And So It Goes

My favorite Museum Selfie Day photo (me and my long lost twin, Hannah Penn)

Ever since the first Trailheads post on August 1, 2009, it has been my good fortune to work on this blog, writing posts and editing guest posts that help shed light on the activities and people of the Pennsylvania Trails of History. Trailheads debuted just before we endured a period of severe budget and staffing cuts. Our remaining staff and volunteers persevered and continued to provide service to visitors, working to rebuild and reimagine programs, tours, and daily operations. In March 2020, Trails of History sites closed for over a year (although we had no idea it would be that long when the pandemic first hit). During that time, while some of us adjusted to telework, site staff made sure that buildings, grounds, and collections were secure and maintained. Virtual programs arose out of sheer creativity and determination to continue serving our visitors. Sites reached lots of new audiences in the process. And continue to do so in person and virtually.

As I bid farewell to my PHMC colleagues and friends and adjust to life as a retired person (a young retired person - ahem), I will be watching and cheering everyone on as they embrace whatever lies ahead. The weekly Trailheads blog will be on hiatus for a while. But please be sure to check out the PHMC Online Events Calendar and follow your favorite sites on social media to keep up with all the wonderful stuff that's happening on the Trails of History. Thank you for reading. Especially you, mom.

On a more practical note, most Trails of History sites are closed today, Nov. 10, in observance of Veterans Day and will be open tomorrow. But just to be sure, please check ahead with specific sites before you head out for a visit.

Up Next

Friday, November 10

• Soldier's Art and Presentation Honoring Cpl. Thomas Mosley (in-person); 11:30 am-2 pm; The State Museum of PA
• From 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, explore pieces of art created by Pennsylvania soldiers at the time of war. Examine their mediums, inspirations and techniques. Create your own etched work and thank-a-soldier card. Included in regular admission. At 1:30 there will be a presentation honoring Dauphin County native Corporal Thomas Mosley (1924-2016), one of the pioneer Montford Point Marines (Nov. 10 Soldier's Art program info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-3:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 10 Stargazing program info).

Saturday, November 11

• Soldier's Art (in-person); 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore pieces of art created by Pennsylvania soldiers at the time of war. Examine their mediums, inspirations and techniques. Create your own etched work and thank-a-soldier card. Included in regular admission (Nov. 11 Soldier's Art program info).

• Veterans Day (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; PA Military Museum
• The museum will offer free admission for veterans and their families today (PMM Veterans Day info).

• Harvest Fest and Flag Retirement Ceremony (in-person); 11 am-3 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Enjoy cooking, carpentry, cloth dyeing, blacksmithing, bobbin lace, flax demos, and games. Meat House Market Food Truck will be on site. At 3 pm, the site hosts Chadds Ford Township Residents Association's flag retirement ceremony (Harvest Fest event info).

• NEPADOC film screening (in-person); 2-4 pm; Anthracite Heritage Museum
• The museum will host a screening of NEPADOC, David Heineman's documentary about the intersections of environment, industry, and identity in northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) over the past 300 years. Suggested donation of $2 or free with museum admission (Documentary film screening info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-3:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 11 Stargazing program info).

• The War to End All Wars - the Movie (in-person); 6:30-8 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• The museum is one of 120 museums worldwide selected to host a free screening of The War to End All Wars, part pf the #HistoryRocks project of Swedish rock band, Sabaton. The screening will take place in O.H. Hirt Auditorium, which adjoins the museum entrance (Erie Maritime Museum movie screening info).

Sunday, November 12

• Coffee or Tea with Louisa May Alcott (in-person); 10:30 am and 1:30 pm seatings; Graeme Park
• It's 1868 and Louisa May Alcott, who was born not far from Graeme Park, returns to the area as part of a speaking tour in support of her most successful book to date, Little Women: or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. She'll read from her various works, talk about her life and artistic influences, and welcome feedback on her upcoming sequel. After the presentation, enjoy coffee and pastries (10:30 event) or tea and sweets (1:30 event). Advance tickets are required (Louisa May Alcott event tickets).

• Eighteenth-Century Medicine (in-person); 2-3 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Paul Trainor will present an enlightening lecture and show-and-tell on colonial medicine and the traveling apothecary. He will also discuss the important role of the military surgeon during the colonial and early American periods. Suggested donation of $2 per person. Lecture will take place in the DeTurk Education Center, near the Daniel Boone Rd. entrance to the site (18th-century medicine program info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-3:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 12 Stargazing program info).

Tuesday, November 14

• Bound by the Furnace: Iron Slavery in Early National Pennsylvania (virtual); 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian Cory Young will present a program based on his research about the use of enslaved labor in the iron industry. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall Iron Furnace lecture registration).

Wednesday, November 15

• Archaeology, Geology, Paleontology...what's the difference? (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us as we explore the sciences of archaeology, geology, and paleontology. Discover how each are different and how they often work together. Match artifacts, fossils, and rocks into the different scientific categories. Included in regular admission (Science program info).

• The Harmonist Connection: Redware Potter (virtual); 7-8 pm; Old Economy Village
• Author Michael Strezewski will present a virtual program based on his new book, Christoph Weber, Redware Potter of the Harmony Society. Working from 1808 to 1853, Weber made a variety of household wares such as pitchers, storage jars, jugs, plates, and mugs. His pottery was distributed among the Society’s members and sold to their neighbors. Offered in conjunction with Historic Harmony and Historic New Harmony, the program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Harmonist Connection info and registration).

Friday, November 17

• Story Time with the Educator (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Designed for children ages 2 through preK and led by a Museum educator, Story Time features a reading of a specially selected children’s book and a hands-on activity, craft, song or poem. Included in regular admission (Nov. 17 Story Time with the Educator info).

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab to learn about Memory and Logic. What are each of these things and how do they play a part in our daily lives? Put your memory and logic skills to the test by participating in a series of mind-challenging games. For grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; pick up a ticket at the front desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids program info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Sarah Goodman, museum educator at Drake Well Museum & Park, will present "The History of Drake Well and the PA Petroleum Industry." This virtual program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Nov. 17 Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Star Watch (in-person); 7:45-11:15 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Berks Astronomy will be on hand with telescopes to help visitors observe an array of celestial objects, including stars and planets. Dress warmly and bring a red light flashlight, which doesn't interfere with stargazing (Star Watch program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• POSTPONED Colonial Cocktail Hour (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 18, 3-6 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• This year's theme is the history of pirates in the North American colonies. Pirate attire is encouraged, but please omit cutlasses and other weaponry. $25 ticket includes drinks and appetizers. Must be 21 or older to purchase tickets (Colonial Cocktail Hour info and tickets).

