False Spring Strikes Again

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum's Snowmobility Weekend drew a good crowd, with the snow sticking around just long enough

I heard from the PA Lumber Museum that the snow they needed for last weekend's event has gone. I enjoyed a lovely lunchtime walk on Wednesday with 60 degree temps. But it's all a sham. We all know it. More winter weather is on the way, because it is, of course, still winter. I fall for it every year. Ah, well. Be sure to check out the calendar below for the coming week and check the advance planning list for more things to look forward to on the Trails of History.

Erie Maritime Museum

The Erie Maritime Museum, which is home to the U.S. Brig Niagara, is currently in the running for USAToday's Top 10 History Museums list. Twenty museums are featured on the website; the top 10 vote-getters will make the final cut. As of Wednesday afternoon, Erie Maritime Museum is at number 6. You can vote once a day through noon ET on March 14. Please take a few minutes to cast your vote, early and often (vote for Erie Maritime Museum). Thank you for your support.

Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople are invited to submit their entries for the 2022 Art of the State exhibition at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. This year is the 55th exhibition. Categories for submission and awards are Painting, Work on Paper, Photography & Digital Media, Sculpture, and Craft. The deadline to submit your work is May 6; the exhibition will be on view from September 11, 2022 through January 15, 2023. The State Museum website has details (Art of the State application info).

Up Next

Friday, February 25

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Curators Katie McGowan and Robert Hill will share the story of Mary Sharp Ward (1912-1989), who served with the American Red Cross during World War II. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration)

Sunday, February 27

• Sunday Sewing Circle (in-person), 1-4 pm, Bushy Run Battlefield
• Bring your sewing or embroidery projects and enjoy the company of others who like to sew. The program is free; chairs, tables, ironing board, and iron provided (Sewing Circle info)

Wednesday, March 2

• Explore! (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Learn about PA's architectural innovations and unique buildings. For kids in grade 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info)

Thursday, March 3

• Winter History Class (virtual), 9 am-noon, Ephrata Cloister
• Today's topic is "Mystical and Churchly: An Ephrata Confession of Faith." If you did not register for the full course, you can watch today's session via Zoom for $10 (Winter History Class info and tickets)

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Join museum educators to learn about life from the Carboniferous Period to today using hands-on fossils of plants and animals (Family Gallery Tour info)

Friday, March 4

• StoryTime (in-person), 10:30-11:30 am, The State Museum of PA
• Explore our solar system and read Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess with illustrations by Annabel Tempest. For kids ages 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission (StoryTime info)

• Conservationist Gardener Workshop (in-person), 11 am-12:30 pm, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
• Staff from the Potter County Conservation District will present about garden and backyard conservation. Free rain barrels and soil test kits will be offered to attendees. The workshop is free; call 814/320-4017 to reserve your spot (Garden workshop info)

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Ephrata Cloister's Winter History Class continues each Thursday morning from 9 am to noon through March 31; if you didn't sign up for the full 9-week course, you can register to attend individual sessions via Zoom for $10 each (Ephrata Cloister website)
• Drake Well Museum and Park's Wisdom and Wine in-person lecture series will run Thursday nights from March 10 through March 31. Regional experts on the people, places, and events of local petroleum industry will present and Brokenstraw Valley Winery will host a wine-tasting happy hour (happy hour at 5:30 pm with lectures starting at 6:30). Separate admission prices for the happy hour and lecture (Wisdom and Wine info)
• Somerset Historical Center is hosting a Pysanky Egg Decorating Workshop on Saturday, March 12. This class is geared to beginners and the fee includes materials. Adults and kids age 12 and up welcome; ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult (Pysanky workshop info and registration).
• On Saturday, March 19, 2-4 pm, the Pennsylvania Military Museum will offer their popular history tour of the tracked vehicles on the grounds, including a look inside the crew compartments. Space is limited (in more ways than one), and reservations are required (Exploring the Armor info and registration).
• Rails and Ales: enjoy an evening of craft beer among the museum's historic trains at the Railroad Museum of PA, April 9, 5:30-9 pm; must be 21 or older to attend; variety of ticket options (VIP tickets are sold out), including designated driver tickets (Rails and Ales tickets)
• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum will offer living history tours on Saturday, May 21, based on the life and work of local inventor William Chester Ruth. Ruth was born in 1882 in Chester County; his father had been enslaved in South Carolina and his mother was a free woman of color. Ruth will be portrayed by actor Keith Henley of American Historical Theater. Tour times are 9:30, 12:30, and 3; advance tickets are required (William Chester Ruth Tour info and tickets)
• Drake Well Marathon, August 14 - this race is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Registration for a variety of categories is now open.

