Trailheads on Hiatus

Fall colors are starting to show in the Rapp House Garden at Old Economy Village (via OEV Facebook page)

Trailheads is on a short break and will return with fresh posts starting Oct. 21.

Please note that most Trails of History sites will be closed for the holiday on October 10.

The list below was accurate as of late September, but as you know, things can change. Please check with sites via website or social media to be sure of details and ticket availability.

Up Next

Friday, October 7

• Apple Dumpling Sales (in-person); Friday & Saturday, times vary; Ephrata Cloister
• Purchase delicious locally made apple dumplings and support the Back to the Cloister Fund. Dumplings are $5 each; in-person sales are Friday from 10 am to 3 pm and Saturday from 9 am until dumplings are sold out. Prepaid orders of 10 or more dumplings can be placed online for pickup at the site, and delivery is available within 10 miles of Ephrata Cloister for orders of 20 or more dumplings (Ephrata website for details).

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read Bones, Bones, Dinosaur Bones by Byron Barton and learn how scientists get fossils to a museum, then make an imprint fossil to take home. For kids age 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

Saturday, October 8

• Fall Antique Show & Sawmill Run (in-person); Saturday & Sunday, 9 am-5 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• A selection of historic trade demonstrations, including a run of the museum's birch still, will take place both days. On Saturday only, the museum's recreated 19th-century steam-powered circular sawmill will be operating. Vendors will be on hand with a variety of wares, and food and drink will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth (Antique Show & Sawmill Run info).

• Harvest Days (in-person); Saturday & Sunday, 11 am-5 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Demonstrations, exhibits, live music, and activities, as well as horse-drawn wagon rides and a children's discovery tent. Taste heirloom varieties of apples, watch wool go from sheep to shawl, pick and decorate your own pumpkin. Admission charged (Harvest Days info).

• Battle of Huertgen Forest (in-person); 2-3:30 pm; PA Military Museum
• Maj. Gen. John Gronski (retired) will present "The Battle of Huertgen Forest: The Attack on Schmidt" using primary source research and his perspective as a former combat commander. The lecture is free; donations appreciated. Seating is first come, first served (Huertgen Forest lecture info).

• Haunted History Hayride (in-person); 7-10 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Visitors will tour the battlefield on hay wagons, with stops along the way where reenactors portray 18th-century characters. There may be ghosts and goblins lurking, so this tour may be too scary for children under the age of 4. Admission is $10 for age 13 and up, $5 for age 4-12, and includes entry to the Visitor Center and Museum; concessions will be available in the Stone Room. Rain date for this event is Oct. 22; in the event of inclement weather on the 22nd, there will be a Haunted History Tour through the museum (Haunted Hayride tickets).

Sunday, October 9

• Living History Theatre (in-person); noon-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• You are invited to witness the marriage of John Sotcher, Pennsbury's steward, and Mary Lofty, the Penns' housekeeper. Observe the late 17th-century Quaker customs, sign the wedding certificate, and chat with wedding guests. Presented at 12:15, 1:45, and 3:15. Included in regular admission (Living History Theatre info).

• Garden Railway Tours (in-person); 1-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Enjoy a self-guided tour of operating model trains in various outdoor and garden settings at 7 stops around Lancaster County. Masking and social distancing may be required or requested a venues. Tickets are $10 for ages 6 and up, available only via Eventbrite. Location info will be sent after you purchase your ticket (Garden Railway Tour tickets).

Tuesday, October 11

• The Farms of the Gettysburg Battlefield (virtual); 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Tom Lehman will explore the stories of civilians in and around Gettysburg and how their lives were changed the Civil War battle on their doorsteps. Site administrator Mike Emery will moderate a brief discussion. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Gettysburg lecture registration).

Wednesday, October 12

• Lunch & Learn (in-person); 10 am-2 pm; Graeme Park
• Jim Miller, retired professor of biology at Delaware Valley Univ., will present "Typhoid Mary, Irish Immigrant," exploring the misunderstood history of Mary Mallon and the social policies that resulted from the typhoid outbreak. Cost is $35 per person, which includes continental breakfast, lecture, lunch, and a tour of the Keith House (Lunch & Learn tickets).

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; PA Military Museum
• Background sound effects in the gallery will be turned off and volume on the orientation video will be reduced (captions always enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Register in advance for a timeslot; you can pay when you arrive (visit PMM website and select Oct. 12 on calendar).

• Life Through Time Gallery Tour (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Museum educators will be on hand to help visitors learn about life on Earth from the Pre-Cambrian to the present. The program is geared for adults and is included in regular admission. Please check in at the Ground Floor Info Desk to confirm tour start location (Life Through Time tour info).

Thursday, October 13

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about colors and shapes in Fall leaves, the difference between evergreen and decidious trees, and different types of trees found in PA. For kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

Friday, October 14

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Maria Gorgo-Gourovitch, Penn State Extension educator, will talk about the history of mushroom farms in PA, their economic impact, current production data, crop production cycle, sustainability, and nutrition facts. The program is free, but you must register to get the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Saturday, October 15

• Great Pumpkin (in-person); 10 am-1 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Come dressed as your favorite animal, superhero, ghost, or museum icon (if you want to) and play holiday games, make crafts, and more. Included in regular admission. Limited timed tickets will be available at the front desk for Curiosity Connection, and Planetarium tickets will be $3 (Great Pumpkin info).

