September is here

September is (almost) here. Depending on where you are in life, that could mean back to school, back to work, or maybe just another month come and gone. I don’t know about you, but my summer went by really fast. I remember going on a short vacation at the beginning of May, then I blinked, and now I’m staring at the tail end of August. What gives? Anyway, there’s plenty to do on the Trails of History as autumn begins to make its presence felt. Most sites will be open on September 6 for Labor Day, but please check ahead to be sure.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Sept. 12: Weiser Interpretive Sunday—living history program in a beautiful and historic park setting
Sept. 18: 30th Annual Conrad Weiser Disc Golf Tournament (check website for contact info)

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Sept. 14: Civil War Nostalgia—speaker is Tom Lehman; contact site for details

Daniel Boone Homestead
Sept. 12: First Pennsylvania Regiment Flintlock Shoot
Sept. 19: Nature Program

PHMC/Drake Well Museum

Drake Well Museum
Sept. 18: Fall Gas Up Engine Show—displays of antique engines on the museum grounds (see how the new building looks in progress while you’re there)

Eckley Miners’ Village
Sept. 19 and 26: Fall Lecture Series—contact site for details

Ephrata Cloister
Sept. 18: Founders’ Day—learn about the origins of the local community and the achievements of the first residents (for only $1.00 admission); for an additional fee, you can tour the usually unavailable second floor of the Sisters’ House

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
Sept. 9-12: Tall Ships Erie—features 8 tall ships (including Niagara), a parade of sail, ship tours, day sails, concerts, and a maritime film festival

Graeme Park
Sept. 4, 11, 18: Farm and Flea Market (flea market one Saturday a month, check with site for schedule)
Sept. 11: Concert on the Lawn with the West Chester Swing Kings—enjoy classic big band music (such as Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington) and more modern fare (think Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
Sept. 25: Graeme Park Dog Fair—honor Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson’s beloved Fidele and bring your human and canine friends (dogs are welcome, but not required for admission)

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Celebrate September Sundays—ice cream sundaes!! (and music on the green, wagon rides, and craft demonstrations); The Weathervane will be having porch sales every Sunday
Sept. 23: Hands-on History Day (also Oct. 14 & 28, Nov. 12)—fall activities for children of all ages

Old Economy Village
Sept. 25: Erntefest Harmonist Harvest Festival—learn how the Harmonists made the fall harvest last through the winter, listen to Harmonist music, take a carriage ride, sample German foods, and much more

Pennsbury Manor
Sept. 5: Historic Trades—see the blacksmith and joyner demonstrate their skills
Sept. 12: Living History Theater: Pennsbury’s Runaway Servant—hear John Smith, a blacksmith who ran away, Pennsbury’s steward, and William Penn’s neighbors tell their pieces of the story
Sept. 19: Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration: The Bake Oven—Pennsbury’s cooks will recreate a baking day, producing all manner of 17th-century-style goodies
Sept. 26: Garden Highlights—the gardeners will be on hand to talk about preparations for fall

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Sept. 7: Central Pennsylvania Civil War Roundtable—picnic and lecture on Civil War and contemporary military medical practices
Sept. 11-12: Then & NOW—a living history timeline of military uniforms and accouterments from the colonial period through the present; also includes an encampment/bivouac and historic weapons demonstrations

PHMC/Scranton Iron Furnaces

Scranton Iron Furnaces
Sept. 12: Family Day—in celebration of the 170th anniversary of the Furnaces, a day of book signings, films, and juggling has been planned with something for adults and children; if you’re on Facebook, go here for details

Somerset Historical Center
Sept. 10-12: Mountain Craft Days—41st annual festival featuring over 125 artisans, musicians, and entertainers, plus food vendors, children’s activities, and hay rides

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 4: Stars and Passport to the Universe—new planetarium shows open (through Dec. 12)
Sept. 12: Art of the State exhibit closes—last chance until next year to see some of the best contemporary art in Pennsylvania, all in one place