Catching Up with October

Please be sure to check the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (in-person and virtual). I've included highlights for the coming week below. The Trailheads Rec Room pages to the right of your screen offer an array of online content generated by Trails of History sites. Also, if you're looking for a Covid vaccine provider, check out Vaccines.gov and enter your zip code.

Please note that staff and volunteers at Commonwealth of PA worksites, including the PA Trails of History, are wearing masks while indoors. Visitors are encouraged, though not required, to do so as well.

Join us on Oct. 26 (details below) to learn about the Roberts Torpedo (like the one used on this oil well), chainsaws, boarding axes, train couplers, machine guns, and sawmills (photo courtesy Drake Well Museum)

Trailheads HQ has been on a little break this week. Please be sure to check ahead to make sure there's been no change of plans, especially for this weekend's events (I'll catch up in the coming week). Thank you!

Upcoming Events (virtual and in-person)

Today, October 22

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual): tune in for a variety of perspectives on special exhibits, programs, and initiatives, The State Museum of PA, 12:15-12:45 pm (L@L info)
• Haunted Lantern Tours (in-person): your guide will take you through shadowy rooms and halls of the Keith House and relate tales of the past, Graeme Park, 7-10:30 pm, tickets must be purchased in advance, this program also offered on Oct. 29 (Lantern Tour info and Oct. 22 ticket link)

Saturday, October 23

• Trains & Treats (in-person): visit historic locomotives, railroad cars and interactive exhibits and pick up treats along the way, Railroad Museum of PA, 10:30 am-3 pm, geared to kids age 3-12 and included in regular admission (Trains & Treats details)
• Historical Halloween (in-person): trick-or-treating long lantern-lit pathways and other family-friendly activities, Somerset Historical Center, 5-8 pm (Historical Halloween details)
• Spooky Lantern Tours (in-person): guides will take groups on an after-dark tour of the museum grounds with trick-or-treating and other activities, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, 6:30-8:30 pm (Spooky Lantern Tours details)

Sunday, October 24

• Last Sunday Sewing Circle (in-person): bring sewing projects and hang out in the company of other needle arts enthusisasts, today's event is an exception to the usual last Sunday of the month schedule, Bushy Run Battlefield, 1-4 pm (Sewing Circle details)
• Beer Brewing & Garden Highlights (in-person): explore the recipes and plants that kept Pennsbury's early residents fed, Pennsbury Manor, 1-4 pm, included in regular admission (BB&GH details)

Tuesday, October 26

• PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase (virtual): this month's Halloween-adjacent theme is Most Dangerous Object, hosted by Railroad Museum of PA, 7-8 pm (Showcase info and registration)
• UPDATE: The Harmonist Connection (virtual): as part of an ongoing collaboration among Old Economy Village, Historic Harmony, and New Harmony this program will focus on Harmonist cemeteries and burial practices, 7-8 pm (Harmonist Connection info and registration)

Wednesday, October 27

• Explore! (in-person): learn about the rocks that make up Pennsylvania, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, for kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission (Explore! info)

Thursday, October 28

• Curiosity Kids (in-person): discover the Giant Map of Pennsylvania and use your mapping skills during a scavenger hunt, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, for kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission, space is limited so sign up at the Ground Floor Information Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info)

On the Trails of History, January 31 to February 13

Many sites are on adjusted winter schedules, and February is notorious for bad weather, so it is advisable to check ahead before planning a visit. This week’s post gets you almost to Valentine’s Day; if you’re planning further ahead, the February program page is available.