• Architecture Day (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Special tours highlighting distinctive architectural features, an exhibit on the site's restoration, and limited tours of the unrestored upper floors of the Sisters' House (Saron). Check the website for updates on admission fees and registration (Architecture Day info).

• Patriots Day (in-person); 11 am-3 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Rev War era military and civilian reenactors will be on site, there will be colonial trades and cooking demonstrations, and tours of the Ring House and Gilpin House will be offered. Tickets are $12 for adults (age 12+), $10 for seniors/AAA/AARP, $8 for youth age 3-11 (Patriots Day info).

• George "Nessmuk" Sears Documentary (in-person); 1-3 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• The museum will screen the documentary Nessmuk: In Defense of Nature in the Pennsylvania Wilds, which explores the life and ideas of outdoorsman and early conservationist George "Nessmuk" Sers. Writer, director, and producer Gale Langley will be on hand to introduce the film and answer questions after the screening (Nessmuk documentary info).

• Mapping Technology Goes to War (in-person); 2-3:30 pm; PA Military Museum
• Dr. Fritz Kessler, PSU Geography Dept., will present a lecture about mapping technology and its use in combat, drawing on examples such as GIS, cartography, remote sensing, GPS, and coordinate systems. The lecture is free; donations appreciated (Mapping lecture info).

• Bonfire Fall Festival (in-person); 6-10 pm; Scranton Iron Furnaces
• Please check the Scranton Iron Furnaces Facebook page for details and updates.

Sunday, October 16

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
• Background sound effects in the gallery will be turned off and volume on the orientation video will be reduced (captions always enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Register in advance for a timeslot; you can pay when you arrive (visit PMM website and select Oct. 16).

• Open Hearth Cooking Demo (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The cooks will prepare and present a complete seasonal dinner as it would have been served to William Penn. Included in regular admission (Open Hearth Cooking info).

Tuesday, October 18

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Reduced noise, light, and attendance plus quiet spaces when you want a break. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about several of the historic trains open for visitors. Advance tickets required (RMP Sensory Hours Oct. 18 tickets).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); 7-9 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Historian, author, and teacher Michael C. Harris will present "Germantown: A Military History of the Battle for Philadelphia," which occurred on October 4, 1777. Tickets are $20 (Rev Speaker Series info and tickets).

Wednesday, October 19

• Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about artifacts from the archaeological dig at Fort Hunter and what they tell us about hundreds of years of occupation at the site. For kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (Explore! info).

Thursday, October 20

• Family Gallery Tour: Transportation (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This family-friendly tour looks at transportation changes throughout PA's history. Included in regular admission (Transportation Gallery Tour info).

Friday, October 21

• SOLD OUT Harvest, Death & Renewal (in-person); 6:30-8:30 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This program explores traditions of the PA Germans, including funeral and burial customs, powwowing, healing, and hexes. Recommended for adults and older teens, the event involves two hours of walking around a cemetery and the Museum grounds. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes and bring a flashlight. Tickets are $28 per person; reservations are required (Harvest, Death & Renewal info and tickets).

• Haunted Lantern Tours (in-person); 7-10 pm; Graeme Park
• Tour the Keith House by lantern light and learn the ghost stories. Tours last approximately 40 minutes. Tickets are available online at $10, with option for a mini-paranormal investigation for an additional $15. Event also takes place Oct. 28 (Graeme Park Lantern Tours info and tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Halloween Lantern Tours (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 22, 6:30-9:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• This immersive tour investigates a claim of witchcraft, which was outlawed in Pennsylvania from 1718 until the 1750s. Tours are outdoors, rain or shine, and are recommended for ages 7 and up. Please be prepared for uneven ground and bring a flashlight. Tours will be limited to 10 guests at a time and will run every half hour from 6:30 to 9:30 (Hope Lodge Lantern Tours info and tickets).

• Quarterly Lecture Series (in-person); Thursday, Oct. 27, 7-9 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Site administrator David Blackburn will present "Memorializing Martin Luther in his Hometown," exploring a brief history of Wittenberg, Germany, and the way the complex story of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation are shared with the public. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (free for members), and are available online (Landis Valley lecture info and tickets).

• Workshops in Archaeology (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 am-5 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This year's program centers around archaeology as a tool for discovering a pathway to the past. Sessions include Indigenous pathways, the Underground Railroad, and African American Civilian Conservation Corps camps. There will also be presentations on flintknapping and the Cultural Resources Geographic Information System (CRGIS). Early bird registration by Oct. 24 is $25 with an option to pre-order a bagged lunch; discounts for students and members of PA Heritage Foundation, Soc. for PA Archaeology, and PA Archaeological Council (Workshop info and registration).

• 1940s Swing Dance (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 5, 7-10 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• The Moonlighters big band will play live among the historic trains. Dress in vintage 1940s attire, military uniform, or modern party clothes. Light refreshments will be served. Advance tickets available online and highly recommended; a limited number of tickets will be sold at the door (Swing Dance tickets).

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.

