What To Do When Royal Wedding Fever Breaks

Okay, so most of you probably aren’t that worked up about the big wedding “across the pond,” but I’ll do anything legal (and free) to grab a keyword search. My alternate title for this post is “Where Did April Go?” because that’s how I feel. It seems like we just started the month and it’s already flown by. Maybe it’s the change in weather—the high temp in Harrisburg on April 1 was 45 degrees and as I write this we’re headed for 80-degrees plus. From winter to summer in four weeks. Ugh.

Anyway, there are all kinds of activities on the Trails of History in May. Sites will be open on Memorial Day, but there’s no need to wait until then.

Anthracite Heritage Museum
May 27-28, Anthracite Heritage Conference—Friday’s session is “Why Study Anthracite: A Primer for Educators” and Saturday will continue with a variety of scholars and topics. Registration is required; there are discounts for members and for people who register for both days. You can find more details here.

Brandywine Battlefield
May 14, Craft Day—join in a day of 18th-century crafts and domestic activities.

Bushy Run Battlefield
May 7, Annual Spring Nature Walk—local naturalist George Heasley will lead a walk through the woods and explore the beautiful setting.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
May 1, 18th-century Interpretive Sunday—visit with reenactors to talk about life in the 18th century and enjoy guided tours of the site (not to mention the beautiful park).




May 10, Steam Coffin: First Crossing of the Atlantic by a Steamship—speaker is John Laurence Busch, author of “Steam Coffin—Captain Moses Rogers and the Steamship Savannah Break the Barrier”; part of Cornwall’s monthly lecture series held at Cornwall Manor’s Freeman Hall auditorium.

May 1, Children’s Day—learn about young Daniel’s early life in the Oley Valley and people who influenced him most; activities will take place all over the site and there will be special guided tours of the Boone House geared toward kids ages 4 to 15.

Drake Well Museum
May 1, Engine Start-Up Day—the air will be humming and clanging with the sound of steam engines and oil field equipment.
May 28, Oil Valley Blacksmiths monthly demo—repeated the last Saturday of each month, through October.

Eckley Miners’ Village
May 22, Victorian Fashion Show—presented at the Sharpe House; donation requested.




May 14, Field Trip to Winterthur Museum—Ephrata Cloister Associates invites its members (it’s really easy to become one) on a trip to Delaware to see the exhibit, Paint, Pattern and People: Furniture of Southeastern Pennsylvania 1725-1850. Two items from Ephrata are in the exhibit and a number of past and present staff of the PHMC have served as resources. The deadline to register is May 1, so call NOW, 717/733-6600.
May 15 and 22, Ephrata Cloister Chorus Spring Concerts—the chorus will perform music composed at Ephrata as well as other early American music at two community venues; more information here.
May 20, Community Day—this popular educational program allows students to explore the history of the Cloister and the people who lived and worked there; reservations are strongly recommended, call 717/733-6600.

May 21, Mariner’s Ball—a benefit event in support of the Flagship Niagara, featuring food, entertainment, and a live auction; deadline for reservations is May 2, call 814/452-2744 x223.

Fort Pitt Museum
May 7-8, A Century of Soldiers: Pittsburgh’s Fighting Men in the 1760s and 1860s—reenactors will compare life during the French and Indian War and the American Civil War; held in conjunction with the PA Civil War 150 Road Show’s visit to the Heinz History Center.
May 21, Venture Outdoors Festival—visit Fort Pitt during the festival for 18th-century fishing demos and a hands-on activity area.

May 1, Battle of Crooked Billet Illumination—this evening program will explore a Revolutionary War battle fought in the nearby town of Hatboro.
May 8, Mother’s Day Breakfast—enjoy breakfast and a tour of the Keith House (there will be a special craft activity for the kids); reservations required.
May 14, Paranormal Investigations—this monthly evening program explores the house and grounds; reservations and pre-payment required.
May 22, Tea for Teddy and Me—children can bring the favorite teddy bear or doll for tea and sweets, and a special kid-friendly tour of the Keith House; reservations required.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
May 6-7, Herb and Garden Faire—this annual event brings together over 70 vendors and artisans offering plants, garden décor, food, and more food. Check out the vendor list here.
May 29, Spring Bus Trip to Historic Cold Spring Village—visit southern New Jersey to learn about life there during the late 18th to mid-19th centuries; registration is required and the deadline is May 21.


PHMC/Pennsbury Manor


May 1, Sheep Shearing and Historic Trades—watch the sheep sheared by hand and then help wash card and spin the wool; the blacksmith and joyner will also demonstrate their skills.
May 8, Living History Theater—stop into the Best Kitchen to learn about 17th-century medicine and women’s role in caring for the family’s health.
May 15, Open Hearth Cooking—see and smell what the cooks are doing with sugar and spices.
May 22, Garden Highlights—spend some time in the kitchen garden to learn about the gardener and his work.
May 29, Animals at Pennsbury—the sheep, horse, and oxen will help you learn about their 17th-century predecessors.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
May 21, Heritage Days Antiques and Collectibles Show and Sale—takes place on the grounds of the Museum and includes food and door prizes.

May 1, A Revolutionary Affair—reenactors will be encamped to the field life of contract soldiers in the service of King George of Great Britain (program begins April 30).
May 8, Bridge of Hope Mother’s Day Walk—walk the parade grounds as part of a fundraiser for single, homeless mothers in Centre County; call 814/466-6156 for information.
May 22, A Celebration of Service: Honoring Pennsylvania Veterans—this annual US Army reunion and memorial service features speakers, military band music, and vehicle displays.
May 28-29, World War II Revisited—American and German WWII reenactors will bivouac on the grounds to recall the European Theater of Operations, 1944-45; the Service Canteen on the afternoon of May 28 will feature The Andrews Sisters Tribute Show.
May 30, Allegheny Mountain Region A.A.C.A. Car Show—the annual summer season kick-off features pre-war through modern classics; visit boalsburgcentral for details.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
May 13-15, Conrail Days—annual program devoted to the history of the Consolidated Rail Corporation, presented in partnership with the Conrail Historical Society; see the complete program here.
May 1, photography exhibit, Wood on Glass, closes to the public.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
May 14, Washington Crossing Brewfest—food, music, and beer from over 50 national and regional breweries; check the website for details.

1 comments:

Rhonda Newton said...

Warning - shameless plug!

If you want to go on the Ephrata bus trip to Winterthur but can't make the May 14 date, the Pennsylvania Heritage Society will be running a similar trip on October 5. Go to www.paheritage.org for more information.

Rhonda Newton

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