As I write this, most of Pennsylvania is cleaning up from a major storm that dropped lots of snow on travelers, holiday shoppers, and everyone else. Beautiful to look at but messy, inconvenient, and downright dangerous for some. But it’s winter and we adjust.
Many sites on the Trails of History are adjusting to new staffing levels due to budget-related cuts (see link above for updates to operating schedules). Still, scheduled holiday programs have taken place and there are a few yet to come. If your plans allow, attending one of these programs is a wonderful way to share the season with others and to show your support for Pennsylvania’s heritage sites.
We kicked off the season with the annual Holiday Marketplace in Harrisburg, with a variety of sites showcasing goodies from their museum stores. Thank you to John Robinson (friend of PHMC) for the photos.
The reenactment of George Washington’s troops crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 is a long-standing tradition at Washington Crossing State Park. The Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau has taken on much of the responsibility for the program this year and produced a video of the dress rehearsal to whet your appetites for the big event.
Another holiday tradition is the Lantern Tours at Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County. Ephrata’s junior historians, working with site staff and volunteers, bring the site to life with stories of the brothers, sisters, and householders. This year, they will tell the story of a fire at the community mill in December 1747 and its impact on life at Ephrata. It’s a beautiful site at any time of year but by lantern light it is a special treat. Reservations are required for the program, which is set for Dec. 26-29 from 6-9 p.m. (visit the website or call 717-733-6600).
Ephrata Cloister/photo by Elizabeth BertheaudAll of us here at the Trails of History wish you and yours a warm and peaceful holiday season.
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