PA Modern: A Photography Exhibit of Midcentury Architecture

Please be sure to check out the November program listings for events coming up this weekend and the rest of the month.
Today’s guest blogger is Beth Hager, PHMC’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. She shares some info about the new State Museum exhibit, “PA Modern,” which she co-curated with Amy Hammond and Carol Buck, with assistance from the PA State Historic Preservation Office and the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation.

Last spring on Trailheads we shared a call for photographs of Modernist buildings in Pennsylvania to enter a juried photo exhibit at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. In honor of the 50th anniversary of The State Museum and Archives Complex this year, the earlier post explained, the show would help celebrate and shine a light on a distinctive, progressive style that, although found throughout the Commonwealth, is often “hidden in plain sight.” It was sort of a tall order – would photographers embrace the assignment and would a solid exhibition result?

We’re happy to report that Pennsylvania photographers – from amateur enthusiasts to seasoned professionals – did in fact step up to the task in a brilliant way with stellar entries. “PA Modern” opened to the public at The State Museum on Sunday, October 25, with an audience of approximately 150 photographers and fans of Midcentury Modern. Two award winners were announced at a brief ceremony; both photographs will become part of PHMC's permanent collection.

Andrew Hoff, a Camp Hill photographer and artist often featured in “Art of the State,” won the “Best of Show” purchase prize for his photo of Barlup’s Appliances, a “Jetson’s –style” circa 1960s store in Enola (Cumberland County)

Uniontown resident Joseph Skompski, a newcomer to juried exhibits, won the “Best of The State Museum and Archives” purchase prize for his evocative portrait of the Pennsylvania State Archives tower

The show includes 98 photographs (list of photographers and their home counties) showcasing Modern architecture from across the Commonwealth, with diverse scenes of homes, churches, skyscrapers, diners, and schools. All photos in the exhibit were selected by an independent panel of jurors: Dennis Hockman, editor of Preservation magazine (National Trust for Historic Preservation); Betsy Manning, Philadelphia-area photojournalist; and David Oresick, Executive Director of Pittsburgh’s Silver Eye Center for Photography.

Attendees at the exhibit opening included architect Irwin Stein, who in 1958 designed the home featured in Laura Kicey's entry, "Wallingford I" (photo of Mr. Stein by Don Giles)

"PA Modern" is complemented by a display of early images and objects related to the creation of the Museum and Archives Complex, including the original architects’ model and furniture made by Savoy Furniture of Williamsport for the building 50 years ago (and recently refurbished)

Join me at the State Museum for a tour of the exhibit on Sunday, November 15, at 2 pm and meet “Best of Show” award winner Andrew Hoff and PHMC historic preservation specialist Bryan Van Sweden. This will be the first of several “Artists Conversations” that will take place during the course of the show, which is open through February 28, 2016.

More Updates from the Trails of History

Activities continue apace as the summer doldrums make their appearance. (Well, lah-di-dah.) Why not enjoy a nice air-conditioned museum or a walk through a shaded garden? The July program listings have it all.

A special, short-term exhibit has opened at the Ephrata Cloister and will continue through mid-September. You may know that the religious community at Ephrata was known for, among other things, its printing press. One of the books printed there (in 1748-49) was The Bloody Theater (more commonly known by its subtitle, The Martyrs' Mirror), an important book of faith for Anabaptists. The new Visitor Center exhibit showcases ten copies of the Martyrs' Mirror and is open during regular hours, Monday-Saturday, 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday, noon-5 pm. (You can learn more about the book in a Trailheads post from 2012.)

A copy of The Martyrs' Mirror from Ephrata Cloister

In other Ephrata news, the Ephrata Cloister Associates are offering a day-long bus trip to New York City on Saturday, August 1, to explore the immigrant experience. Tour Ellis Island and the Tenement Museum, with stops at Chelsea Market and the High Line in between. Cost includes bus, entrance fees, guides, and an after-hours reception at the Tenement Museum. Find out more on Ephrata's website or register for the trip via Eventbrite.

Somerset Historical Center just opened a new exhibit, "The Barn: Icon of Somerset County Rural Life." The exhibit, which runs through October, explores the design, construction, and use of barns throughout county history. This is particularly timely, since the PA General Assembly has designated 2015 as The Year of the Pennsylvania Barn.

Earlier this year, museum staff installed a Somerset County barn star outside the changing exhibit gallery.

Three new behind-the-scenes tours have debuted at the Railroad Museum of PA. Available by advance reservation only, these tours provide guided access to areas that are generally off-limits to visitors. They require an additional fee beyond general admission; proceeds help to support the museum's preservation efforts. More info and instructions on how to book your spot are on the website.

Interior of Lotos Club, a Pullman-built car (Railroad Museum Facebook page)

For those of you who enjoy the Twitter, please mark your calendars for this year's #AskACurator day, Sept. 16. PHMC curators participated for the first time last year and we hope to have an even more stellar line-up this year. We'll provide more info as plans are formulated. In the meantime, be thinking about what you want to know about our sites, especially the numerous and varied collections we care for.

Celebrating Volunteers and Museums

Be sure to check out the April program listings for things to do on the PA Trails of History.

As National Volunteer Week winds down, we are getting ready for our annual Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony tomorrow (well, we've been getting ready for a while now, we didn't wait until today--not for all of it anyway). The State Museum of PA will host staff and volunteers from all over the Trails of History as we recognize individuals for specific contributions during 2014. This is one of the high points of our year at the PHMC, a chance to celebrate the work we do together to preserve and present the Commonwealth's heritage. And another chance to say "thank you" to all of our volunteers for more than 112,000 hours of service in Fiscal Year 2013-14. Look for more information in the Trailheads feature in the summer issue of Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine.

