The grounds of Burnside Plantation are open daily from dusk to dawn for social distancing walks to explore the grounds and developing garden. While you should remain mindful of your surroundings, the Mason Bees are not aggressive should you run into them while they carry out their important job.

PRESS PHOTO CURTESY HBMS/ Scott Piccotti COVID-19 has slowed or impacted work for many, at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS.) The Burnside Plantation Garden Volunteers have been working hard to prepare their plots while responsibly social distancing. But they're not the only volunteers out in the colonial garden these days. HBMS added new members to the team at Burnside. You won't see them wearing masks and gloves though – they're bees. The new tenants are Mason Bees and they have a very important job. They will help pollinate the beds in the colonial garden and the trees in the apple orchard. Unlike honeybees, which pollinate only 5 percent of the flowers they land on, Mason Bees pollinate 95 percent of the flowers they land on! That's because Mason Bees belly flop onto the flower, getting pollen all over their little bodies that they carry along. They can visit up to 2,000 flowers a day.

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS) is excited to announce that the 33rd annual Blueberry Festival will continue to turn tongues blue this year with a new safe visitor format, The Blueberry Festival To Go Market . This nine-day market will be open daily from July 18-26 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. with senior shopping hours from 9 a.m.- 10 a.m. at Burnside Plantation. Pre-orders will be available online through the brand new HBMS online store starting later in early July and available for pick up during the 9-day market. Our convenient drive up and pick up service at the Burnside Plantation will provide you and your family with your summertime favorites while practicing safe social distancing. Pick up times will be scheduled when placing your order to ensure safe social distancing is practiced while at Burnside Plantation. Check the daily schedule on the HBMS website as time gets closer for more details.