.
Site of Martin Dreisbach's house, present house built in 1895