• Autumn Arts Workshop (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• You will begin with a half hour tour of the 6 historical portraits located in the Manor House. Then, a trained artist will teach you the skills of portrait drawing and allow you to create your own work using a live model as a reference. This workshop is intended for all skill levels. Cost is $35 ($30 for members) and includes art supplies; call 215/946-0400 or email c-kerscott@pa.gov to reserve your spot (Arts Workshop info).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Nov. 21, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 21 Sensory Hours).

• Wreaths & Greens Workshop (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Make a fragrant evergreen wreath to take home. Please bring your own clippers. Offered 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm. Space is limited (Wreaths & Greens workshop info).

• Candlelight Open House (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 25, 5-8:30 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Tour the historic buildings by candlelight and visit with local craftspeople as they share their stories and wares. The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform throughout the evening in the 1741 Saal, with guest musicians. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, and hot coffee will be available for purchase in the parking lot. Tickets are $8/person ages 5 and up! Tickets available at the door or online (Ephrata Candlelight Open House info and tickets).

• The Polar Express Movie Night (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 2, 6-8:15 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Get your tickets today to watch the new classic holiday film The Polar Express™ (Rated G) on a large screen among the historic trains in the museum's climate-controlled main exhibit hall. Tickets are $10 each for ages 3 and older; admission includes the movie, a container of popcorn, and hot chocolate. Doors open at 6 and the movie starts at 6:30; running time is 1 hour and 40 minutes (RMP Movie Night tickets).

• Ethnic Traditions (in-person); Sunday, Dec. 3, 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Each year, the Somerset Historical Center brings together local families from diverse cultural backgrounds for a tasting and discussion of their food, music, and traditions. This year the dinner features dishes from Indian, Swedish, and Chilean cuisine. Dinner is held at Friedens Lutheran Church (Ethnic Traditions dinner info).

• Holly Nights (in-person); Thursday and Friday, Dec. 7-8, 6-9 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• A feast for the senses, this program offers crackling fires, hot-mulled cider, dancing shadows, and the merry sounds of carolers strolling the grounds. Step back into the glow of candles and lanterns, the bustle of colonial craftspeople, and the good cheer of noels and wassailing songs. Event runs Thursday and Friday nights, 6 to 9 pm. Advance ticket purchases are highly encouraged (Holly Nights tickets).

• Christmas at the Cloister (in-person); Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 11 and 12, 6:30 & 8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Held in the original 1741 Saal or Meetinghouse, the “lessons and carols” style program combines the Christmas story with seasonal music and familiar carols for the congregation. The program features the talents of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus under the direction of Mark Herr, with guest musicians Randy Kochel and Amanda Wells on hammer dulcimer and guitar. Advance tickets are required (Christmas at the Cloister info and tickets).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Dec. 15, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Adam Ianno, geochemist with the PA Geological Survey, will present "The Ice Volcanoes of Erie," exploring these delicate ice and sediment features that resemble volcanoes and sand dunes. The virtual program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Dec. 15 Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Belsnickle Programs (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 16, 1-3 pm and 7-9 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• The afternoon program is for all ages and features light refreshments, holiday crafts, touring the site, and meeting Belsnickle. The evening program is for ages 21 and older only and adds adult beverages to the list. Both programs involve being outdoors and indoors, so dress for the weather. Reservations required (tickets for The Belsnickle Experience, 1-3 pm and tickets for Late Night with the Belsnickle, 7-9 pm)

• Lantern Tours (in-person); Wednesday, Dec. 27, through Saturday, Dec. 30, 6-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Themed theatrical tours led byf Ephrata Cloister's Student Historians. Tours leave the Visitor Center every 30 minutes starting at 6 pm; last tour departs at 8. Tickets go on sale Dec. 1 (Lantern Tour tickets and info).

Seasonal Changes

Fall has progessed in the northern tier to the point where the leaves are almost gone (photo via PA Lumber Museum Facebook page)

Now that it's November, we will start to see some schedule changes at sites on the Trails of History, especially those with outdoor exhibits. Some sites will start scaling back their open days this month, with others paring back starting in December or January. As I always say, it's a good idea to check site schedules before heading over for a visit to make sure they plan to be open when you want to be there. It's also worth noting that weather and holidays can interfere with schedules as well. A heads-up about next week: most Trails of History sites (except for Fort Pitt Museum and Erie Maritime Museum, last I checked) will be closed on Friday, November 10, in observance of Veterans Day. All will be open on Saturday, November 11, on their normal Saturday schedules.

Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

On a different note, the State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) needs your help! The current statewide historic preservation plan expires at the end of 2024. You can be a part of the new plan (2024-2034) by taking PA SHPO's short survey (link to PA SHPO survey). The results of the survey will help identify issues and create a shared vision for the future of preservation in Pennsylvania. The next phase of the statewide planning process, public outreach, will begin in early 2024. For more information, visit SHPO's website.

Up Next

Today, November 3

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Come to the First Floor Activity Room for a reading of The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, followed by a chance to learn more about the use of the dot in artwork and to use dots to create your own art. Designed for ages 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime info).

• History Storytime (in-person); 11 am-Noon; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The first Friday of each month will feature a different history topic, with a related craft activity. Designed for preschool and kindergarten ages (Boone Homestead Storytime info).

Saturday, November 4

• 1777 Whitemarsh Encampment (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• This event commemorates the time from November 2 to December 11, 1777, when General George Washington and the Continental Army were encamped in the Whitemarsh Hills. Continental and British soldier re-enactors and living history events. Tickets available in advance or at the door (Whitemarsh Encampment info and tickets).

• Trains & Troops (in-person); Saturday, 10 am-4 pm, and Sunday, Noon-4 pm (1940s Swing Dance, Saturday, 7-10 pm); Railroad Museum of PA
• Military and civilian reenactors; displays of uniforms, vehicles and railroad equipment; and salutes to veterans and active-duty personnel. Plus the museum's regular exhibits, hands-on activities, and world-class collection of locomotives, railcars, and other artifacts. Included in regular admission. Separate ticket for 1940s Swing Dance Saturday night; advance purchase is recommended (Railroad Museum Swing Dance tickets).

• Explore PA Industry with the Giant Map (in-person); 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Travel across the Giant Map of Pennsylvania to discover the industries that shaped our state. Included in regular admission (Giant Map program info).

