Forward, March!

As most of you know, March 13 is Charter Day, our annual celebration of Pennsylvania’s birthday (when King Charles II of England granted the land we know as Pennsylvania—and Delaware and New Jersey—to William Penn). There will be a Trailheads post devoted to Charter Day on March 11, so this week is focused on the other stuff going on in March. Enjoy!

PHMC/Anthracite Heritage Museum

Anthracite Heritage Museum

March 19: Event, Museum reopens—the museum is scheduled to reopen following a major project to upgrade HVAC systems; since projects like this sometimes take longer than expected, please check with the museum to confirm they’re open if you plan to visit.

Bushy Run Battlefield

March 19-20: Program, Ohio Country Conference—this annual conference explores a variety of topics related to the French and Indian War and takes place at the Westmoreland County Community College in Greensburg (this year’s program available here).

Cornwall Iron Furnace

March 8: Lecture, Coal Mining Patch Towns of Stony Creek Valley—speaker Brandy Watts will present a program on the lost towns of Rattling Run (Dauphin County), Yellow Spring, Rauch Run, and Gold Mine (Lebanon County), which were all stops on the Schuylkill & Susquehanna Railroad. Ms. Watts is a student at Penn State University and a Cornwall volunteer who has been studying local history since she was a young child.

Daniel Boone Homestead

March 6: Program, Fireside Tales—bring your family to the Wayside Lodge to enjoy a cozy fire and storytime (geared to children ages 4-8); light refreshments will be available.
March 27: Program, Women’s History—watch the Homestead’s website for more details

Drake Well Museum

March 17, 24, 31: Lecture Series, More Oil Men – Famous and Not So—Thursday evening lectures begin with refreshments (March 31 program also includes a celebration of Colonel Edwin Drake’s birthday); check out the Museum’s new multipurpose room!
March 26: Program, Oil Valley Blacksmiths—blacksmithing demos start for the season and continue the last Saturday of each month through October.

PHMC/Ephrata Cloister

Ephrata Cloister
Thursdays in March: Program, Winter History Class—this popular annual program continues through March with speakers on a variety of topics related to Ephrata Cloister (for a list of sessions go here); single session or multiple session registration is still available, call 717/733-6600 for details.
March 6: Concert, Ephrata Cloister Chorus—the Chorus will perform a concert of 18th- and 19th-century American music at Union Meeting House in Marietta; tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance at Ephrata Cloister (call 717/733-6600 or email c-sshober@state.pa.us).

Graeme Park
March 19: Program, Paranormal Investigations—this monthly program includes a tour of the site and information on reported hauntings and previous investigations; reservations required, 215/343-0965.
March 25-27: Program, School of the Civil War Soldier—reenactors from the 69th Pennsylvania Infantry will be encamped on site, providing firing and drilling demonstrations and teaching about camp life for soldiers and civilians.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
March 2, 9, 16, 23: Program, Homeschool Classes—Wednesday morning programs featuring hands-on activities for students; registration is required, call Sheri Brown, 717/569-0401 x 228.
March 5, 12, 19: Workshops, Folk Art and Friendship—The Weathervane Museum Store offers Saturday afternoon workshops on Rug Hooking (March 5), Wool Felt Candle Mat (March 12), and Beginners Cross Stitch (March 19). Registration is required (series continues into April), contact the Weathervane, 717/569-9312.
March 26: Workshop, Heirloom Seed Project—Backyard Fruit Growers will teach participants how to graft applewood onto rootstock to make two trees. Instruction includes selecting the appropriate applewood (from over 100 varieties) for your yard or orchard and tips for planting the trees. Space is limited and registration is required, call 717/569-0401 x202 or x204.

Old Economy Village
March 12: Event, Site reopens for tours—Old Economy kicks off spring as it reopens for the season; admission will be $1 and refreshments will be served.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
March 30: Lecture, Human Dimensions of Leadership—speaker Lt. Col. Ryan P. Heritage, USMC, will discuss the characteristics and traits needed by military leaders in today’s uncertain and complex environment; part of the Friends of the PA Military Museum monthly Speaker Series.