It's the Weekend!

Another weekend is upon us. I hope you’ve had a great week and are looking for ways to make your weekend great too. The Trails of History are here for you. At this time of year, most sites are open, at least on the weekends, but you should always check to be sure. There are some special activities going on as well. (In case you missed it, we have a recap of our Volunteer of the Year awards here.)

Drake Well Museum
A 5K Trail Run is set for tomorrow (May 18) with proceeds going to support MEET-U, the museum’s mobile exhibit on energy. Registration opens at 7:30 am, with the run to start at 9 am. Go here for more info or call 814/827-2797 and ask for information on “MEET-U in 5.”

Ephrata Cloister
Sunday afternoon (May 19) the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will present their Spring Concert in the historic Meetinghouse (Saal). At 3 pm, Dr. Lucy Carroll will share some of her research on the history of music in this religious community, and the concert of early American music will begin at 4 pm. There will also be a small exhibit on the diet prescribed for singers by Ephrata’s leader Conrad Beissel. Admission on Sunday (which includes the regular historical offerings in addition to the concert) is: age 18-64, $10; age 65+, $9; age 6-17, $7; age 3-5, $6 (under 3 free). Members of the Ephrata Cloister Associates or the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation will receive a $2 discount.

Old Economy Village
Tomorrow (May 18) is Garden Mart from 10 am to 3 pm. Enjoy free admission to the historic gardens, visit plant and other gardening-related vendors from the area, and purchase plants from the OEV greenhouses.

Pennsbury Manor
At Pennsbury’s Sunday afternoon (May 19) programming, you can learn about dairying (specifically cheese making and cheese-related recipes) and beer brewing in the 17th century. Included in regular admission, 1-4 pm. (You’ll find a photo here of Pennsbury staff brewing 17th-century beer at last weekend’s Beerfest at Washington Crossing Historic Park (thanks to the Beerfest’s Facebook page for posting.)

Pennsylvania Military Museum
This Sunday (May 19) is the annual “Celebration of Service: Honoring Pennsylvania Veterans” sponsored by the Pennsylvania National Guard and presented on the grounds at the museum. You’ll find photos from last year’s event here. The ceremony starts at 12:30 pm (if you visit the museum you can also see a special exhibit on soldiers and their moms). Then, the middle of next week, the museum will be participating in CentreGives, a 36-hour online giving marathon. Donations will be partially matched (or “stretched”) by the Centre Foundation, and participating organizations will also be eligible for prizes. Go here anytime from May 22 at 6 am to May 23 at 6 pm to make a donation. Thanks!!

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Pennsy Days, a salute to the Pennsylvania Railroad, started yesterday, but it’s not nearly over. Through Sunday, you’ll find speakers, model railroads, special tours, and other demos (included in regular admission). Go here for details. Be sure to check out the museum’s 2013 exhibit, “From Your Lens: Images of Contemporary Railroading,” featuring entries from a recent photography contest.

Somerset Historical Center
There’s a workshop on Heirloom Gardening tomorrow (May 18). Call 814/445-6077 to see if there’s still space; $20 fee includes materials ($15 for members).

Washington Crossing Historic Park
A Spring Cooking Demonstration on Sunday (May 19) explores seasonal cooking with 18th-century recipes, included in the regular site admission (site hours are 10 am to 4 pm).