Sunday, November 5

• Fall Lecture (in-person); 2-3 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Lynn Otto will present "From Philadelphia to Duquesne," exploring the Forbes Campaign in 1758. The site will be open from noon to 4 pm (Fall Lecture info).

Tuesday, November 7

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 7 Sensory Hours).

Wednesday, November 8

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 2-2:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 8 Stargazing program info).

Friday, November 10

• Soldier's Art and Presentation Honoring Cpl. Thomas Mosley (in-person); 11 am-Noon and 2-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore pieces of art created by Pennsylvania soldiers at the time of war. Examine their mediums, inspirations and techniques. Create your own etched work and thank-a-soldier card. Included in regular admission. At 1:30 there will be a presentation honoring Dauphin County native Corporal Thomas Mosley (1924-2016), one of the pioneer Montford Point Marines (Nov. 10 Soldier's Art program info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-3:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 10 Stargazing program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Coffee or Tea with Louisa May Alcott (in-person); Sunday, Nov. 12, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm; Graeme Park
• It's 1868 and Louisa May Alcott, who was born not far from Graeme Park, returns to the area as part of a speaking tour in support of her most successful book to date, Little Women: or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. She'll read from her various works, talk about her life and artistic influences, and welcome feedback on her upcoming sequel. After the presentation, enjoy coffee and pastries (10:30 event) or tea and sweets (1:30 event). Advance tickets are required (Louisa May Alcott event tickets).

• Bound by the Furnace: Iron Slavery in Early National Pennsylvania (virtual); Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian Cory Young will present a program based on his research about the use of enslaved labor in the iron industry. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall Iron Furnace lecture registration).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Nov. 17, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Sarah Goodman, museum educator at Drake Well Museum & Park, will present "The History of Drake Well and the PA Petroleum Industry." This virtual program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Nov. 21, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 21 Sensory Hours).

• Wreaths & Greens Workshop (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Make a fragrant evergreen wreath to take home. Please bring your own clippers. Offered 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm. Space is limited (Wreaths & Greens workshop info).

• Ethnic Traditions (in-person); Sunday, Dec. 3, 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Each year, the Somerset Historical Center brings together local families from diverse cultural backgrounds for a tasting and discussion of their food, music, and traditions. This year the dinner features dishes from Indian, Swedish, and Chilean cuisine. Dinner is held at Friedens Lutheran Church (Ethnic Traditions dinner info).

• Christmas at the Cloister (in-person); Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 11 and 12, 6:30 & 8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Held in the original 1741 Saal or Meetinghouse, the “lessons and carols” style program combines the Christmas story with seasonal music and familiar carols for the congregation. The program features the talents of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus under the direction of Mark Herr, with guest musicians Randy Kochel and Amanda Wells on hammer dulcimer and guitar. Advance tickets are required and go on sale Nov. 8 (Christmas at the Cloister info and tickets).

It's Not All Halloween (But A Lot of It Is)

Package freighter Dean Richmond sometime prior to sinking on Lake Erie in 1893 (photo via Alpena County Public Library - collection also includes some interior views)

We are heading straight into the tell-tale heart of Halloween season on the Trails of History. But if Halloween (spooky and otherwise) isn't your thing, there are lots of other options. Don't forget to check out DCNR's foliage reports to see where the best fall color in the state can be found. Enjoy!

Up Next

Today, October 20

• Story Time with the Educator (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Designed for children ages 2 through preK and led by a Museum educator, Story Time features a reading of a specially selected children’s book and a hands-on activity, craft, song or poem. Included in regular admission (Railroad Museum October 20 story time).

• Artists Conversations (in-person); 5:30-7:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Admission to the Art of the State exhibit is free tonight as part of 3rd in the Burg. Artist Eddy López will be part of a conversation in the exhibit starting at 6 pm. Refreshments will be served (Art of the State artist conversation).

• Wreck of the Dean Richmond (in-person); 6-8 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• This free lecture on the sinking of the freighter Dean Richmond on Lake Erie in 1893 is presented in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Archaeology Shipwreck Survey Team (PASST). It will take place in the Hirt Auditorium, just off the lobby the museum shares with Erie County Public Library (Erie shipwreck program info).

• A Walk Among the Graeme Ghosts (in-person); 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• This immersive theater experience allows guests to visit the publicly accessible areas of the Keith House in any order and at their own pace. As of Thursday, tickets available for 9 pm tour only. Advance tickets are $20 via Eventbrite. Tickets at the door are $25, but may sell out before the event (Oct. 20 Graeme Ghosts info).

Saturday, October 21

• Trains and Treats (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Children will have a chance to tour the museum's exhibits and some of the historic locomotives and railroad cars in Rolling Stock Hall. They will receive a treat bag to collect candy (nut-free) and small, non-food items at each stop along the way. Recommended for ages 3 to 12 and included in regular admission. Costumes are welcome but not required (Trains and Treats info).

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us to read Dinosaur Bones by Bob Barner to find out fun facts about some favorite dinosaurs and create dinosaur art to take home. For ages 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime info).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Jim Christ, president of the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund, will present a program addressing common myths about the Battle of Paoli (Sept. 20, 1777) and exploring its influence on the remainder of the American Revolution. Tickets are $20 and include the lecture, light refreshments, and access to the museum's exhibit gallery and afternoon tours (Revolutionary Speaker Series info and tickets).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-4 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Planetarium tickets must be obtained at ground floor desk at least five minutes before showtime (Oct. 21 Stargazing program info).

• Historical Halloween (in-person); 5-8 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Safe, family-friendly trick-or-treating outdoors at the Somerset Historical Center, including tractor-drawn wagon rides, maple kettle corn, and fresh apple cider pressed on-site. Admission is $3 per child; adult chaperones are free. Costumes encouraged but not required (Somerset Halloween program info).

• Halloween Lantern Tours (in-person); 6-9:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• Explore Hope Lodge by lantern light and participate in an immersive tour of the grounds. Reservations required (Hope Lodge Lantern Tours info and tickets).

• Spooky Lantern Tours (in-person); 6:30-8:30 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Join us for a walk through the site by lantern light. Listen to ghost stories and trick-or-treat along the way. Decorate pumpkins, make pinecone birdfeeders, and have some refreshments in the museum program room. Admission is $5 per person older than age 3. Costumes encouraged (Lumber Museum Lantern Tours info).

• Pottery Book Release and Lecture (in-person); 7-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• Author Michael Strezewski will present a talk at Old Economy Village to mark the release of his new book, Christoph Weber Redware Potter of the Harmony Society. There will be a small pottery exhibit and books will be available for purchase. Register online to reserve your spot (Harmonist pottery book lecture).

