Trailheads is taking a little break this week to celebrate the new year. Here's to a bright and exciting 2011. May your challenges be few but rewarding.
Oh, and don't forget that tomorrow is the deadline for the PHMC 2010 Photography Contest.
We're Sooooooo Bored!!
PHMC/Erie Maritime Museum and US Brig Niagara
Whatever winter holiday you celebrate (and whenever you celebrate it), chances are that you and/or some members of your family will be on vacation from school or work between December 25 and January 1. Maybe you have out-of-town guests visiting, too.
Does this sound familiar? “We're soooooo bored.” “Entertain me.” “[Whiiiiiiine].”
And that’s just the grown-ups.
If you’re looking for something to do with sugar-crazed children, cranky in-laws, or just yourself, check out the Trails of History. All PHMC historic sites and museums will be closed on December 25 and January 1. Other than that, site schedules vary (some are also closed Dec. 24 and 31, for example). Due to seasonal closings and reduced schedules, be sure to check with specific sites for details. In addition to regular offerings, a handful of sites will have special programs during that wonderful/stressful week of family and friend togetherness.
Ephrata Cloister
Dec. 27-30: Lantern Tours—presentations by Ephrata’s Junior Historians, working with staff and volunteers, bring dramatic focus to the history of the site. This year’s program, “The Bloody Theater or Martyr’s Mirror,” explores the creation and strange fate of the largest book printed in America before 1776 (it was printed at Ephrata). Admission is charged for this evening program and reservations are required (call the site at (717) 733-6600).
Dec. 27-30: Marx Train Layout--in addition to the Museum's regular exhibits, the train layout put up for the museum's Christmas program will remain in place until New Year's. Volunteers will be running the trains, so stop by for a look.
Joseph Priestley House
Jan. 2: Twelfth Day program—Join in on a traditional English manor house celebration and wrap up the Christmas season. Regular admission charged. Tour Dr. Priestley’s home and see chemistry demonstrations in the Pond Building at 2 pm. (The site is otherwise closed to the public until March.)
Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Dec. 28-29: Winter Day Camp—crafts, games, and open hearth cooking help to liven up that week off from school between Christmas and New Year’s; sign up for either or both days (discounts available for members, multi-day registrations, or multiple children from the same family).
State Museum of Pennsylvania
Dec. 26, 29-30: Season of Light planetarium show—a look at how many of our modern traditions trace their roots to winter festivals of long ago. Fee charged in addition to museum admission; check website for scheduled showings.
Dec. 30: Noon Year’s Eve—this program provides young children and their families with a special New Year’s celebration of their own; playtime, crafts, snacks, and the Firefly drop at noon are part of the fun. Included in museum admission.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Dec. 25: Christmas Day Crossing—the annual reenactment of the 1776 crossing of the Delaware River by George Washington and his troops prior to the Battle of Trenton.
Progress!
Many thanks to Sue Beates, Daniel Weaver, and Barbara Zolli at Drake Well for the info and photos and Brenda Reigle for the title for this post.
PHMC/Drake Well MuseumIt may look like just a bunch of boxes to some, but to us it looks like spanking new collections storage shelving for Drake Well Museum. Work on the expansion and renovation of the visitor center continues (we posted some progress photos here in August) and visions of moving back into the building are dancing in the heads of site staff.
PHMC/Drake Well MuseumThe compact shelving hiding in the boxes in the top photo will glide on tracks to be installed in the new collections storage space shown above. The tracks allow for easy movement of the shelving units and make maximum use of the space. It’s actually pretty cool.
Okay, so I’m a geek. We’ll keep you posted as the building interiors (and the new exhibit!!) take shape.
Bits and Pieces
Don’t forget that January 1 is the deadline for entries to the 2010 PHMC Photography Contest.
Three days of brutal cold in my cubicle (hey look, a space heater), not to mention the official start of cookie season, can take a toll on the brain. So this week’s Trailheads is a selection of items, “ripped from the headlines,” that I hope you’ll find interesting and/or enjoyable.
