On the Trails of History, Oct. 19-Nov. 1

There's still so much to do this month! Also, please note that some site schedules change seasonally, mostly affecting which days of the week the site is open. Please be sure to check ahead before visiting.

There are lots of Halloween-themed events coming up, including Tricks and Treats at Pennsbury Manor (via Facebook)

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
Oct. 20: Bonfire at the Iron Furnaces—this year Bonfire at The Iron Furnaces will be highlighting the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), an annual celebration to honor the spirits of the dead, observed in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Visit the Bonfire Facebook page for ticket info and program updates. 6-10 pm at the historic Scranton Iron Furnaces.

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Oct. 23: Revolutionary Dining Series—Robert A. Selig, PhD, will present "Of Skulls, Limbs, and Skeletons," exploring the topic of how the opposing armies dealt with casualties after the Battle of Brandywine. Cost is $48 in advance, $55 at the door (online tickets will be available soon are now available). 6 pm at The Gables at Chadds Ford.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Oct. 28: Last Day of the 2018 Season—starting Mon., Oct. 29, the visitor center is closed to the public until Spring 2019. Park grounds are open year-round, 8 am to dusk.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Oct. 21: Living History Sunday and Fall Park Walk—enjoy the beautiful Olmsted-designed park, as well as guided historic tours of the site. Noon-4 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Oct. 20: Presentation—Paul Trainor will present "Soldiers in the American Revolution," which includes a display of uniforms, weapons, and other military accounterments. 2 pm.
Oct. 27: Trick or Treat at the Homestead—there will be loads of activities for kids and their families at this event co-sponsored by Exeter Township (details on website). Cost is $5 per person. 10 am-8 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
Oct. 21: Last day in 2018 to see oilfield equipment—today is the last day of 2018 to see the museum's operating oilfield equipment in action. It's time to prepare the equipment to "hibernate" until April.
Oct. 27: Something More Saturday—the focus of this month's special activities is "Stories of the Oilfields." Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Oct. 19-20, 26-27: Haunted Halloween Lantern Tours—tour groups walk through the 19th-century village and encounter ghosts, goblins, and ghoulish fun. Tours last about an hour and are filled on a first come, first served basis. Bring your own flashlight or purchase one at the museum store. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Please start at the visitor center: doors open at 6 pm, last tour starts at 9.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Oct. 20: Little Mates Halloween Spooktacular—come for the costume party and trick-or-treating (and pizza lunch), stay for a spooky tour of Niagara. Cost is $10 per person, free for members of the Little Mates Kids Club. RSVP to Marcus: mmasternak@flagshipniagara.org or 814/452-2744 x 222. 11 am-1 pm.
Oct. 27: Watercolor Class and Last Day to View Exhibit—taught by watercolorist Daven Anderson, whose work is on display in the exhibit, "A Celebration of Our Work and Waterways," closing today. The workshop is open to the public and will run from 9 am to 4 pm in the West Wing Gallery. Cost is $110. Contact Linda Bolla, 814/452-2744 x219 or c-lbolla@pa.gov, by Oct. 20 to register.
Oct. 27: Boos on the Brig—a Halloween party for grown-ups (must be at least 21 to attend) and a fundraiser (see loads more info here). Cost is $40 per person, $30 for Flagship Niagara League members (online tickets here). 7-10 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for info on holiday schedules, events, and programs.

Graeme Park
Oct. 21: Living History Sunday—tour the Keith House and learn about the governor for whom it is named. At 2 pm, there will be a presentation, "Sir William Keith: Savvy Politician or Scoundrel?" Noon-3 pm.
SORRY - SOLD OUT Oct. 26: Haunted Lantern Tours—see the Keith House by lantern light (you may bring your own flashlight if you wish). For an additional fee, you can experience an hour-long sample of paranormal investigation. Reservations are required for either or both; tickets must be purchased online (a small processing fee will be added). 7-10:30 pm.