Sunday, October 22

• Living History Sunday and Fall Park Walk (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Learn about Conrad Weiser and the people of the Tulpehocken Valley. Guided walk of the park begins at 2 pm (Weiser Sunday event info).

• Heritage Day Fall Festival (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• This living history event features a variety of eighteenth-century demonstrations, trades, and hands-on activities. These include blacksmithing, hearth cooking, wool dyeing, candle dipping, colonial music, and more. The event will also feature craft and specialty food vendors as well as fall activities for children like pumpkin painting. Admission charged (Boone Fall Festival info).

• Haunted Story Time & Trick-or-Treating (in-person); 1-3 pm; Graeme Park
• Kids can trick-or-treat through each room of the Keith House while witches, ghosts, pirates, and goblins read parts of a story in each room. Costumes encouraged (Graeme Park Storytime and Trick-or-Treat event).

• Sunday programming (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Delaware Tribal members from Oklahoma will tell stories from their heritage, encourage audience participation for Native dances, have games for kids, and talk about where they are today. Visitors can also watch the brewers make pumpkin ale and check out the fall garden. All included in regular admission.

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-4 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Planetarium tickets must be obtained at ground floor desk at least five minutes before showtime (Oct. 22 Stargazing program info).

Wednesday, October 25

• WILD Illustration (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Ecology Hall to explore a famous Pennsylvania naturalist and his wildlife art. Discover close looking and use your new knowledge to create your own art journal and wildlife illustration. Included in regular admission (wildlife art program info).

Friday, October 27

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in the First Floor Activity Room to learn about portraits. What are portraits and what can they tell us? Create your own self-portrait. For grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (Curiosity Kids program info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Archaeology curator (retired) Janet Johnson will discuss how The State Museum's collections are used by archaeologists to understand and interpret the past and what science has contributed to our knowledge of these curated collections. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Harvest, Death & Renewal: Late October Traditions of the PA Germans (in-person); 6:30 and 8:30 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This two-hour nighttime tour explores the museum grounds and adjacent cemetery. Recommended for adults and older teens. Dress for the weather and please bring a flashlight. Offered at 6:30 and 8:30; light refreshments will be served in the Landis Valley Hotel. Reservations required (info and tickets for Harvest, Death & Renewal).

• A Walk Among the Graeme Ghosts (in-person); 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• This immersive theater experience allows guests to visit the publicly accessible areas of the Keith House in any order and at their own pace. Tours are at 7, 8, and 9 pm. Advance tickets are $20 via Eventbrite; as of last check, tickets available only for 7 pm tour. Tickets at the door are $25, but may sell out before the event (Oct. 27 Graeme Ghosts info).

• The Haunting of Duncan Campbell (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 7-10 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• This historical narrative program will present three ghost stories from the 18th century as visitors walk through the museum. Timed tickets for Friday and Saturday nights start at 7 pm, with time slots every half hour until 9:30 (Bushy Run Halloween program info and tickets).

• Old Economy After Dark (in-person); 7-11 pm; Old Economy Village
• OEV has partnered with Beaver County Paranormal for an evening of exploration in the Village. BCP will present two lectures on paranormal investigation, and attendees are welcome to bring hand-held investigation equipment (no large equipment or metal detectors). Please note that this is not a "haunted" event with costumed figures or scares. Advance tickets only: $20 general admission, $25 VIP ticket lets you stay later in the evening and access additional spaces (Oct. 27 OEV After Dark info and tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Workshops in Archaeology 2023 (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 am-5 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This year's theme is Discovering the Past: The Sciences of Archaeology. Sessions will feature experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C14 dating, GPR survey, geoarchaeology, and more. Please join us as we explore how these specialized analyses are conducted and how the results enhance our understanding of the environmental and human past. Early registration by Oct. 20 is $25; discounts available. Registration at the door is $35 (no discounts). Bagged lunches, available for $8.50, must be ordered by Oct. 20 (Workshops in Archaeology info and registration).

• 1940s Swing Dance (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 4, 7-10 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Tickets are now available for this event that takes place during the museum's annual Trains and Troops event Nov. 4-5. Advance tickets for the dance are recommended; admission to the daytime programs is available at the door (Railroad Museum Swing Dance tickets).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Nov. 7, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Nov. 21, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Nov. 7, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 7 Sensory Hours and tickets for Nov. 21 Sensory Hours).

• Coffee or Tea with Louisa May Alcott (in-person); 10:30 am and 1:30 pm; Graeme Park
• It's 1868 and Louisa May Alcott, who was born not far from Graeme Park, returns to the area as part of a speaking tour in support of her most successful book to date, Little Women: or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. She'll read from her various works, talk about her life and artistic influences, and welcome feedback on her upcoming sequel. After the presentation, enjoy coffee and pastries (10:30 event) or tea and sweets (1:30 event). Advance tickets are required (Louisa May Alcott event tickets).

• Bound by the Furnace: Iron Slavery in Early National Pennsylvania (virtual); Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian Cory Young will present a program based on his research about the use of enslaved labor in the iron industry. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall Iron Furnace lecture registration).

Harvest Time

Pumpkins and gourds grown at Cornwall Iron Furnace (photo via Cornwall's Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, October 13

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab to learn about the unique adaptations that make a dinosaur different from any other reptile and explore the different types of dinosaurs that existed. Create your own dinosaur sculpture to take home. For grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (Curiosity Kids info).

• Cello Concert (in-person); 8-10 pm; Old Economy Village
• Grammy Award winning cellist Eugene Friesen (and Friends) will perform a concert in the Feast Hall featuring Harmonist music. Friesen previously recorded a CD of Harmonist music titled In Harmony. Tickets are $25, $20 for OEV members, $10 for students and may be purchased at the door or in advance via Ticket Leap (Eugene Friesen concert info and tickets).

Saturday, October 14

• Fall Nature Walk (in-person); 10-11 am; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about historical and modern uses for a wide variety of plant life. Please wear sturdy shoes (such as hiking boots) and dress for the weather. Cost is $5 per person, free for members (Nature Walk info).

• Mapping Mammal Hall (in-person); 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Did you know that the dioramas in Mammal Hall are based on real locations in Pennsylvania? Locate each of these spots on the Giant Map of Pennsylvania and discover some interesting facts about our state mammals. Included in regular admission (Mammal Hall program info).

