OMG It's February (200th Post!!!)

Good stuff going on this month on the Trails of History. Winter schedules are in effect at many sites so, as always, please be sure to check before you head out. Fort Pitt Museum and Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will be open on Feb. 18 for Presidents Day.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Feb. 3: Fireside Tales in the Wayside Lodge—children ages 4-8 and their families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of storytelling and learn about colonial life in the Oley Valley. Dress for the weather and bring an extra blanket if it’s really chilly. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. $2 donation is suggested. 2 pm.
Feb. 10: Black History Lecture—Dr. Teresa Gilliams will explore the topic, “What’s Necessary about Black History Month: Is America Really Post-racial?” Dr. Gilliams, associate professor of English at Albright College, was a 2011-12 Fulbright Fellow and earned her doctorate in African American Literature at Howard University. $2 donation suggested (regular admission fee charged for touring the historic buildings). 2 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Winter History Class—each Thursday participants in the Winter History Class learn about the history of the celibate brothers and sisters, the world they lived in, and the work of preserving the collections and buildings. The class began in January, so contact the site at 717/733-6600 to see if space is still available.

Graeme Park
Feb. 10: Colonial Valentine—special tours will explore the life and loves of Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson (a bittersweet story to say the least). $12 per person includes tour and refreshments. Tours will start every half hour or so. Go here for more info. Noon-3 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Feb. 2: Moravian Paper Stars—part of the folk art workshop series at the Weathervane Museum Store. Go here for details. 1 pm.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Winter Homeschool Classes—a variety of hands-on workshops offered each Wednesday (continues in March as well). Go here for a list of classes and other details. 9 am-noon.
Feb. 15-17: Winter Institute—hands-on classes (ranging from half-day to three days) and lectures make up this popular program. Classes with insufficient registration as of Feb. 5 may be cancelled, so if you’re interested, don’t wait to say so. Go here for all the info.
Feb. 23: Beginning Quilting—offered at the Weathervane, this class will teach basic skills as you make a 4x9 patch square.
AND Heirloom Seed Program workshop—offered in cooperation with Backyard Fruit Growers, there will be a variety of sessions. For info and registration (required) for either of these, go here.

Old Economy Village
Feb. 6: Behind the Scenes Tours—a chance to see what you don’t see on exhibit or regular tours—collections storage. There will also be a wine and cheese reception. Reservations are required; cost is $25 ($20 for Friends of OEV). Go here for more info. 6-8 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Feb. 6: Richard Koontz Memorial Lecture Series - speaker is Amy Greenberg, Research Professor of History and Women's Studies at Penn State, on "A Wicked War: Polk, Clay, Lincoln and the 1846 U.S. Invasion of Mexico." Presented by the Friends of the PMM. Donation requested. 7:30 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Feb. 7: Maple Sugaring School—ever wanted to learn the processes that turn tree sap into sugary goodness for your pancakes? This is your chance. This program will kick things off with an overview of sugaring (including its significant history in Somerset County); additional work sessions will be held throughout the season, according to nature’s schedule. This article provides details on registration. Fee charged. 6:30-8:30 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Feb. 3: Emancipation Proclamation exhibit closes—the copy on display is on loan from the Union League of Philadelphia and will have to return home. If you’re interested in learning more about the proclamation, you can watch historian Harold Holzer’s recent lecture (at State Museum, sponsored by PA Heritage Foundation) here.
Feb. 15: Curiosity Connection StoryTime kicks off at 10 am and continues on Friday mornings through March 8. Susquehanna Art Museum’s DOSHI Gallery at the State Museum opens “Course and Discourse,” an exhibit pairing work by students and their professors. Another edition of Artists Conversations, featuring artist Kevyn Bashore and Susquehanna Art Museum exhibits curator Amy Hammond, will be this month’s 3rd in the Burg event. For more info on any of these, go here.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Feb. 17: Washington’s Birthday—come celebrate GW’s 281st birthday and enjoy blacksmithing demos, open hearth cooking, and more (including birthday cake and cupcakes). 10-2 pm (singing of the birthday song is scheduled for 1:30).