Last year's honorees for service in 2013 with Commissioners, Site Administrators, and Associate group board members (photo by Don Giles)

Another cause for celebration this coming week is the 40th birthday of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on Wed., April 22. The original museum building, designed by Stotz, Hess & MacLachlan, was the first in North America designed specifically as a railroad museum. During its lifetime, it has expanded at least twice, and plans for the coming few years include new exhibits and a roundhouse for storage and display of rolling stock. On April 25, the museum will open its 2015 changing exhibit, "Riveted Jacket of Many Colors: A Photo History of GG1 No. 4800," a locomotive also known as "Old Rivets."

Original plan for Railroad Museum of PA (forgive the wonky slide scanning)

I usually don't include info in Trailheads that doesn't relate pretty directly to the Trails of History. However, I spent a couple of hours the other night watching this year's entries for "Museum Dance Off 2: Electric Boogaloo," and I just have to share. Organized by an insider-y blog called "When You Work at a Museum," this is the second year of what I think started out as a lark. Last year's Dance Off really created some buzz and so now we have the sequel. Great dancing? Umm, no. Well, mostly no. But it's an international array of staff and volunteers showing off their museums and some dorky enthusiastic dance moves. You don't have to watch them all at once; voting will be in groups for round 1, starting on Monday, April 20. There are some trends - "Uptown Funk" (or parodies of it) and "You Can't Touch This" are popular music choices. And if you've been around since the 80s and 90s, you'll recognize a lot of the dance moves. Anyway, it's really joyful (one from NZ is kind of dark) and a great way to celebrate museums, whether you work in one or just like going to them. You'll find links to all the videos and instructions on voting on the blog. Enjoy!

Midcentury Modern Architecture at the State Museum and Archives Complex

Thanks for today’s post go to guest blogger Beth Hager, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the PHMC. I’ll add a shameless plug and say that the Trailheads feature in the spring issue of Pennsylvania Heritage looks at Midcentury Modern architecture at other sites along the PA Trails of History. (And be sure to check out the March program listings if you’re looking for something to do this weekend!)

State Museum and Archives Complex (and some really cool cars), courtesy PA State Archives

Fifty years ago The State Museum and Archives Complex opened in Harrisburg. A hallmark of Midcentury Modern architecture, it was a dramatic contrast to traditional designs and settings that typically housed historic collections. Interest in the building’s design has ebbed and flowed, but as is often the case, perspective is gained over several decades, and classic, iconic styles come back into vogue. Have you noticed that commercials and ads now often feature an updated '50s or '60s ranch house as the perfect home setting instead of the earlier Craftsman style we saw so much of in the last decade or so? Are you a fan of the TV series Mad Men? If you know the show, it would not be a surprise if you saw lead character Don Draper checking out the William Penn statue in Memorial Hall, The State Museum’s colossal Midcentury masterpiece!

Statue by Janet de Coux (photo by Beth Hager)

The return of '60s motifs to popular culture happily coincides with the 2014 listing of The State Museum and Archives Complex to the National Register of Historic Places and the complex’s 50 year milestone. PHMC is hosting a number of special events throughout the year to mark this anniversary. One program to note is an invitation to submit photographs to a juried photo exhibit featuring Midcentury Modern architecture (1930-80) in Pennsylvania, now through June 30, 2015. Photos will then be selected by a stellar panel of jurors – Dennis Hockman, Editor of Preservation Magazine, National Trust for Historic Preservation; photojournalist and Midcentury Modern specialist Betsy Manning of Philadelphia; and David Oresick, Executive Director, Pittsburgh’s Silver Eye Center for Photography. The resulting show will be on display at The State Museum October 25, 2015, through February 28, 2016.

Light fixture, Memorial Hall (photo by Don Giles)

What will we be looking for? Creative shots of hidden and not-so hidden exterior and interior shots of Midcentury architecture from throughout the Commonwealth by photographers of any level of expertise, enthusiast to professional. There will be a “best of show” purchase prize offered, as well as a “best of The State Museum and Archives Complex” purchase prize. Between now and June 30, photographers who pay general admission and sign up at The State Museum’s front desk may bring tripods into the museum during their visit. And for some special access, I will be leading a tour of the museum for photographers on Sunday, April 26, from 1-3 pm (contact me at bhager@pa.gov to sign up for the tour in advance – spaces are limited). We’ll be going up to the rarely seen 5th-floor administrative offices where we’ve just restored the lobby to its Midcentury Modern best and refurbished the furniture originally purchased in 1964. Don Draper would be proud.

For more guidance on spotting Midcentury Modern architecture in Pennsylvania, visit exhibit juror Betsy Manning’s photography exhibit, “UnCommon Modern,” which showcases great examples and features of this period, on view through April 26 at The State Museum.

Find the official rules for the juried photo exhibit at The State Museum’s web site. Watch for special programs throughout the year, including an exciting black tie gala hosted by the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation on October 24, 2015, almost 50 years to the day of the complex’s original dedication.