• Cemetery Tours (in-person); Saturday, 7-8 pm, and Sunday, 2-3 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• This event takes place at Riverview Cemetery in Northumberland with tours starting every 15 minutes. Meet 10 characters representing individuals in the cemetery who will guide you through the graveyard. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and under (accompanied by an adult). Call 570-473-9474 for tickets (Priestley House events calendar).

• Old Economy After Dark (in-person); 7-11 pm; Old Economy Village
• OEV has partnered with Beaver County Paranormal for an evening of exploration in the Village. BCP will present two lectures on paranormal investigation, and attendees are welcome to bring hand-held investigation equipment (no large equipment or metal detectors). Please note that this is not a "haunted" event with costumed figures or scares. Advance tickets only: $20 general admission, $25 VIP ticket lets you stay later in the evening and access additional spaces (Oct. 14 OEV After Dark info and tickets).

Sunday, October 15

• Paws on the Path (in-person); 9:10-10 am; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Come explore Daniel Boone Homestead with your furry friend. All dogs must be on a leash and well-behaved around other dogs. Walkers without dogs are welcome to come as well (Paws on the Path info).

• Open-Hearth Cooking (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The cooks will demonstrate different types of 17th-century puddings. Included in regular admission (Open-Hearth Cooking program info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Geology Hall (in-person); 2:30-3:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us on this family friendly tour of Geology Hall and explore Pennsylvania’s rocks and minerals. Included in regular admission (Geology Hall tour info).

Tuesday, October 17

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Oct. 17 Sensory Hours).

Wednesday, October 18

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 2-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Planetarium tickets must be obtained at ground floor desk at least five minutes before showtime (Stargazing program info).

• History Speaks Series (in-person); 7-8:30 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Dr. Peter Gilmore, Carlow University, will present "The Long Road from Ireland to Bushy Run," exploring the history of settlers from Northern Ireland who arrived in Westmoreland County in 1763 (History Speaks Series info and tickets).

Thursday, October 19

• Historical Archaeology (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the artifacts from the archeological dig at Fort Hunter. Uncover the hundreds of years of occupation and the mysteries the dig uncovered. Test your own archaeological skills. Included in regular admission (Archaeology program info).

• Ghouls on the Bay: Trick-or-Treat! (in-person); 6-8 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• Ghouls come to life at the Museum! Join us for a fun, (non-scary) family-friendly trick-or-treat event. Dress up in your costume, trick-or-treat, meet members of Oliver Hazard Perry’s crew, and take part in Halloween-themed maritime activities! Tickets are $5 for trick-or-treaters; parents/guardians are free (Erie Trick or Treat event info).

Friday, October 20

• Story Time with the Educator (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Designed for children ages 2 through preK and led by a Museum educator, Story Time features a reading of a specially selected children’s book and a hands-on activity, craft, song or poem. Included in regular admission (Railroad Museum October 20 story time).

• Artists Conversations (in-person); 5:30-7:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Admission to the Art of the State exhibit is free tonight as part of 3rd in the Burg. Artist Eddy López will be part of a conversation in the exhibit starting at 6 pm. Refreshments will be served (Art of the State artist conversation).

• Wreck of the Dean Richmond (in-person); 6-8 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• This free lecture on the sinking of the freighter Dean Richmond on Lake Erie in 1893 is presented in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Archaeology Shipwreck Survey Team (PASST). It will take place in the Hirt Auditorium, just off the lobby the museum shares with Erie County Public Library (Shipwreck program info).

• A Walk Among the Graeme Ghosts (in-person); 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• This immersive theater experience allows guests to visit the publicly accessible areas of the Keith House in any order and at their own pace. Tours are at 7, 8, (sold out) and 9 pm. Advance tickets are $20 via Eventbrite. Tickets at the door are $25, but may sell out before the event (Oct. 20 Graeme Ghosts info).

• POSTPONED TO NOV. 17, 7:45-11:15 pm: Star Watch (in-person); 9 pm-12:30 am; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Berks Astronomy will be on hand with telescopes to help visitors observe an array of celestial objects, including stars and planets. Dress warmly and bring a red light flashlight, which doesn't interfere with stargazing (Star Watch info and observation list).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 21, Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Jim Christ, president of the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund, will present a program addressing common myths about the Battle of Paoli (Sept. 20, 1777) and exploring its influence on the remainder of the American Revolution. Tickets are $20 and include the lecture, light refreshments, and access to the museum's exhibit gallery and afternoon tours (Revolutionary Speaker Series info and tickets).

• Halloween Lantern Tours (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 21, 6-9:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• Explore Hope Lodge by lantern light and participate in an immersive tour of the grounds. Reservations required (Hope Lodge Lantern Tours info and tickets).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Oct. 27, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Archaeology curator (retired) Janet Johnson will discuss how The State Museum's collections are used by archaeologists to understand and interpret the past and what science has contributed to our knowledge of these curated collections. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Harvest, Death & Renewal: Late October Traditions of the PA Germans (in-person); Friday, Oct. 27, 6:30 and 8:30 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This two-hour nighttime tour explores the museum grounds and adjacent cemetery. Recommended for adults and older teens. Dress for the weather and please bring a flashlight. Offered at 6:30 and 8:30; light refreshments will be served in the Landis Valley Hotel. Reservations required (info and tickets for Harvest, Death & Renewal).

• A Walk Among the Graeme Ghosts (in-person); Friday, Oct. 27, 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• This immersive theater experience allows guests to visit the publicly accessible areas of the Keith House in any order and at their own pace. Tours are at 7, 8, and 9 pm. Advance tickets are $20 via Eventbrite. Tickets at the door are $25, but may sell out before the event (Oct. 27 Graeme Ghosts info).

• Old Economy After Dark (in-person); Friday, Oct. 27, 7-11 pm; Old Economy Village
• OEV has partnered with Beaver County Paranormal for an evening of exploration in the Village. BCP will present two lectures on paranormal investigation, and attendees are welcome to bring hand-held investigation equipment (no large equipment or metal detectors). Please note that this is not a "haunted" event with costumed figures or scares. Advance tickets only: $20 general admission, $25 VIP ticket lets you stay later in the evening and access additional spaces (Oct. 27 OEV After Dark info and tickets).

• Workshops in Archaeology 2023 (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 am-5 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This year's theme is Discovering the Past: The Sciences of Archaeology. Sessions will feature experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C14 dating, GPR survey, geoarchaeology, and more. Please join us as we explore how these specialized analyses are conducted and how the results enhance our understanding of the environmental and human past. Early registration by Oct. 20 is $25; discounts available. Registration at the door is $35 (no discounts). Bagged lunches, available for $8.50, must be ordered by Oct. 20 (Workshops in Archaeology info and registration).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Nov. 7, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Nov. 21, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Nov. 7, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 7 Sensory Hours and tickets for Nov. 21 Sensory Hours).