Join the fun at Historic Pithole this Saturday (Feb. 1) - see details below under Drake Well listing (image via Facebook)

Bushy Run Battlefield
Feb. 13: Historic Sewing Workshop Series—each program in the series starts with one hour of instruction in basic techniques, followed by an hour of open studio time to work on your projects and enjoy the company of the group (see Facebook event page for details (additional dates in series are Mar. 12 and Apr. 9). 6-8 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
Feb. 1: Pithole Cabin Fever Party—shake off your winter blues with food, crafts, games, and fun. If there is snow, grab your sled and cruise down the legendary boomtown’s slopes or build a snowman! Donations welcome. Takes place at Historic Pithole City, 14118 Pithole Road, Pleasantville, PA 16341 (check out the Facebook event for details). 10 am-2 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Feb. 6, 13: Winter History Class—each Thursday morning participants in the Winter History Class learn about the history of the celibate brothers and sisters, the world they lived in, and the work of preserving the collections and buildings. Sign up for the series or for individual dates (visit website for session details and cost). Contact the site at 717/733-6600 to register. Class continues through March.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for info on any events and programs happening this month.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Winter/Spring Workshops—February brings learning opportunities, including craft and trade classes, lectures, and classes offered by the Heirloom Seed Project. Schedules and costs vary. The full list of classes through April is on the website, along with registration info.
Homeschool Classes—this year marks the 10th anniversary of Landis Valley’s homeschool program. On six Wednesdays in February through mid-March, the site offers a series of classes designed for homeschool groups. Each week has a different focus and activities. Sign up for all or some, depending on your schedule and interest (full details are on the website). 9 am-12:30 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Planetarium Shows—check the State Museum website for schedule and program descriptions.
Feb. 7: Storytime—this month's program takes place in the Planetarium, with Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper and a planetarium show. Geared for ages 3-5 with accompanying adult. Included in regular admission. 10:30-11:30 am.
Feb. 13: Curiosity Kids—this month's program will explore Native American clothing. Geared for young visitors, ages 3-6. Included in regular admission, but space is limited so be sure to sign up at the front desk when you arrive at the museum. 11:30 am-noon.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for operating schedules and info on events and programs happening this month.

On the Trails of History, Oct. 4-17

If you're planning beyond Oct. 17, the full October program page is what you'll need.

Please note that most Trails of History sites will be closed on Oct. 14. Exceptions are noted below.

Old Economy Village will host the annual Erntedankfest Harvest Festival this weekend - see below for details (photo AKF)

Bushy Run Battlefield
Oct. 10: Historic Sewing Workshop Series—this series is open to people at all skill levels. Each workshop will have a one-hour of formal instruction on 18th- and 19th-century techniques, followed by an hour of open studio time to work on your own projects or practice in a group setting. Additional dates are Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. See the Facebook event page for details on how to register. 6-8 pm.
Oct. 16: History Speaks Series—the Loyalhannon Spinners will present a program entitled "Sheep to Shawl." Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door (members receive 10% discount). Contact the site at 724/527-5584 for tickets. 7 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Oct. 9: Friends Lecture Series—site administrator Michael Emery will present "Pennsylvania German Gravestones" (details on the website). Lectures take place in the auditorium of Freeman Community Center at Cornwall Manor Retirement Community. Program is free; donations are welcome. 7 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Oct. 12: Exeter Township Fall Festival—the Homestead will host this year's festival (more info on Exeter Twp. website). 11 am-7 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
Oct. 12: Pithole Lantern Tours—see the remains of a 19th-century oil boomtown, check out the visitor center, enjoy live music, and play 3-card monte (watch your wallet). Admission charged. Details, including link for online tickets, are on the Facebook event page. First tour starts at 6:30 pm, last one at 9:30.

Ephrata Cloister
Oct. 11-12: Apple Dumpling Sale—enjoy a delicious PA Dutch tradition and support the Back to the Cloister Fund (which has helped to return more than 100 original furnishings and objects to the site). There is no admission charge to buy or pick up apple dumplings (regular admission applies if you want to tour the site). Pre-orders for 5 or more dumplings will be accepted, and 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. 13: Day of Music—the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform music written at the site during the 1700s, Mark Herr will present a program about the Miller Reed Organ, and The Dolpehock Sanger Chor will sing traditional Pennsylvania Dutch folk songs (see website for performance schedule). All performances will take place in the 1741 Meetinghouse. Included in regular admission. Site is open noon-5 pm (guided tours will be available).

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for info on events and programs. Fort Pitt will be open on Oct. 14.