Join us for fun and new insights into our Midcentury Modern roots at The State Museum and Archives Complex in 2015!

Marcha, Marcha, Marcha!

This week’s title brought to you by sleep deprivation and spring fever. Sorry.

Well, it’s March already and you know what that means. Spring. March Madness. Easter. Passover. St. Patrick’s Day. International Women’s Day. Daylight Savings Time. Read Across America Day. Charter Day. (Not necessarily in that order.) We’ll do a post with more details on Charter Day next week, but for now you can mark your calendars for Sunday, March 10. Almost all Trails of History sites will be open free of charge that day in celebration of Pennsylvania’s birthday. (Go here for the list of sites that plan to be open.) Sites with special events or activities planned for March 10 are included in the listings below, along with the rest of the month’s stuff. (Please note, most sites will be closed on March 31 for Easter; we’ll let you know later in the month which ones will be open.)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
March 10: Exploring the Civil War through Poetry—speaker Bert Barnett will share insights about the Civil War as expressed in a variety of poems from before, during, and after the war. Part of the Museum’s Charter Day celebration and in support of the PHMC’s 2013 Civil War theme. 2 pm.
March 17: Lackawanna Audubon Society—Program is “A Lifetime of Birds,” with photographer Dave Fisher. 2:30 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
March 16: Spring Meeting and Lecture--author/historian Brady J. Crytzer will present "Bushy Run Reconsidered: The Death of the New Ohioan"; Crytzer is the author of Major Washington's Pittsburgh and the Mission to Ft. LeBoeuf, Fort Pitt: A Frontier History, and the forthcoming Guyasuta and the Fall of Indian America. Admission is $5 (free for members of Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society). 1 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
March 10: Charter Day re-opening—join living history interpreters and others to mark the start of the 2013 season. 2 pm (site is open noon to 4 pm).
March 17: Spring lecture—speaker is Doug Miller, site administrator at Pennsbury Manor. 2 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
March 12: Friends Lecture—The Rev. Dr. Paul Fullmer, local historian and chaplain at Lebanon Valley College, will talk about Annville’s architectural archives. He’ll discuss the types of information found in the archives, how they are being made available to the public, and the model they represent for other communities interested in preserving their architectural history. Friends lectures are held in Freeman Hall auditorium at Cornwall Manor. 7 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
March 3: Fireside Tales in the Wayside Lodge—children ages 4-8 and their families are invited for an afternoon of storytelling and hot chocolate; please dress for the weather and bring a blanket of it’s really cold outside. $2 suggested donation (regular admission fees apply if you’d like to tour the historic area and/or homestead). 2 pm.
March 10: Charter Day Open House and Craft Festival—featuring local vendors with hand-made gifts, music and dancing, open hearth cooking, and much more. Noon-4 pm.
March 17: Women’s History Lecture—speaker Hallie Vaughan will present “Untold Stories: Women in the American Revolution.” $2 suggested donation (regular admission fees apply for touring the historic area and/or homestead). 2 pm.
March 24: A Pennsylvania German Easter and Spring Nature Program—celebrate spring, learn about traditional Easter customs, and participate in an egg hunt (plus more). Admission is $4 for ages 3 and older. Noon-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum
March 10: Charter Day presentation—Join Fred Threlfall in the museum lobby anytime from noon to 3 pm to learn about the Native inhabitants of the oil region and the importance of the fur trade.
March 30: Drake’s Birthday—in honor of Edwin Drake’s birthday, the curator and educator will lead a special tour of the museum’s new exhibits (and there will be cake!). Tour begins at 1 pm. Also, March kicks off the monthly meeting and demonstrations of the Oil Valley Blacksmiths (last Saturday of every month through October). 9 am-2 pm. Both are included in regular museum admission.

Eckley Miners’ Village
March 10: The Molly Maguires—the program on Charter Day will include a screening of the 1970 movie, plus a talk by Jim Burke, who was the chief financial officer for Paramount Pictures when the film was shot in Eckley. (M & E Raine shared a photo (on Flickr) of the breaker that was built as a prop for the movie.) Program runs 1-4 pm, site open until 5 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
March 7, 14, 21: Winter History Class—class began in February; contact the site for information if you’re interested in joining.
March 10: Concerts—as part of the site's Charter Day festivities, the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform in the Saal (meetinghouse) at 2, 3, and 4 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
March 9: Erie BayHawks basketball game—Flagship Niagara League night at the Erie BayHawks (Erie’s minor league basketball team). Tickets are $10; buy your tickets through FNL and a portion of the proceeds benefits the sailing program. Call Julie Wagner, 814/452-2744 x222, to reserve tickets. Game time is 7 p.m.

Graeme Park
March 9: Hearth and Home—this class focuses on seasonal cooking in the colonial kitchen and is taught in the summer kitchen of the Keith House. Cost is $55; for $100 you can take this class and another on May 11. Registration is required; deadline is March 7. Go here for details.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
March 2, 9, 16: Folk Art Classes—basic crochet, tin Easter basket, and scratched eggs are the topics for three successive classes hosted by the museum store. Register by calling 717/569-9312. 1 pm.
March 10: Exhibit, logo and e-commerce unveilings—Charter Day is the launch point for a new permanent exhibit, “The Mennonite Faith in Landis Valley,” which has been installed in the Sexton’s House, a small building behind the Visitor Center. Also, the site’s museum store will officially change its name from “The Weathervane” to “Landis Valley Museum Store,” debuting its new logo and new e-commerce website, www.landisvalleymuseumstore.com (it’s not yet active, so I haven’t linked it). Noon-5 pm.
March 23: Heirloom Seed Project Grafting Workshop—for anyone who’s wanted to learn how to graft apple varieties, this program, a collaboration between the HSP and the Backyard Fruit Growers, is it. For $30, you get instruction, hands-on practice, and scion and rootstock to take home with you. Registration is required; call 717/569-0401 x204.