• Bound by the Furnace: Iron Slavery in Early National Pennsylvania (virtual); Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian Cory Young will present a program based on his research about the use of enslaved labor in the iron industry. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall Iron Furnace lecture registration).

Options for Your Weekend

Members of the NGP History Project will be on the grounds at PA Military Museum this weekend for a Spanish American War era encampment (photo via PMM Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, September 15

• Story Time with the Educator (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Designed for children ages 2 through pre-K and led by a museum educator, Story Time features a reading of a specially selected children’s book and a hands-on activity, craft, song or poem. September's book is A Lucky Dog: Owney, U.S. Rail Mascot by Dirk Wales with illustrations by Diane Kenna. Included in regular admission (Railroad Story Time info).

Saturday, September 16

• The Keystone in the Philippines (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• The NGP History project will be on hand to mark the 125th anniversary of the National Guard of Pennsylvania's overseas operations in 1898, portraying a detachment of the 10th Infantry on outpost in the Philippines (National Guard history program info).

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab for a reading of We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. Learn more about the Tyrannosaurus rex and create your own T-rex to take home. For kids age 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime info).

• Action Stations! Naval Wargaming Day (in-person); 10:30 am-3:30 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• Participants will have the opportunity to reenact some of history’s most famous naval warfare engagements. This is your chance to meet, compete, and/or even learn the basics of tabletop wargaming from local pros. Included in regular admission (Naval Wargaming program info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-4 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month (Sept. 16 Stargazing program info).

• Lagers & Lumberjacks (in-person); 4-7 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Semi-professional competitors will take on six timbersport events. Logyard Brewing will have samples and local food trucks will have tasty eats. Even try your hand at axe throwing. You must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event. Tickets are $12 in advance ($8 for designated driver) and $15 at the door ($10 for designated driver). Member discounts available (Lagers & Lumberjacks info and tickets).

Sunday, September 17

• Paws on the Path (in-person); 9:10-10 am; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Come explore Daniel Boone Homestead with your furry friend. All dogs must be on a leash and well-behaved around other dogs. Walkers without dogs are welcome to come as well (Paws on the Path info).

• Living History Sunday (in-person); Noon-3 pm; Graeme Park
• Join us for a Living History Sunday on pirates and piracy in the 18th century and learn how Sir William Keith ran Blackbeard out of Philadelphia. Kids can walk the plank and create their own pirate flag. Living History is free; admission charged for tours of the Keith House (Living History Sunday info).

• Open-Hearth Cooking (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The bake oven will be fired for the baking of coffins and pyes. Visit with the cooks and learn what a coffin was in the 17th century. Included in regular admission (Open-Hearth Cooking info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-4 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month (Sept. 17 Stargazing program info).

Tuesday, September 19

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Sept. 19 Sensory Hours).

Friday, September 22

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the use of LINE in art: what it is, different types of line, and how artists use it in their artwork. Create your own piece of line artwork to take home. For kids in grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so sign up at the front desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join Amy Hammond, Fine Arts Curator and "Art of the State" Project Director, as she explores representations of seeds in art using pieces in the "Art of the State 2023" exhibit. Program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Still Life Paint and Sip for All Skill Levels (in-person); Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Bring your favorite beverage and paint along step by step as we create our own 17th-century inspired still life. Materials provided. Cost is $35, $30 for members. Email c-kerscott@pa.gov to reserve your spot (Pennsbury Paint and Sip info).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Saturday, Sept. 23, Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Andrew Outten, historical programs manager for the Society of the Cincinnati in Washington, DC, will present "'From a Plan Drawn on the Spot': William Faden and the Battle of Brandywine," exploring one of the most influential British mapmakers of the late 18th century. Tickets are available in advance through Eventbrite (Sept. 23 Rev Speaker Series tickets).

• Garden Railways Tour (in-person); Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Tickets are on sale now for the 16th annual tour of garden railways located at five sites in Lancaster and York Counties. Cost is $10 for ages 6 and up. Tickets available via Eventbrite or at the Whistle Stop Shop at the museum.

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Oct. 3, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Oct. 17, 9-11 am ; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Oct. 3, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Oct. 3 Sensory Hours and tickets for Oct. 17 Sensory Hours).

• Frosty Mugs of Thunder (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 7, 2-6 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Kick off autumn with a beer, wine, and spirits fest. Live music and local food, as well. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend; ticket holders must show photo ID at the entrance (Frosty Mugs of Thunder info and tickets).

• Battle of Germantown (virtual); Tuesday, Oct. 10, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian and educator Michael Harris will present a program on the Battle of Germantown during the American Revolution. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Battle of Germantown lecture info).

• Lunch & Learn (in-person); Wednesday, Oct. 11, 10 am-1 pm; Graeme Park
• Sue Johnston will present a program on courtship and marriage in early America, exploring differences between different economic classes and the status of children born outside of marriage, abandoned, or orphaned. Program includes continental breakfast and lunch buffet. Tours of the Keith House will be available after lunch (Lunch & Learn info and tickets).

• Pithole Lantern Tours (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 14, 6:30-9:30 pm; Historic Pithole City
• Visitors will walk the former streets of the legendary oil boomtown, meeting some of Pithole's most famous historical figures along the way. Tours depart the visitor center every 10 minutes from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm and last approximately 90 minutes. Advance tickets only (Pithole Lantern Tour tickets).

• Cemetery Tours (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 14, 7-8 pm, and Sunday, Oct. 15, 2-3 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• This event takes place at Riverview Cemetery in Northumberland with tours starting every 15 minutes. Meet 10 characters representing individuals in the cemetery who will guide you through the graveyard. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and under (accompanied by an adult). Call 570-473-9474 for tickets (Priestley House events calendar).

• Workshops in Archaeology 2023 (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 am-5 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This year's theme is Discovering the Past: The Sciences of Archaeology. Sessions will feature experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C14 dating, GPR survey, geoarchaeology, and more. Please join us as we explore how these specialized analyses are conducted and how the results enhance our understanding of the environmental and human past. Early registration by Oct. 20 is $25; discounts available. Registration at the door is $35 (no discounts). Bagged lunches, available for $8.50, must be ordered by Oct. 20 (Workshops in Archaeology info and registration).