But first, a request. A research and pr firm that does a lot of work with museums has been publishing some of their findings from a survey about childhood memories of museums. That has me thinking (when I’m not planning my annual eggnog indulgence or my umpteenth viewing of A Christmas Story). Since December is a time when many folks are celebrating family traditions and passing them along to the younger generation, how about sharing one of your early holiday (any winter holiday) memories? Of course, if you want to share an early museum memory, that’s cool, too. Click on the number next to the word “Comment” at the top of this post and follow the directions. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
PHMC/Cornwall Iron FurnaceThe Friends of Cornwall Furnace have published a 2011 calendar featuring Robert Habersham Coleman and his legacy (Coleman was one of the owners of Cornwall Iron Furnace). Using rarely seen historic photos, the calendar provides glimpses of the Furnace operation’s history and one of Lebanon County’s most prominent families. The first run of 250 copies sold out, but more are being printed; proceeds support the historic furnace and its programs. An article in the Lebanon Daily News provides more info. It’s the perfect gift for history junkies, while supplies last.
The Pennsylvania Military Museum’s Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day program drew the attention of local press and others. A detailed article in the Centre Daily Times conveyed the essence of the program, which took place on the museum grounds, beneath two guns from the USS PENNSYLVANIA, a witness to the Dec. 7, 1941, attack.
The Scranton Times-Tribune reported on the Anthracite Heritage Museum’s German Christmas program, held on December 10. The 90-minute program featured music, food, and history; Facebook users can find photos of the event here.
As part of Old Economy Village’s Christmas programming, volunteers from area churches decorated parts of the historic site to reflect traditions from around the world. An article in yesterday’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review provides a description and details of how some of the decorations were made.
And for your viewing pleasure, a clip from the dress rehearsal of the Christmas crossing at Washington Crossing Historic Park posted by Calkins Media Video on YouTube:
That’s all for now, Trailheads. Be sure to drink your Ovaltine.
Halloween Revisited
This week, we have a guest blogger--Robert Quarteroni from the Eckley Miners’ Village Museum Associates (not pictured here, or maybe he is).
“The Count” is a perennial favorite at the Halloween lantern tours and has been entertaining visitors to Eckley for more than a decade
The Grim Reaper, one of the tour guides, made sure everyone stayed in line
Dr. Frankenstein is always an electrifying performer
The performance by members of the Hazleton Paranormal Society was a head-and-shoulders favorite
“The Undertakers” serenaded folks with some witchy music
“On Halloween,” comedian Rodney Dangerfield once said, “parents sent out their kids looking like me.” No matter how true that statement, there are certainly a lot of strange-looking creatures and characters going bump in the night during the annual Halloween lantern tours at Eckley Miners’ Village.
The Grim Reaper, one of the tour guides, made sure everyone stayed in lineThe spooky celebration of Halloween was held on three weekends this year at the living history museum that normally focuses on the daily life of the anthracite coal miner and his family. But there was nothing normal about these three October weekends and that allowed all the ghouls and goblins of the dark to establish residence in the Village. Every half hour or so a collection of happy-to-be-scared visitors were rounded up and led through the darkened streets of the Village, flashlights and lanterns in hand, to be treated to a wide variety of “spooktacular” entertainments.
Dr. Frankenstein is always an electrifying performerFamily-oriented chills and thrills were unearthed at spooky skits and entertainments ranging from the “Undead Wedding” and the “Arsenic and Old Lace Serial Killer” to “Dead Confederate Soldiers.” There was even a haunted head séance courtesy of the folks from the Hazleton Paranormal Society.
The performance by members of the Hazleton Paranormal Society was a head-and-shoulders favoriteAll this was garnished with a cemetery, an undertaker and, of course, Frankenstein, the Grim Reaper and that perennial favorite, The Count, regaling onlookers with spooky tales. For the 1,800 folks who visited Eckley over the three weekends, it was a fun family way to spend our favorite spooky holiday. You just might say they had a devil of a time!
“The Undertakers” serenaded folks with some witchy music
'Tis the Season
I’m posting the December preview mid-week because there are so many events going on this weekend that I didn’t want to wait until Friday. All sites on the Trails of History will be closed December 25 and January 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s (except that Washington Crossing Historic Park is open Christmas Day for the annual crossing of the Delaware). Other seasonal and holiday schedule changes are in effect, too, so please check ahead to make sure the site you want to visit will be open when you plan to be there. And, of course, if the weather outside is frightful (need I remind you what December 2009 was like?) you should probably do a little checking then, as well.