Old Economy Village
March 3-May 25: Beaver County Tourist Days—OEV is welcoming the neighbors, inviting county residents to enjoy free admission and get to know the site. This offer is being made on a rolling basis, depending on residents’ zip code. If you’re a Beaver County resident (or know someone who is), go here to seen when your free days fall.
March 10: Center for Hope Day—in conjunction with free admission on Charter Day, the site will be collecting canned or boxed food items for a local community organization (go here for details on the types of foods desired). Noon-5 pm.
March 23: Easter Egg Hunt—children ages 10 and under, along with their families, will explore the historic site while hunting for Easter eggs. Crafts, treats, a visit with the Easter bunny, and a family membership raffle are also on the menu. Register by March 13 by calling 724/266-4500 x101. 9-11 am.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
March 6: Friends’ Richard Koontz Memorial Lecture Series—“Civil War Patriotic Envelopes as Weapons of War,” with speaker Ken Lawrence, philatelic writer and researcher, antebellum and Civil War historian, and stamp collector. 7:30 pm.
March 9: Military Movie Madness Festival—PMM kicks off the 2013 museum season with three films exploring World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War (go here for details). Donation requested (museum admission applies if you wish to visit the galleries). 10 am, noon, and 2:30 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
March 2: Read Across America Day—celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by wearing your favorite hat and listening to stories read by an array of local notables (and me). There will also be a Suitcase Adventure activity, with travel stickers from Pennsylvania places, and a chance for kids to read to service dogs from KPets. (I believe that Breakfast with The Conductor and Catcher is sold out as of this writing, but you can call the museum—717/687-3892—to check on last-minute openings.) Stories in Rolling Stock Hall every half hour (except noon) from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
March 2: Pysanky Egg Workshop—okay, so it’s probably sold out at this point, but if you’re really lucky and call right away, maybe there’s a spot. This is a beginner class for people who want to learn the art of egg decoration (I took the class 8 or 9 years ago and really enjoyed it). Call 814/445-6077 to see if they can squeeze you in.
March 16: Tatting Workshop—this is also for beginners, with instructor Carolyn Graves, an experienced lace maker. You’ll end up with a nice starter kit and booklet to keep making needle-tatted lace. Limited to 10 participants. Call 814/445-6077 to register.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
March 1, 8: StoryTime—this Curosity Connection reading series features museum staff and volunteers and a selection of great children’s books. Suggested for (but not limited to) ages 3-5. March 1 is Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle; March 8 is Tip Tip Dig Dig by Emma Garcia. Included in museum admission. 10 am.
March 9-Apr. 28: Student Art Exhibit—“Personal Perspectives” presents work by winners of the South Central Pennsylvania Art and Writing Awards, students in grades 7-12. Sponsored by Commonwealth Connections Academy. Open during regular museum hours and included in admission.
March 10: Charter Day—scheduled activities include a visit by William Penn, the annual exhibit of the actual Charter of Pennsylvania, recognition of National History Day in PA winners, and much more. Go here for details. Admission free. Noon-5 pm.
March 15-May 6: DOSHI Gallery exhibit—“Course and Discourse” pairs works by students and their professors in the Susquehanna Art Museum’s gallery at the State Museum. On March 15, as part of Harrisburg’s 3rd in the ‘Burg program, there will be a free opening reception, 6-8 pm. Otherwise, the exhibit is included in regular museum admission.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
March 10: Visitor Center Grand Opening—celebrate Charter Day with a look at the newly renovated and updated visitor center. You can find details here. 1:30 pm.

Wrapping Up March

As March draws to a close (with various amounts of snow, depending on where you are), here are a few items that might interest.

Tonight’s episode of NBC’s genealogy-themed show “Who Do You Think You Are?” includes a visit to the Pennsylvania State Archives. Archivist Aaron McWilliams meets with award-winning actor Steve Buscemi to help him research one of his ancestors. (Please forgive me, but I can’t help thinking of wood chippers—Fargo is one of my favorite Buscemi movies.) I liked one of the comments I saw on NBC’s website from a man who said he’d learned a lot about researching his own family’s history by watching this show. Even as more and more genealogy sources are available online, we still need repositories and archivists. I like that this show takes the celebs (and viewers) to see the real stuff.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum has reopened to the public, following a two-month hiatus. A major project to overhaul the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems meant that it was best for visitors if the museum closed. But now, things are in shape to open the doors again. Starting in April, the museum will be open 7 days a week.

PHMC/Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

A talk by Michael Emery on Pennsylvania German architecture this Sunday, March 27, will conclude Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum’s (free) March lecture series. Landis Valley has also just launched its new cell phone tours, joining other PHMC sites that use hand-held technology to help visitors learn more about the things that interest them.


