Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Join us for a special guided walking tour of two extraordinary Harrisburg landmarks: THE ZEMBO SHRINE and WILLIAM PENN HIGH CAMPUS!
The tour will explore the interiors and exteriors of both buildings, taking in the nearby Civil War Obelisk, Italian Lake and other sites along the way. Special arrangements have been made with the owners of both facilities, who will assist in conducting the tour. Both properties are currently listed on Historic Harrisburg’s 2020 “Preservation Priorities” List, reflecting their architectural and cultural significance to the Harrisburg region and their pending transitions to new ownership.
Zembo Shrine, built in 1930 as the home of Harrisburg’s Masonic organizations, has for 90 years been the site of many important performances, sporting events, rallies and circuses. It’s spectacular Moorish Revival architecture, designed by the noted Harrisburg architect Charles Howard Lloyd, includes stunning interiors lined with dazzling colorful tiles, sumptuous original furniture and other unique features.
William Penn High School, also designed by C.H. Lloyd opened in 1926 as the mate to John Harris High School (its former archival), at the city’s northern and eastern ends respectively. With its porticoed beaux-arts styling and expansive campus grounds overlooking Italian Lake, it was renowned as one of the grandest public high school campuses in Pennysylvania. It has been closed since 1972, when Harrisburg School District consolidated its upper grades into the John Harris campus and renamed it Harrisburg High School.
Meet at the main north entrance to the Zembo Shrine. 3rd and Division Streets at 10 AM. Free parking is available along Third Street and in the adjacent Zembo lot. After touring William Penn High School, we will return to our starting point by 12 PM.
Ticket prices are as follows:
General admission: $15
HHA Members: $10
Students: $5
***Please consider risk factors before purchasing tickets. The William Penn High School has long stood vacant and has been victim to vandalism; there may be broken glass and other debris to walk through. Many rooms do not have electricity nor heat so please expect low to no light and dress appropriately to the weather conditions. The following will be required on the tour:
-Flat, closed-toed shoes
-Flashlight
-Mask
-Tour Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver
**NO PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN INSIDE OF THE BUILDING
*****Covid-19 Precations: Face masks are required for walking tours and social distancing measures are expected to be maintained by staff and visitors.
For full Covid-19 guidelines, please visit:
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