Anthracite Heritage Museum
Dec. 12: German Christmas Program—90-minute program for all ages includes a toy demonstration, holiday music activities, German folklore, photo op with St. Nicholas and Ruprecht, holiday treats and more. Space is limited and registrations are required (deadline is Dec. 10).
Anthracite Heritage Museum
Dec. 12: German Christmas Program—90-minute program for all ages includes a toy demonstration, holiday music activities, German folklore, photo op with St. Nicholas and Ruprecht, holiday treats and more. Space is limited and registrations are required (deadline is Dec. 10).
Dec. 4: 15th Annual Christmas at Cornwall House Tour—a selection of private residences and businesses fill this year’s roster of historic buildings for the tour; purchase your ticket ($15 in advance, $20 day of tour) at the Cornwall Iron Furnace visitor center.
Daniel Boone Homestead
Daniel Boone Homestead
Dec. 5: A Homestead Christmas—open hearth cooking, 18th-century music and dancing, hands-on crafts for children, and refreshments will provide a lovely afternoon for visitors; visit the museum bookstore for unique gifts (all books are discounted 10% during the entire month of December).
PHMC/Eckley Miners' VillageDec. 4: Children’s Program and Victorian Christmas Fundraiser—the Children’s Program features storyteller Kathy Long and a visit from St. Nicholas, plus an ornament-making activity and wagon rides around the Village. The Victorian Christmas Fundraiser includes traditional 19th-century decorations, a Victorian tea, and 19th-century-style ornaments for purchase (thanks to the work of Village volunteers).
Dec. 13-14: Christmas at the Cloister—a program of readings and music in the historic Saal (meetinghouse). Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance; contact the site to check availability.
Dec. 27-30: Lantern Tours—experience the history of the Cloister through dramatic presentations by the site’s Junior Historians, junior and senior high school students who work with staff to make this annual program come to life. Reservations are required and can be made anytime after Dec. 1.
Erie Maritime Museum and US Brig Niagara
Dec. 10: Christmas Tree Ship—join in welcoming Santa to light the ship and then tour the museum, make crafts, and decorate cookies. Admission is free. Visitors are asked to bring new or gently used Christmas decorations for families in need; Family Services of NW PA will help with a drawing for 25 Christmas trees.
PHMC/Landis Valley Village and Farm MuseumLandis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Dec. 4: Make Your Own Tin Ornament—The Weathervane museum store hosts a workshop with Beth Feaser, one of Landis Valley’s tinsmiths; cost of workshop is $20, call (717) 569-9312 for details.
Dec. 4-5 and 11-12: Country Christmas Village—Pennsylvania German Christmas traditions (including a visit with Belsnickel), foodways, crafts, and decorations will be found throughout the village; Weathervane will host book signings both weekends.
Dec. 17: Holidays at Landis Valley: A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas—this evening event features a bonfire, carols, hot cider, and cookies. The event is free; visitors are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Lancaster Food Bank.
Dec. 18: Old Fashioned Children’s Christmas—a Charles Dickens schoolhouse lesson, crafts, and Victorian parlor games provide fun for the entire family.
Dec. 28-29: Winter Day Camp—crafts, games, and open hearth cooking help to liven up that week off from school between Christmas and New Year’s; sign up for either or both days (discounts available for members, multi-day registrations, or multiple children from the same family).
Dec. 5: Christmas Fundraiser Dinner—dine by lantern light in the historic Feast Hall, enjoying delicious food and beautiful music while helping to support the educational programs and special projects of the site.
Dec. 11: Christmas at the Village—experience a wide variety of Christmas traditions, foods, and crafts; take a carriage ride; enjoy hands-on activities in das Kinderhaus; and listen to performances by Old Economy’s orchestra and choir.
Pennsbury Manor
PHMC/Pennsylvania Military Museum
Pennsylvania Military Museum
Dec. 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Tribute—this event marks the 69th anniversary of the attack on the US Pacific Fleet by aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy. It takes place on the museum grounds, beneath the guns of the USS PENNSYLVANIA, which was in dry-dock at Pearl Harbor in December of 1941.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Dec. 4 and 11: Home for the Holidays—the first two Saturdays in December offer a nostalgic look at 100 years of holiday rail travel, along with seasonal music and hot chocolate. The Polar Express Parties are already filled, but there’s still plenty for families to enjoy.
