Odds and Ends

As you may know, Monday, Oct. 12, is Columbus Day. Several Trails of History sites will be open on the holiday (find the list here). I've included some info below on events happening Saturday and Sunday, but you'll find the list for the rest of the month on the sidebar.

So, I subscribe to Google Alerts for the sites on the Trails of History and usually what shows up in my Gmail are program announcements, calendars of events, and coverage of the many wonderful programs offered to the public. This morning I checked to see what I had and found an interesting item related to one of our sites. Due to a major public works project in Birmingham, England, several statues are being moved from Chamberlain Square into storage at the Birmingham Museum Trust's Collection Centre. One of the statues is of Dr. Joseph Priestley, who lived in Birmingham from 1770 to 1791. Public animosity to his support of the French Revolution caused him and his family to flee Birmingham; they eventually settled in Northumberland, PA, where their house and laboratory are part of the Trails of History.

Statue of Joseph Priestley by Francis John Williamson
(photo by Rept0n1x via Wikimedia Commons)

The Ephrata Cloister Chorus is currently holding open rehearsals for singers interested in auditioning. They ask that prospective members attend 3 consecutive Tuesday night rehearsals in October, which would mean you'd need to attend the rest of the October rehearsals (more info in this news article).

You still have a couple of weeks to "Capture the Park" by taking a stunning photo at Washington Crossing Historic Park and entering it in the photo contest. Eligible photos must have been taken this month and must be submitted by November 1 (details here). Watch for details of the Eckley Miners' Village Winter Wonderland photo contest starting in December.

Selected Trails of History events this weekend (full listing for October)

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
Oct. 11: Award Ceremony—the American Society for Metals (ASM) has named the Scranton Iron Furnaces its Historical Landmark for 2015. Please note that the ceremony will take place at the Anthracite Heritage Museum. Admission will be free during the event, and refreshments will be served after the award presentation. 2-5 pm.

Drake Well Museum
Oct. 10: Something More Saturday—today's theme is "Preserving Your Family Heritage"; learn about ways to save your family treasures for future generations. Included in regular admission; there is a special family rate of $20 for up to 2 adults and up to 3 children. 10 am-3 pm. (Titusville Historical Society will be holding their annual Genealogy Conference at Drake Well, 8 am-4 pm.)

Ephrata Cloister
Oct. 9-10: Aschenbach's Apple Dumpling Sales Benefit—enjoy a delicious PA Dutch tradition and support the Back to the Cloister Fund (which helps to return original furnishings and objects to the site). $4 per dumpling (regular admission applies if you want to tour the site). 9:30 am-4 pm (or until sold out).
Oct. 11: Day of Music—the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform in the Saal at 2, 3, and 4 pm. Admission charged.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Oct. 10-11: Harvest Days—a classic special event and a great way to celebrate the coming of fall. Loads of demonstrations and activities for the whole family in a beautiful setting. Admission: age 12-64, $12; age 65+, $10; age 6-11, $8; free parking. 11 am-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
Oct. 10: Paths Less Traveled Tour—explore areas not usually included on tours at Pennsbury Manor and learn about people behind the scenes in the 17th and 20th centuries. The tour involves climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain. $15 per person (free for members). 1-4 pm.
Oct. 11: Living History Theater—William Penn’s steward and housekeeper, John Sotcher and Mary Lofty, will be united in marriage according to 17th-century Quaker wedding customs. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Oct 10-11: 34th Annual Fall Antique and Collectable Show—this semi-annual event supports the programs of the Lumber Museum, and this year includes a chance to see the newly renovated and expanded Visitor Center and the new exhibit, "Challenges and Choices in Pennsylvania's Forests." Other activities include birch still and blacksmithing demos, horseshoes and greased pole contests, and food for purchase in the community room. Admission charged. 10 am-4:30 pm both days.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Oct. 10: McConkey's Market—outdoor artisan market near the visitor center, featuring handcrafted, vintage, and upcycled items, as well as food vendors and beautiful scenery. 10 am-4 pm.