Thanksgiving already?

Not quite, but we’ve survived Halloween and exhausted our supplies of “fun-size” candy bars (except for the emergency stash). Thanks to all of you who supported the Pennsylvania Trails of History by attending a harvest or Halloween program at one of our sites.

So, what’s coming up (besides more excuses to overeat, or is that just me)? As autumn slides into winter, we all begin to think about our own holiday traditions, and historic sites are no different. PHMC sites host a number of time-honored programs, some of which have been presented for over 20 years. Other offerings are newer, on their way to becoming somebody’s favorite. As always, please check ahead to make sure that an event you want to attend is happening as scheduled.

If you’re in the Harrisburg area, check out one of the newer programs, The Holiday Marketplace, which features the museum stores of about half a dozen sites plus the State Museum. Organized by the Pennsylvania Heritage Society and sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU), the marketplace is a great way to get a jump on your shopping AND support our programs. Marketplace activities will take place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, November 19-20 in the atrium of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, Harrisburg.

PHMC/Washington Crossing Historic Park

Elsewhere, late November and December are filled with programs and events. Some are designed specifically for children while others are of more general interest. I think the best thing to do is to list them and let you see for yourself.

• Nov. 13-14: Holiday Open House at the Weathervane, Landis Valley Museum
• Nov. 14: Candlelight Tours, Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Nov. 28: Christmas with Belsnickel, Old Economy Village
• Nov. 30-Dec. 24: Santa’s Draft Card (exhibit), Pennsylvania Military Museum
• Dec. 3-4: Holly Nights, Pennsbury Manor
• Dec. 4-6: Country Christmas Village, Landis Valley Museum
• Dec. 5: Children’s Christmas Program, Eckley Miners’ Village
• Dec. 5: 14th Annual Christmas at Cornwall House Tour, Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Dec. 5: Home for the Holidays, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
• Dec. 5: Christmas at the Village, Old Economy Village
• Dec. 6: A Homestead Christmas, Daniel Boone Homestead
• Dec. 12: Holidays at Hope Lodge
• Dec. 12: Wreaths and Greens Workshop, Pennsbury Manor
• Dec. 12: Home for the Holidays, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
• Dec. 13: Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Crossing, Washington Crossing Historic Park
• Dec. 13: German Christmas Program, Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum
• Dec. 14-15: Christmas at the Cloister, Ephrata Cloister
• Dec. 18: Holiday at Landis Valley: A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas
• Dec. 19: Old Fashioned Children’s Christmas, Landis Valley Museum
• Dec. 25: Christmas Crossing, Washington Crossing Historic Park
• Dec. 26-29: Lantern Tours, Ephrata Cloister