AVELLA, Pa. — Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, part of the Smithsonian-affiliated Senator John Heinz History Center’s family of museums, will host its Taffy Pull & Fall Finale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22.

A day of fall-themed activities for the whole family, the Taffy Pull & Fall Finale will take visitors back in time to experience life in early Western Pennsylvania.

Visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations in the Hamilton Log House, cornhusk crafting in the 18th-century frontier area, and test their skills with the atlatl — a spear-thrower used by prehistoric hunters in a recreated 16th-century Monongahela Indian Village.

In addition, visitors can bring their sweet tooth to special taffy pulling parties at the King House for a $5 fee per participant in addition to regular admission. They will learn about historic confections and make the old-fashioned treat to take home. Space is limited for the taffy pulling, so reservations are recommended; call 724-587-3412.

Throughout the day, Meadowcroft guests can explore 19,000 years of history.

Except for taffy pulling parties, admission includes all fall finale activities, $15 for adults, $14 for senior citizens, $7 for students, and free for members. Children aged 17 and under receive free admission for October, thanks to the support from UPMC.

The last day of Meadowcroft’s 2022 season will be Sunday, Oct. 30.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village operates in association with the Senator John Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania’s largest history museum. Meadowcroft, a National Historic Landmark, is the oldest site of human habitation in North America and features a massive rock overhang used by the region’s first inhabitants for shelter as early as 19,000 years ago. Meadowcroft’s 19th-century village features a covered bridge, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, church, and two log houses that create a charming country village setting. The 16th-century Indian Village includes wigwams, recreated prehistoric artifacts, and hands-on activities related to American Indian agriculture. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is located in Avella, Pa., Washington County, within an hour’s drive of Pittsburgh, Wheeling and Steubenville. For more information, visit heinzhistorycenter.org and click on the Meadowcroft tab.