We’ve mentioned before that the Ephrata Cloister Associates recently received a Nonprofit Innovation award from the Central Penn Business Journal—here’s photographic proof.
Congratulations, again!


We take our history seriously on the Trails of History, but it doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy ourselves. Take a peek at the staff of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania during a recent commercial shoot for the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau. Thanks to PDCVB for the photos.

Up in the Air

This week, guest blogger Robert Quarteroni fills us in on a major project at Eckley Miners’ Village. Thanks, Bob.

Typical miner’s house at Eckley

When they say things are up in the air at Eckley Miners’ Village, they are not kidding.

In fact, 10 things are up in the air: 10 buildings, eight miners’ houses and two superintendents’ dwellings, have been lifted right off their foundations and set to the side.

One of the hydraulic jacks used to raise a house off its foundation

A giant Gulliver playing with the buildings? No, rather a fairly comprehensive facelift for the historic “patch town” turned living museum situated in southern Luzerne County. Or, in the official language of Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services (DGS), “Restoration of Miners Houses – Eckley Miners’ Village.” (DGS oversees procurement of goods and services, manages non-highway capital projects and is responsible for numerous core operations of state government, including management of state buildings and facilities. DGS also serves as the state’s real estate agent and insurance broker.)

One of the rollers used to move the houses off their foundations

The comprehensive $2.181 million project will remake the face of the Village. According to the plan, “The intent of this project is to structurally stabilize the designated buildings, reconstruct those (or portions thereof) which are beyond repair and repair exteriors.” Ten buildings are being lifted to allow workers to completely rebuild each foundation. At the same time, remediation efforts can remove any asbestos insulation or lead paint from the dwellings. Work takes place on one building at a time.

Workers from Panzitta Enterprises preparing to move the houses via the roller/beam arrangement

“This project is an important step in preserving the Village’s historic buildings so that future generations will be able to enjoy the legacy of our coal mining heritage,” says David Dubick, Eckley historic site administrator.

General contractor for the work is Panzitta Enterprises. Work started in early September and is slated to be completed by January, 2012.

Five years ago, a similar project stabilized 12 Village buildings.

Just when you got that song out of your head

If you read Trailheads weekly, you’ve seen previous posts on the Pennsylvania History Bill of Rights. The PHBR (as we lovingly, and bureaucratically, call it) is based on provisions of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and on the requirements of the History Code (which outlines the responsibilities of the PHMC). The six principles that make up the PHBR were formally adopted by the PHMC’s governing body on March 17, 2010. The History Bill of Rights is a (more or less) concise statement of what the people of Pennsylvania should be able to rely on, history-wise.

PHMC/Charter Day at State Museum & Archives

Since Charter Day, we’ve been asking Pennsylvanians to tell us which of the principles they think are most important. Our Trailheads poll drew 177 voters (or one of you voted 177 times). You could choose up to 3 of the provisions as most important, which resulted in a total of 486 votes (just shy of 3 votes per person). The poll results are to the right of your screen. Adequate public and private support for Pennsylvania’s historic properties and museums (not just PHMC’s) was the top vote getter with 79% of total votes. Can I get an amen?

PHMC/Drake Well Museum

The Pennsylvania History Bill of Rights has its own Facebook page, and over 100 people “like” it. You can too.

In a much-appreciated show of support for the PHBR, the board of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology adopted the provisions at its meeting on April 9. If you know of an organization that would like to do the same, a sample resolution is available, along with contact information for letting us know.

And finally, because we’ve gotten addicted to feedback, you can still weigh in on which principles of the PHBR are most important to you. An online survey lets you voice your opinion. Or write a comment on this post. We really do like hearing from you. Thanks to all of you who are finding ways to support the Pennsylvania Trails of History. Keep up the good work.

You Gotta Fight...for Your Right...to Hist'ry

My apologies to Beastie Boys. And to anyone who will now have their song stuck in your head all day. And to anyone who hates wordplay in titles. I couldn’t help myself, apparently. If it’s any consolation, I do have the song firmly wedged in my brain (even Toni Basil’s “Oh, Mickey” hasn’t been able to dislodge it).

Two weeks ago, Trailheads focused on the Pennsylvania History Bill of Rights and reported that people who visited sites on the Trails of History on Charter Day were asked to share their opinion on these rights by voting.

The results are in. Almost 1500 votes were cast on March 14. Each voter had up to 3 sticky notes with which to indicate their support, so that’s at least 500 people (I think).

Receiving 24% of votes cast: Current and future generations are assured that historical resources are preserved for their enjoyment and use.

22%: Museums, historical societies, and historic sites receive adequate public and private support to maintain high standards of stewardship and public access.

19%: Pennsylvania’s students understand history in the context of local, national, and world events.

17%: Communities retain their historic character that is essential to attracting and retaining residents, businesses, and visitors.

11%: Citizens have access to the permanent records of government and the permanently valuable documents which tell the history of the Commonwealth.

8%: The Commonwealth maintains a competitive position as a premier tourism destination for heritage travelers.