Hope Lodge
October 21 & 28: Site open—Hope Lodge will be open 1 pm to 4 pm, with guided tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm. Admission charged.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Fall Workshops continue this month. Visit Landis Valley's workshops page for details and registration.
Oct. 25: Hands-On History Days—children of all ages get to experience seasonal chores, hands-on crafts, wagon rides, and more. Reservations are not required but you can purchase tickets online in advance if you like (program details). Admission: $11 per person (members and children age 5 and younger get in free). 9 am-3 pm.
Oct. 27: Haunted Landis Valley Tea and Tour—did you know that the Landis Brothers loved to pull Halloween pranks and tell ghost stories? Celebrate in their spirit at this fun event! Your day includes Pennsylvania German spooky stories, interactive activities, wagon rides, a hot cider reception in the Firehouse, and a tea luncheon in the Landis Valley House Hotel with scones, soup, sandwiches, and a dessert. Reservations are required: contact Jamie at c-jschurin@pa.gov or 717-581-0590 OR purchase tickets online (service fee applies). Doors open at 11 a.m.; festivities begin at 11:30 a.m.

Old Economy Village
Oct. 27: Multiple activities—choose between a cooking class and straw hat workshop. See calendar of events for info.
Oct. 28: A Halloween Haunting—children 10 and under are invited to come in costume and trick-or-treat among the historic buildings. Please check the website for details. Admission is $5 per person.

Pennsbury Manor
Oct. 21: Open Hearth Cooking—the cooks will (prepare a complete seasonal dinner for William and Hannah Penn). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Oct 28: Tricks and Treats at the Manor—enjoy an afternoon of festive family-friendly Halloween fun mixed with Pennsylvania history. Children can come dressed in their Halloween costumes for some trick-or-treating, games, and 17th-century demonstrations. We are partnering up again with the Teal Pumpkin Project to bring non-food games and trick-or-treating stations for those with food allergies. A living history theater presentation, "The Trial of Margaret Mattson," will be held during the event. It is 1684, Margaret Mattson has been accused by her neighbors of witchcraft. William Penn will preside over the trial. No admission charged for this event. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Oct. 20: Haunted Lantern Tours—hear spooky (but not too spooky) tales in the logging camp as you tour by lantern light and trick-or-treat along the way. Costumes are welcome, and there will be some craft activities in the program room. Admission is $3 per person. 5-8 pm.
Oct. 27: Citizen Science Workshop—UPDATE 10/22/18 - event has been cancelled due to insufficient registration. Stay tuned for another Citizen Science Workshop in the spring, and be sure to pre-register. learn about citizen science opportunities happening around the county and how to get involved. Program offered in conjunction with the Potter County Conservation District. Guest speakers will talk about pollinators and honey production, invasive plants, and watershed association activities. Free lunch will be provided, so registration is required. Call 814-320-4017 to reserve your spot. 10 am-3 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Oct. 20: Historical Halloween—trick-or-treating with a historical theme, following the site’s pathways by lantern light. Enjoy popcorn and fresh apple cider! Admission: $3 per child, plus an apple for the cider press. 5-8 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Check the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of programs.
Oct. 19: 3rd in the Burg—exhibit opening for "Innovative Means: Photographs from the Collection," spanning 80 years of work by 26 photographers. The exhibit runs through Feb. 17, 2019. Admission is free. 5:30-7:30 pm.
Oct. 21: Great Pumpkin Day—family-friendly Halloween-themed activities and entertainment (details on the website). Everyone pays the "child" admission rate today, that's $5. Parking is free. Please note that the Planetarium and Curiosity Connection will be closed. 12:30-3 pm.
Oct. 25: Curiosity Kids—today's program takes place in Nature Lab and is focused on "Dinosaurs" (details). Included in regular admission, but space is limited, so please sign up at the front desk when you arrive. 11:30 pm.
Oct. 27: Workshops in Archaeology—for more information and registration form, visit the State Museum website.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing Historic Park calendar of events for details of this month's events and programs.