What's New, What's Old?

Bonfire at Scranton Iron Furnaces, Oct. 2014 (via Facebook)

Now is the time to recognize historic properties or locations with statewide or national significance. 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the state Historical Marker program (the first markers didn't look like the blue and yellow signs we use today). The postmark deadline for nominations is December 1 (details on the program and how to submit).

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces has posted photos from last weekend's Bonfire at the Furnaces, and the Scranton Times-Tribune had a great write-up of the program and its representation of Scranton's rich ethnic history and traditions.

The folks at Daniel Boone Homestead have shared photos of their Heritage Day celebration on Sunday, featuring the Bertolet Sawmill demos, colonial-era fly fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides (thanks to Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum), and much more.

The restoration project at the George and Frederick Rapp Houses at Old Economy Village is wrapping up in time for a grand re-opening in early November. Curator Sarah Buffington's two most recent blog posts feature the installation of new replica carpet and the work to return artifacts to their proper places.

The Pennsbury Society, the associate group at Pennsbury Manor, was recognized earlier this week by Foundations Community Partnership in Bucks County. They were among 14 non-profits cited for their work benefitting the county's children. Congratulations.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania celebrated National Fossil Day last Wednesday, and you can read about it on Storify.

This weekend:
Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
Oct. 26: Remember Johnny Mitchell Day—Admission ($5) includes presentation of A Miner's Tale. Museum is open noon-5 pm; the play is at 2 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Oct. 24 & 25: Haunted Homestead Tour—recommended for ages 8 and up. Admission charged (combo tickets with Sunday's program are available). 7-10 pm.
Oct. 26: Halloween at the Homestead—there will be loads of activities for kids and their families, including trick-or-treating (costumes encouraged). Admission charged (see website or Facebook for info). Noon-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum
Oct. 25: Family Day and Oil Valley Blacksmiths—Included in museum admission. Museum open 9 am-5 pm (blacksmiths on site until 2).

Eckley Miners’ Village
Oct. 24-25: Halloween Lantern Tours—this event is family-oriented but not recommended for children younger than 6. Admission charged. First tour leaves the visitor center at 6:30 pm, the last at 9 pm sharp.

Ephrata Cloister
Oct. 24-25: Mysterious, Melancholy, and Macabre—this year's program draws from some of the classics of Gothic literature. Admission charged. Performances at 7 and 8:30 pm each night.
Oct. 25: Gideon's Bones—geared for children 13 and younger. Admission charged. 1-3 pm.
Info on both programs and images from Mysterious, Melancholy and Macabre.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
Oct. 27: Storytime at the Maritime—This month's story is Theodore and the Scary Cove. 10 am.

Graeme Park
Oct. 24: Moonlight Tales—see the Keith House by night and listen to spooky stories. Ticket sales begin at 6 pm, with performances at 7 and 8.
Oct. 26 Mini-Moonlight—a family event geared for kids age 4-9. RSVP requested. 2 pm.
Info on both programs.

Pennsbury Manor
Oct. 26: Family Halloween and Living History Theater—Family trick-or-treating and a presentation of the 1684 trial of Margaret Mattson, accused of witchcraft by some of her neighbors. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Oct. 25: Historical Halloween—Trick-or-treating along lantern-lit pathways. Admission is $5 per car. Please bring canned goods for the local food pantry and an apple for the cider press. 5-8 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Oct. 24: Films at the Farmstead—tonight's feature is Hotel Transyvlvania. Admission charged. Movie starts at dusk (about 7 pm).
Oct. 26: Lecture at the Visitor Center—Rick Wiggins will present a talk entitled "Embattled Farmers: Campaigns and Profiles of Revolutionary Soldiers from Lincoln, Mass., 1775-1783." Free of charge. 1 pm.

Next weekend:
The November program listings will appear in next week's post, but that's cutting it too close for these events scheduled for Nov. 1-2:
1777 Whitemarsh Encampment at Hope Lodge
Trains & Troops/1940s Swing Dance at the Railroad Museum of PA