Things to Do, Read, and Watch

Living historians portray U.S. Army soldiers during Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum's Civil War event in 2019 (photo via Landis Valley's Facebook page)

Summer continues on its way to fall, with lots of activities on the Trails of History. Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum's Civil War Weekend has a little something to interest the whole family and gives you a sense of what a small village was like during that era. If outdoor theater is more your thing, Conrad Weiser Homestead is hosting three performances of The Tempest by Reading Community Players. You can also learn about butterflies and moths at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. That's just the weekend, please see below for the week ahead and for summer camp listings (many are still taking enrollments).

Cornwall Iron Furnace, which just marked the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Cornwall Ore Mines, has released a new book, Always More Production, by museum volunteer, frequent speaker, and retired geologist Mike Weber. Mike drew heavily on research collections at the museum, including monthly reports sent from the mines in Cornwall to the main office of Bethlehem Steel. The book presents a detailed history of iron mining activities in Cornwall from 1737 to 1973. You can check Cornwall's Facebook post for details on how to get your copy.

The Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead have produced a new history video focused on Conrad Weiser and his home. Copies on DVD are available in the Museum Store. This video project was in addition to Conrad Weiser Homestead's participation in the PA History to Go series. Those videos are available to stream on PHMC's PA History to Go website.

Up Next

Today, July 14

• Family Gallery Tour: Mammal Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Touch furs, hold antlers, view skulls and ask questions during a tour of Mammal Hall. Included in regular admission (Mammal Hall tour info).

• Chill and Build (in-person); 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Unwind with the family on a Friday afternoon. Choose the colors and shapes to make your own creation or follow the pattern on the design cards to make a tree, rocket and more using building blocks. Included in regular admission (Chill and Build program info).

• The Tempest (in-person); Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 6-9 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Reading Community Players will present William Shakespeare's The Tempest on the grounds of the Homestead for three nights, starting tonight at 6 pm. The event is rain or shine (under a tent, with chairs provided). Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and may be purchased ahead or at the door (The Tempest at CWH info).

Saturday, July 15

• Butterflies and Moths (in-person); 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn more about butterflies and moths in Pennsylvania and make a butterfly craft to take home. Included in regular admission (Butterflies and Moths program info).

• Civil War Weekend (in-person); Saturday, 10 am-4 pm, and Sunday, Noon-4 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• A wide array of military and civilian activities will be offered, including drills and firing demos, vintage baseball, and displays about Civil War-era medicine on and off the battlefield. Regular admission charged; please start at the Visitor Center to purchase tickets (Civil War Weekend info).

• Acting Workshop (in-person); 2-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Laurie McCants, co-founder of the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, will lead a two-part workshop for students age 8 to 12. Actors will choose a historical figure, research their life, write a script, and reenact them. Second session takes place July 22 (Acting Workshop info and registration).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-4 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Admission and planetarium tickets must be purchased at least 5 minutes before showtime.

Sunday, July 16

• Open-Hearth Cooking (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Stoneware crocks, bladders, vinegar, gally pots, and sugar will abound as the cooks start preserving the harvest for the winter to come. Included in regular admission (Open-Hearth Cooking program info).

Wednesday, July 19

• Family Gallery Tour: Geology Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Get hands-on with the rocks and minerals of Pennsylvania. Learn about Pennsylvania’s landforms and resources. Meet on the 3rd Floor Balcony for this presentation. Included in regular admission (July 19 Geology Hall tour info).

Thursday, July 20

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy a story in the garden and then explore the grounds of Pennsbury Manor. Cost is a $3 grounds pass (additional fee to tour the Manor House). Suggested ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• State Symbol: Brook Trout (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• In 1970, the brook trout was chosen as the official state fish of Pennsylvania. Learn more about its selection, biology and create brook trout fish art, Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese method of printing fish. Included in regular admission (Brook Trout program info).

Friday, July 21

• It's ALIVE! (or maybe not): Living and Non-Living Things (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Younger visitors are invited to explore living and non-living things and the properties that something needs to exhibit to be alive. Included in regular admission (Living & Non-Living Things program info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Geology Hall (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Get hands-on with the rocks and minerals of Pennsylvania. Learn about Pennsylvania’s landforms and resources. Meet on the 3rd Floor Balcony for this presentation. Included in regular admission (July 21 Geology Hall tour info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); Tuesday, July 25, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's workshop is about preserving produce. Geared for ages 12 and up. Registration required - $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Call 215/946-0400 (July Garden Workshop info).

• Returning the Wild to the Wilderness (virtual); Friday, July 28, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Thomas Keller, Furbearer Biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will share the history of wildlife loss within the Commonwealth, the legacy of rewilding, and the possibility of returning the American marten to the forests of the state. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Returning the Wild program info and registration).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Aug. 8, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Aug. 22, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Aug. 8 Sensory Hours and tickets for Aug. 22 Sensory Hours).

• The Colemans and Martic Forge (hybrid); Tuesday, Aug. 8, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Jim Polczynski will present a program centered on the ownership of Martic Forge by three generations of the Coleman family (who also owned Cornwall Iron Furnace). You can attend the program in person at Freeman Hall, Cornwall Manor Retirement Community, or virtually via Zoom (Martic Forge lecture info and registration).

• The "Dead" of Summer (in-person); Saturday, Aug. 19, 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• Experience a reenactment of an early 20th-century seance focused on the period when many had lost loved ones to the 1918 flu pandemic or World War I and were susceptible to this form of entertainment. Tickets are limited and will be available online (Dead of Summer info and tickets).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); Saturday, Aug. 26, 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a private history tour of the outside tracked vehicles and discuss the history of armored vehicles with a preeminent local historian. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership. Please note that we will not be accessing the inside of the tracked vehicles, but we will walk outside on the grounds, so please dress for the weather with appropriate footwear (Exploring the Armor registration).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Joseph Priestley House (Priestley House camp info)
• Summer History Camp (grades 1-6), July 26-28, 9 am-Noon

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

• PA Lumber Museum (Lumber Museum camp info)
• History Camp (ages 10-18), August 4-5, 9 am-2 pm

A Full Weekend Ahead

Erie Maritime Museum's program on shipwrecks is just one of many events happening this weekend (photo via EMM Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, June 16

• Colonial Toys and Games (in-person); 11 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover and play with the toys, games and puzzles from colonial Pennsylvania. Test your skills with a bilbo catcher, Jacobs ladder and see if you can make a hoop go with just a stick. Toys and games will be available 11 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-3 pm. Included in regular admission (Toys and Games program info).