State Museum of Pennsylvania
Dec. 18: International Kwanzaa Festival 2010—a celebration of the family, featuring dancers and drummers, authors and poets, food, music, and more. Admission is free; this program is presented by Nathaniel Gadsden’s Writers Wordshop in partnership with The State Museum, Women Connect Magazine, and Life Esteem, Inc.
Dec. 18-19, 22-23, 26, 29-30: Season of Light planetarium show—a look at how many of our modern traditions trace their roots to winter festivals of long ago. Fee charged in addition to museum admission; check website for scheduled showings.
Dec. 30: Noon Year’s Eve—this program provides young children and their families with a special New Year’s celebration of their own; playtime, crafts, snacks, and the Firefly drop at noon are part of the fun. Included in museum admission.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Dec. 4: 2nd Annual Save the Crossing Fundraiser—event takes place at Crossing Vineyards and Winery; proceeds benefit the crossing reenactment program.
Dec. 12: Crossing Dress Rehearsal—watch reenactors practice for the Christmas Day event and enjoy craft and cooking demonstrations; fee charged.
Dec. 25: Christmas Day Crossing—the annual reenactment of the 1776 crossing of the Delaware River by George Washington and his troops prior to the Battle of Trenton.
Dec. 11: Christmas at the Village—experience a wide variety of Christmas traditions, foods, and crafts; take a carriage ride; enjoy hands-on activities in das Kinderhaus; and listen to performances by Old Economy’s orchestra and choir.
Pennsbury Manor
Dec. 4: Wreaths and Greens Workshop—make an evergreen wreath for your home (bring your own clippers) and learn how to care for evergreens in your yard and garden; registration is required.
Dec. 9 and 10: Holly Nights—a Pennsbury tradition for more than 25 years; experience the Manor by candlelight, sip mulled cider, listen to carolers strolling the grounds, watch a 17th-century play. Be sure to visit the website to download a coupon good for $1 off adult admission.
Dec. 9 and 10: Holly Nights—a Pennsbury tradition for more than 25 years; experience the Manor by candlelight, sip mulled cider, listen to carolers strolling the grounds, watch a 17th-century play. Be sure to visit the website to download a coupon good for $1 off adult admission.
PHMC/Pennsylvania Military MuseumPennsylvania Military Museum
Dec. 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Tribute—this event marks the 69th anniversary of the attack on the US Pacific Fleet by aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy. It takes place on the museum grounds, beneath the guns of the USS PENNSYLVANIA, which was in dry-dock at Pearl Harbor in December of 1941.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Dec. 4 and 11: Home for the Holidays—the first two Saturdays in December offer a nostalgic look at 100 years of holiday rail travel, along with seasonal music and hot chocolate. The Polar Express Parties are already filled, but there’s still plenty for families to enjoy.
State Museum of Pennsylvania
Dec. 18: International Kwanzaa Festival 2010—a celebration of the family, featuring dancers and drummers, authors and poets, food, music, and more. Admission is free; this program is presented by Nathaniel Gadsden’s Writers Wordshop in partnership with The State Museum, Women Connect Magazine, and Life Esteem, Inc.
Dec. 18-19, 22-23, 26, 29-30: Season of Light planetarium show—a look at how many of our modern traditions trace their roots to winter festivals of long ago. Fee charged in addition to museum admission; check website for scheduled showings.
Dec. 30: Noon Year’s Eve—this program provides young children and their families with a special New Year’s celebration of their own; playtime, crafts, snacks, and the Firefly drop at noon are part of the fun. Included in museum admission.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Dec. 4: 2nd Annual Save the Crossing Fundraiser—event takes place at Crossing Vineyards and Winery; proceeds benefit the crossing reenactment program.
Dec. 12: Crossing Dress Rehearsal—watch reenactors practice for the Christmas Day event and enjoy craft and cooking demonstrations; fee charged.
Dec. 25: Christmas Day Crossing—the annual reenactment of the 1776 crossing of the Delaware River by George Washington and his troops prior to the Battle of Trenton.
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