One of the many meeting spaces available at Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center in Blue Bell, PA
Originally opened in 1938, the rotunda was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome,and its domed ceiling is self-sup- porting despite weighing 1,600-tons. The floors,walls,columns and cornices were created from rare marbles from Portugal, Italy and France.
Lasting a littlemore than threeminutes, a multimedia show in the rotunda demonstrates Franklin’s impact on the world as a citizen, statesman, civic leader and scientist.Open to the public at all times when the Franklin Institute is open, there’s no admission fee to see it.
The Franklin Institute touts that it has “fun down to a science” and proves it with its live shows. In Carnival of Machines, guests explore the concepts of work and the physics of motion. The CBS3 Weather Show explores where weather comes from and the factors that make it sunny or blustery.
In addition, attendees can make a cloud, experience the effects of wind and water,and create a twister - all right on stage! The Science of Fireworks Show delves into the reason that fire- works sparkle,whistle and have colors, and uncovers the science of these pyrotechnic explosions.
62 September October 2016
Additional on-site exhibits explore a variety of scientific subjects, from human anatomy to locomotion to outer space to sports science and more.
The rich history of Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center dates back to 1730 when it was first pur- chased by Jacob Levering. He passed the original 68-acres on to his daughter, Catherine, and her husband, who built The Franklin House or the Franklinville Inn on the property in 1834. This tavern became a popular restaurant and lodg- ing house for travelers, and gained recognition in 1873 when a prominent Philadelphia businessman, William Singerly, purchased it as his country home and named it“The Record Farm” after the Philadelphia Record newspa- per that he purchased in 1877.
Singerly built the barn that’s still stand- ing here 126 years later (it was the largest barn in the
U.S.at the time), and he continued to grow his farm to a robust 825-acres. He built other barns and structures on his property to house cattle, sheep,horses and the employees who worked the farm.
Years later, the land that included the farmhouse and barn was eventually sold to Ralph Strassburger, a local busi-
nessman who renamed it Normandy Farm after Normandy, France, where he and his wife had honeymooned.
By the year 2000, the land had been sold to a variety of land developers, with Hansen Properties acquiring the land surrounding the barn and other historic structures. Hansen completely renovated it, and the first meetings on the property took place in 2003.
At Normandy Farm’s sister facility, the Blue Bell Country Club, attendees can network and unwind while playing a round of golf. Located across the street from Normandy Farm, the private golf and country club is a full-service facili- ty, too, offering golf on an Arnold Palmer-designed signature course, as well as first-class recreational amenities and fine dining.
Finally, at Harrah’s Atlantic City, there’s plenty to do without ever leaving the property. Set in the marina district, Harrah’s houses The Pool, a 25,000- square foot space beneath a 90-foot glass
dome.This space includes a swim- ming pool, six hot tubs and the Xhibition Bar.
The award-winning Elizabeth Arden Red Door spa at Harrah’s Atlantic City
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