Karen Guenther, a professor at Mansfield University (and a former PHMC intern), asked the students in her Teaching Secondary Social Studies class to vote on the Bill of Rights. Not surprisingly, they gave the most votes to "Students understand history in context." The rest of the rights were ranked in the following order: "adequate public and private support"; "historical resources are preserved"; "access to...records"; "communities retain...historic character"; and "premier tourism destination." (Thank you to Karen and her students for sharing in this effort.)

Many of you have responded to the Trailheads poll (to the right of your screen near the top of the blog)—way more than any poll we have put up in the past. Because the response has been so good, the life of the poll has been extended 2 weeks to give more of you a chance to exercise your franchise. To see where the voting currently stands, click on “Show results” at the bottom of the poll.

For Trailheads who want another way to show support for the History Bill of Rights, you can now become a fan on Facebook (or if Facebook has already done away with that feature by the time you are reading this, then please "like" us). Tell your friends.

Thank you to those who have already voted and shared this information. We don’t take it for granted.

Pennsylvania's History Bill of Rights

Regular readers of Trailheads and followers of Pennsylvania's budget saga know that the Pennsylvania Trails of History (along with lots of other history organizations) have been dealing with severe reductions in state funding this fiscal year. The need for the services provided by our sites and by other staff of the PHMC has not subsided, however. At many museums across the state, visitation is up, as Pennsylvanians and heritage travelers from all over the country and the world continue to seek out meaningful and enjoyable experiences.

As a way to wrap our arms and brains around the needs of history "consumers," if you will, PHMC has articulated 6 provisions of the Pennsylvania History Bill of Rights.

PHMC/Ephrata Cloister

I. Pennsylvania's students understand history in the context of local, national, and world events.

PHMC/Erie Maritime Museum & Flagship Niagara

II. The Commonwealth maintains a competitive position as a premier tourism destination for heritage travelers.

1780 Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery/Pennsylvania State Archives

III. Citizens have access to the permanent records of government and the permanently valuable documents which tell the history of the Commonwealth.

PHMC/Anthracite Heritage Museum

IV. Current and future generations are assured that historical resources are preserved for their enjoyment and use.

PHMC/Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum

V. Museums, historical societies, and historic sites receive adequate public and private support to maintain high standards of stewardship and public access.

PHMC/Bureau for Historic Preservation

VI. Communities retain their historic character that is essential to attracting and retaining residents, businesses, and visitors.

On Charter Day, visitors to sites on the Trails of History were asked to tell us which 3 of the 6 were most important. In a future post, I'll report on the results, but I don't want to skew the returns--the poll to the right of your screen (just a bit below the big TRAILHEADS title) gives YOU a chance to weigh in now. The feedback we're getting will help as we focus our resources and find the best ways for all of us to move forward into the second decade (the ought-teens?) of the 21st century. Thank you, as always, for your interest and support.

Sometimes You Get Your White Gloves Dirty

Taking care of Pennsylvania’s historic artifacts and buildings can be an extremely rewarding job. The curators, site administrators, and maintenance staff who work at sites on the Trails of History bring a wealth of expertise, experience, and dedication to the task of managing and protecting the material heritage that ties us to past and future generations. They are frequently assisted by other staff, such as museum educators, and volunteers who are knowledgeable about the care of museum collections.

PHMC/Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum

Last month, providing a peek at winter activities on the Trails, I mentioned a collections cleaning blitz at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, planned for the last week in January. The Bitzer building, which was the focus of the effort, provides storage for some of Landis Valley’s extensive collection of farming equipment and exhibits many of these items for visitors.

PHMC/Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum

This tremendously successful effort pulled together staff and volunteers from all over the site, under the direction of the museum’s curatorial staff, to accomplish a wagon load of cleaning chores. Some of the Bitzer building exhibits were refreshed and reorganized in the bargain. And a wonderful lunch was served each day to the hungry workers (thank you, Cindy).

PHMC/Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum

Planned collections cleaning is definitely a curator’s preference and our sites frequently use winter downtime for that reason. Staff are generally not as busy with visitors, so an all-out effort can be easier to pull together.

PHMC/Ephrata Cloister

But sometimes, you don’t get to plan for it. A week before the Landis Valley blitz, an unplanned collections care effort swung into action at a moment’s notice. A sprinkler malfunction in the kitchen of the Saal (meetinghouse) at Ephrata Cloister brought down a mess of plaster, mud, and water.

PHMC/Ephrata Cloister

Ephrata Cloister staff, supported by a contingent from Landis Valley (which is nearby), moved quickly and decisively to assess and deal with the problem. The first order of business was triage for the objects—identifying damage (and potential damage) and moving artifacts out of harm’s way. Documenting the event was also extremely important (the photos included here are just a few of many that were taken to make a record of what happened).

Once the initial condition assessments were made, the grunge work began. The kitchen’s brick floor had to be washed, and then it had to be dried to avoid the possibility of mold growth.

PHMC/Ephrata Cloister

PHMC/Ephrata Cloister

Objects were carefully cleaned to remove mud and debris that, if left to dry and harden, could do irreparable damage. Ephrata staff are monitoring the objects for signs of water damage and/or rust. In the long term, some objects will require further care and treatment by conservation professionals, but the quick actions of PHMC staff and volunteers ensured that these items will continue to help us tell the important story of religious freedom that is embodied at Ephrata. We prefer our lives not to be so dramatic. But preserving our shared heritage is what the people who work on the Trails of History do every day.