Now That You Mention It

The October program page has info on upcoming events on the Trails of History (this weekend's highlights below). Please note that most sites will be closed on Monday, Oct. 9, for Columbus Day, but Drake Well Museum and Park, Fort Pitt Museum, and the Railroad Museum of PA will be open (to the best of my knowledge, it's always a good idea to check ahead to make sure).

If you missed last Friday's guest post from Rachel Yerger about a collection of military medals from World War I, you can still find it here, "The Extraordinary Heroism of Ordinary People."

I spend a fair amount of time keeping up with the social media posts that Trails of History sites put out so that I know what they're doing and can help spread the word. But I also try to pay attention to the times when other people's social media accounts mention a Trails of History site. This past week or so, I noticed several mentions (I'm sure there were more) so I'm sharing.

Historic Hope Lodge, Montgomery County (from Facebook)

The "Historic Trades & Skills of Colonial Williamsburg" page on Facebook posts all kinds of stuff about the various shops throughout the historic area. Lately the Joinery folks have been posting photos of noteworthy colonial era historic houses that are not part of Colonial Williamsburg. In late September, they included our own Hope Lodge, showcasing its Georgian symmetry, the history of ownership, and its side-by-side interpretation of the 18th century and the 20th Century Colonial Revival era.

The current issue of Mountain Home magazine includes an article on the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum as a wedding and meeting venue. The writer interviewed staff of the museum as well as the first couple to hold a wedding there, in August 2015, shortly after the renovated museum visitor center was dedicated. One of the goals of the renovation and expansion was to create more space for community meetings and events in an area where rental facilities are fairly scarce.

Earlier this week, PennLive posted a story highlighting "35 of the Best PA Small Towns." The blurb for Coudersport, Potter County, included mention of the PA Lumber Museum (which sits between Galeton and Coudersport on Route 6), and the note about Somerset included the Somerset Historical Center. Thanks, PennLive, for recognizing the importance of local museums to making small towns distinctive and visit-worthy.

This weekend (including today)...
Drake Well Museum and Park
Oct. 7: Lantern Tours at Pithole—explore the remains of a 19th-century oil boomtown and learn about the colorful characters who lived there during its brief existence (see article in the Titusville Herald). This is an all-weather event and takes place primarily outdoors, so please dress accordingly. Tickets are $10, and space is limited (more info and online ticketing). Tours set out from the visitor center at 10-minute intervals from 6:30 to 9:30 pm; as of yesterday, the 6:30, 7, 7:30, and 8 pm tour times are sold out. Advance ticket sales will be cut off at 3 pm today (10/6).

Ephrata Cloister
Oct. 6-7: Apple Dumpling Sales—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). Dumplings, from Aschenbach's Bakery, are $4 each and are referred to as "meal-sized." There is no admission charge to buy apple dumplings (regular admission applies if you want to tour the site). Free local delivery can be arranged for advance orders of 20 or more; call 717/733-6600. Fri., 9:30 am-4 pm, Sat., 9:30 am until sold out.
Oct. 8: Day of Music—the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform in the Saal at 2, 3, and 4 pm. Included in regular admission, site is open noon-5 pm (guided tours will be available).

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Oct. 7-8: 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. New this year, a maze cut into a field of sorghum (see video). (Details in this article from LancasterOnline.com.) Admission: adults, $12; seniors, $10; age 6-11, $8; free parking. 11 am-5 pm.

Old Economy Village
Oct. 7-8: Erntedankfest - A Harvest Festival—celebrate the fall harvest as artisans throughout the village cook, bake, and demonstrate their craft skills. Music, food, and family activities make this a great tradition. Included in regular admission. Sat., 10 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
October 8: Sunday programming—this week, Living History Theater presents the wedding of John Sotcher and Mary Lofty, William Penn’s steward and housekeeper, following 17th-century Quaker customs. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Oct 7-8: Annual Fall Antique and Collectible Show—this event features dozens of vendors and supports the programs of the Lumber Museum. Other activities include sawmill operation (Saturday only), birch still and blacksmithing demos, and food for purchase in the community room. $5 admission ($3 for kids) includes the show and all museum exhibits and activities. 10 am-5 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Oct. 7: Keeping It Clean: A History of Arms & Cleaning Techniques—learn about the history of a variety of military weapons, their use, and appropriate care. Donation requested. Noon-3 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Oct. 6: Last Day - Archaeology at Fort Hunter—this season's excavations by State Museum archaeology team wrap up today. You can drop by between 10 am and 3 pm to see what's up.
Oct. 6: StoryTime—today's program, designed for kids age 3-5 with an adult, takes place in Ecology Hall to learn about squirrels. The book is Frisky Brisky Hippity Hop, by Alexina B. White. Included in general admission. 10-11 am.