Saturday, June 17

• 50th Anniversary of the Cornwall Mines Closure (in-person); 10 am-noon; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• The Cornwall Ore Mine closed in June of 1973 after 236 years of operations. This free, family-friendly event commemorates the mine, the closing, and former miners. Remarks and recollections will take place in the auditorium of Cornwall Elementary School (45 Burd Coleman Rd., Lebanon), there will be a wreath-laying at the miner statue in front of the school, then attendees are invited for refreshments at Cornwall Iron Furnace (Cornwall Mines program info).

• Art in the Garden: Botanical Drawing Workshop (in-person); 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Outdoor art for all skill levels. This guided drawing workshop will focus on plants in the kitchen garden. Materials provided. Registration required $35/non-members $30/members. Call 215/946-0400 to register (Art in the Garden workshop info).

• Sail to Steam Saturdays (in-person); 10 am-2 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• Join Museum staff to explore the science behind shipwreck archaeology. We will explore SONAR imagery, talk shipwrecks in the Erie region, learn about mosaics, and “dive” into a debris field. Included in regular admission (June 17 Sail to Steam info).

• Amusement Parks (in-person); 10 am-noon and 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the history of amusement parks in Pennsylvania and the connection to industrialization. Examine key rides with Pennsylvania significance: carousel, roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and the bumper car. Create your own carousel with images of items from our collection. Included in regular admission (Amusement Parks program info).

• Patchtown Days (in-person); 10 am-5 pm; Eckley Miners' Village
• Join us for a day of live music, local crafts, and anthracite heritage! Stop by one of our food trucks for Polish and Mexican cuisine, sip on a pint in Conyngham Brewing Company’s new beer garden, and wander our 90-acre, 19th-century company town to step into the lives of anthracite mining families! Admission charged (Patchtown Days info).

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in the Auditorium on the Ground Floor to learn about the symphony orchestra. Because by Mo Willems will be the featured book. Storytime participants will learn about the instruments that make up an orchestra and have a chance to play along with a few famous symphonic works. For kids age 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (SMOP StoryTime info).

• Arts on Fire 2023 (in-person); 11 am-5 pm; Scranton Iron Furnaces
• Annual festival features an iron pour, scratch blocks, music, food, crafts and educational tents from the partners at National Museum of Industrial History and the PA Lumber Museum. Held in conjunction with Steamtown National Historic Site's Railfest (10 am-4 pm). Admission is free and there is free transportation between the Iron Furnaces and Steamtown NHS (Arts on Fire program info).

• OEV Music Weekend (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, Noon-8 pm both days; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a wide array of bands at a beautiful historic site. Event is rain or shine (will move indoors if the weather is bad); bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. There will be a variety of food trucks onsite (separate purchase). Advance tickets only; choose one day or the whole weekend (OEV Music Weekend line-up and tickets).

• 90th Anniversary of the CCC (in-person); 1-2 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Curator Josh Fox will present a program looking back at the prolific works and impactful legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps. There will also be a new temporary exhibit in honor of CCC's 90th anniversary (CCC program info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-4 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Admission and planetarium tickets must be purchased at the Ground Floor desk at least 5 minutes before showtime (Stargazing program info).

• Brews at the Battlefield (in-person); 5-8 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Taste beers from local and regional breweries, listen to music, and enjoy food from Burgers by Wildwich (separate purchase from event tickets). You must be at least age 21 to attend, and photo ID will be required at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance; designated driver tickets available (Brews at the Battlefield tickets).

Sunday, June 18

• Father's Day (in-person); Noon-3 pm; Graeme Park
• The site will offer free tours to all men age 18 and over in honor of Father's Day (Graeme Park info).

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

• Juneteenth Celebration (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The site will host a program in celebration of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Bring a lunch and blanket or chairs and enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the banks of the Delaware River. Included in regular admission (Juneteenth program info).

• Finding Your Roots: Free Resources for Building a Family Tree (in-person); 2-4 pm; Graeme Park
• Learn about researching the identities of enslaved people at historic house museums and build a toolkit to bridge gaps in your own family history. This in-person program will be followed by two virtual meet-ups, June 20 and 27 at 7 pm to review and troubleshoot research; contact info will be requested during June 18 class (Finding Your Roots program info).

Wednesday, June 21

• THE STATE MUSEUM IS CLOSED TODAY, JUNE 21: Family Gallery Tour: Mammal Hall (in-person); 11:30 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn more about Pennsylvania mammals during a family-friendly tour of Mammal Hall. Touch furs, hold antlers, view skulls, and ask questions. Included in regular admission (Mammal Hall program info).

Thursday, June 22

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy a story in Pennsbury's garden and then stay to explore the grounds. Suggested for ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome. Admission is $3 (Grounds Pass); upgrade to regular admission if you'd like to tour the Manor House (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• Physical Geography of Pennsylvania (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Using the Giant Map of Pennsylvania, learn about the state's landforms, waterways, and physiographic regions. Be sure to wear your socks so you can trek across the map. You will also be asked to challenge your map skills. Included in regular admission (Geography program info).

Friday, June 23

• Family Gallery Tour: Transportation (in-person); 11:30 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This family-friendly tour looks at transportation changes throughout Pennsylvania’s history. Join Museum Educators to learn about the vehicles that have helped move us across our state. Included in regular admission (Transportation gallery tour info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Jacob Henry, Spotted Lanternfly Operations Manager with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will discuss the spotted lanternfly in Pennsylvania. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Brews & Bites (in-person); Saturday, June 24, 4-8 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• This event features local breweries, live music, food trucks, 17th-century brewing demonstrations and more, in a lovely setting along the Delaware River. Must be at least 21 years old to attend (photo ID required at the door). Tickets are limited; advance purchase recommended (Brews & Bites tickets).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, June 27, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for June 27 Sensory Hours).

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); Tuesday, June 27, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's workshop is "Colors of Our Lives." Open to ages 12 and up. Registration is required. Tickets are $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Call 215/946-0400 (Garden Workshop Series info).

• Acting Workshop (in-person); Saturday, July 15, 2-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Laurie McCants, co-founder of the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, will lead a two-part workshop for students age 8 to 12. Actors will choose a historical figure, research their life, write a script, and reenact them. Second session takes place July 22 (Acting Workshop info and registration).

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); Tuesday, July 25, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's workshop is about preserving produce. Geared for ages 12 and up. Registration required - $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Call 215/946-0400 (July Garden Workshop info).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Joseph Priestley House (Priestley House camp info)
• Summer History Camp (grades 1-6), July 26-28, 9 am-Noon

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

• PA Lumber Museum (Lumber Museum camp info)
• History Camp (ages 10-18), August 4-5, 9 am-2 pm

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28