More of September

Social media notes: You can see in-progress photos of construction at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum on Facebook here. Check back often, as the building is coming into shape quickly.

Wednesday, September 18, is #AskACurator day on Twitter @AskACurator. You can find a list of participating museums here.

Video from GoErie.com

From the Parade of Sail, led by Niagara with Governor Corbett and the First Lady on board, to the fireworks, lighting of the Perry Monument, and the 1812 Overture, Tall Ships Erie 2013 (Sept. 5-8) was a rousing success. Thousands of people, including upwards of 5,000 school children on Friday, made their way to the bayfront to visit the ships, enjoy the water and sun, and learn a little history while they were at it. You’ll find a sampling of local coverage of the event here and here. On the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, Sept. 10, NPR ran a story recorded during the special reenactment held on Labor Day (you’ll hear the voices of captains Walter Rybka and Wes Heerssen). Congratulations to everyone involved with pulling off these commemoration events.

If fiber arts are fun for you, check out Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum’s Wool Frolic tomorrow from 10 am to 4 pm. Details are here. While you’re there, be sure to visit this year’s exhibit, “I Thee Wed: Rural Pennsylvania Wedding Attire, 1830-1930.” I toured the exhibit last weekend with my mother and mother-in-law, and we all loved it. We learned a lot about the variety of clothing worn for weddings (from the types of dresses we’ve come to expect to “best” dresses that would be worn again). The exhibit cases in the center of the room allow for a 360° view of the dresses and suits, and stitch geeks can get an up-close look (please try not to press your noses against the glass). Case labels share brief biographical info about the wearers, along with copies of marriage licenses and wedding certificates. Additional exhibit cases and panels explore wedding portraits, wedding gifts, changes in fashion, accessories, and undergarments (egad, the corsets). A bobbin lace maker was set up in the exhibit space, and we enjoyed talking to her about her work. I realize that she’s not there all the time but thought it added a little something to our visit. The exhibit will be on view through Valentine’s Day, 2014.

Elsewhere this weekend, Conrad Weiser Homestead is one of the stops on the Berks Heritage Council’s 2013 Hidden Heritage Tour (event runs next weekend as well). Also of interest: Bushy Run Battlefield’s Fall Lecture (Saturday, 1 pm), the Ethnic Music Festival at Eckley Miners’ Village (Sunday, starting at 1 pm), and Sunday afternoon interpretive programming at Daniel Boone Homestead, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, and Pennsbury Manor (times vary, so please check the individual websites for details).