Honoring Volunteers and More

This past Saturday at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, we said “Thank You” to PHMC’s Volunteers of the Year for service in 2013 with our annual awards ceremony and lunch. We are extremely grateful for all the volunteers who contribute their time, talents, and energy to support the sites on the PA Trails of History. The Trailheads feature in the upcoming summer issue of Pennsylvania Heritage magazine will highlight this year’s honorees. So for the moment, I will say “thank you” again and add a “thank you” to all the staff members who work so hard to serve the public and care for our sites.

Pennsbury Manor recently received an All Star Award for 2013 from Constant Contact, which provides email management services. In honor of Pennsbury's 75th anniversary as a historic site, the Arbor Day Foundation will donate 10 trees to Pennsbury for every person who joins through this special partnership (which costs only $10). It’s really easy to do and a great way to celebrate the fact that spring is finally here (and the anniversary of course).

Stuffed animals enjoying a photo op at Ephrata Cloister (photo by Rebecca Lawrence)

At the end of March, Ephrata Cloister debuted a new program for young visitors, their families, and their stuffed animals. The Stuffed Animal Sleepover invited kids to drop off a fuzzy pal who would spend the night and learn about the people and history of Ephrata. The children and parents returned the next morning to take part in some of the same activities. Upon arrival, each child received a packet of photos showing their stuffed animal in various buildings and then toured the site to share the experience. You can enjoy more stuffed animal photos on Ephrata’s Facebook page.

Daniel Boone Homestead’s inaugural Beerfest was well-attended, selling out all tickets ahead of time. From the photos on Facebook, it looks like a good time was had by all. Tickets are currently on sale for the Washington Crossing Brewfest on May 3 and for Pennsbury Manor’s Brews and Bites on June 14.

The Annual School of Coopering at Somerset Historical Center received some nice coverage from WeAreCentralPA.com, who invited Mark Ware into the studio for an interview. This weekend’s workshop is completely booked, but the waiting list for next year is already forming.

Way back in February, I shared a photo of a redware dish I decorated while visiting with the Student Historians at Ephrata Cloister. Artist Ned Foltz showed us how to scratch the design into the dish, then took our work back to his workshop to be glazed and fired. Well, I’m pleased to share a photo of my masterpiece. It’s amazing what you can do when a talented artist shapes the dish, sketches a design, provides the tools and instruction, and applies the glaze. Thanks, Ned, and thanks again to the folks at Ephrata for letting me be part of the class.

The April calendar was posted a couple of weeks ago, but here's what's happening this weekend:

Conrad Weiser Homestead
April 13: Weiser Interpretive Program—enjoy an afternoon of history. Noon-4 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
April 13: Pennsylvania German Easter and Spring Nature Program—lots of family activities, an Easter egg hunt, and a chance to learn about Pennsylvania German Easter traditions. Admission is $4 per person (age 3+). Noon-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum
April 12: Family Day—Today’s program features Kathy Newson, Titusville Historical Society, talking about getting started doing genealogy research (1-2 pm), as well as a scavenger hunt that explores the museum’s exhibit. Included in museum admission; special family rate – up to 2 adults and 3 children for $20. 9 am-5 pm.

Eckley Miners’ Village
April 12: Tour Guide Training and Volunteer Meeting—if you’re interested in volunteering with Eckley’s programs or learning to guide tours of the village, this is a good time to start. Volunteer meeting is at 10 am, tour guide training at 11. Eckley is also looking for a volunteer to serve as Volunteer Coordinator. Call 570/636-2070 to sign up or to learn more.

Ephrata Cloister
April 12: Spring Search—children can hunt for clues all over the site, getting stamps in their Heritage Passports and earning a prize and treat if they find all the clues. Admission for children ages 11 and younger, $1; adults (12-64), $10; seniors (65+), $9 (free admission for members of Ephrata Cloister Associates and Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation). 1-4 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
April 12: Little Mates Easter Egg Hunt—members of the museum’s Little Mates Kids Club are invited to tour the museum and ship, make Easter crafts, and visit with the Easter bunny. Not yet a member? You can join when you register for the program. RSVP deadline was April 4, so be sure to check ahead to see if tickets are available.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
April 12: Paper Folding—part of the Museum Store’s “Folk Art and Friendship” series. Registration is required; call 717/569-9312. 1 pm.
April 12: Spring Benefit Auction—there’s a silent auction and a live auction, plus food and beverages for sale, to benefit the museum. Doors open 4:30 pm, live auction starts at 5:30 pm.

Old Economy Village
April 12: 19th-Century Foodways: Breadbaking and Cooking—learn how the Harmonists (and many of their contemporaries) prepared meals – you might even get to sample homebaked bread. Included in regular admission, so please go to the Visitor Center first. 11 am-4 pm (site open 10 am-5 pm).
April 12: Easter Egg Hunt—bring the kids for an old-fashioned good time. Rumor has it the Easter Bunny will bring along some friends for the children to visit as well. Designed for children 10 and younger. $5 per person (adults, too) includes refreshments. Paid reservations by April 9; call Holly Dofner, 724/266-4500 x102. 9-11 am (hunt starts promptly at 9:15).

Pennsbury Manor
April 13: Living History Theater—“The Funeral of Phineas Pemberton” sheds light on a man William Penn called “one of the best men of the Province” and explores funeral customs in 17th-century Pennsylvania. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
April 12: Spring Antiques and Collectibles Show—held at Pine Creek Inn (1637 Route 6 West) due to visitor center expansion project. 10 am-4:30 pm.