Graeme Park
Oct. 9: Lunch and Learn—Jim Rose and Mark Liss will present "The Bryn Athyn Train Wreck," exploring the 1921 tragedy that resulted in 27 dead and 70 injured (read more about the topic and the speakers). Cost is $30 per person ($25 for members) and includes continental breakfast and lunch buffet. Reservations are required; registration form is on the website. 10:30 am-1:30 pm.

Hope Lodge
October 6 & 13: Site open—Hope Lodge will be open from 1 pm to 4 pm, with guided tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm. Admission charged.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Throughout the month of October: Craft Skills Workshops—numerous hands-on workshops for adult are scheduled. Visit Landis Valley's workshops page for details and registration. Costs and times vary.
Oct. 4: Paint Night—the Landis Valley Museum Store will host artist Michelle Verdegem for an evening to benefit the museum and the historic animal breeds who call it home. The subject for this event's painting is a colorful rooster. Registration is required; register online or download a form. 6:30 pm.
Oct. 12-13: Harvest Days—a classic special event and a great way to celebrate the heart of the fall season. Loads of demonstrations and activities for the whole family in a beautiful setting. Admission: adults, $12; seniors, $10; age 6-11, $8; free for members and children age 5 and younger. Free parking and food available for purchase. Skip the admissions lines by purchasing your tickets through Brown Paper Tickets. 11 am-5 pm.
Oct. 17: Hands-On History Days—children of all ages get to experience seasonal chores, hands-on crafts, wagon rides, and more. Visit the website for details and contact info.

Old Economy Village
Oct. 5-6: 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.
Oct. 11 & 16: Home School Days—explore the village at a special education rate of $5 per person. Registration is due by Oct. 9 for either program; check the website for more info. 1:30-3:30 both days.
Oct. 12: Straw Hat Making Class—Sarah Hershey McKee, who makes straw hats for museums and reenactors, will teach the essentials and get you started. The class is free, but space is limited. You must register by Oct. 4 (details on how to sign up). 10 am-4 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
Oct 4: Escape Rooms—there are two scenarios to choose from, so please read the online ticket info carefully. Some time slots are sold out, but check to see if spaces are still available. Details on the website.
Oct 5: Monthly Book Club—this month's selection is Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth, chronicling her experiences in postwar London. Contact info is on the website. 10-11 am.
October 6 & 13: Sunday programming—Oct. 6, Historic Trades (the blacksmith, joyners, and spinners will demonstrate their skills); Oct. 13, Living History Theater (William Penn’s steward and housekeeper, John Sotcher and Mary Lofty, will be united in marriage according to 17th-century Quaker wedding customs). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Oct 12-13: 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, shingle mill, 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-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Oct. 6: Friends' Lecture Series—speaker is Jeffrey D. Wert, presenting a program on Civil War-era businesses that made significant contributions to the Union war effort and benefited from the need for goods. 2-3 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Oct. 6: Garden Railways Tour—this event features outdoor model train layouts at private residences and retirement communities around Lancaster County. Tickets ($10 per person for ages 6 and up) may be purchased at the museum, at any Stauffer’s of Kissel Hill store in central Pennsylvania, or online through EventBrite. The program flyer has more info; a list and map of participating locations will be provided with your ticket. 1-5 pm.
Oct. 14: Columbus Day—the museum is OPEN today. 9 am-5 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Oct. 12: Heinz Lecture Series—learn about the collection of "Mount Pleasant Glass" at Pittsburgh's Heinz History Center. Lecture is free, courtesy of sponsorship by The Fraternal Order of Eagles Somerset Aerie #1801. 2-4 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Check the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of programs.
Oct. 4: Archaeology at Fort Hunter—this season's excavations by the State Museum archaeology team wrap up today. You can drop by between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm to see what's up.
Oct. 4: StoryTime—this month's program, designed for kids age 3-5 with an adult, takes place in Nature Lab with a reading of I am NOT a Dinosaur! by Will Loach. Included in general admission. 10:30-11:30 am.
Oct. 10: Curiosity Kids—young visitors, ages 3-6, will experiment with building a nest from found materials. Included in general admission. 11:30 am.
Oct. 16: National Fossil Day—learn about "the Pleistocene era" in the Paleontology Gallery. Included in general admission. 12:15 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing Historic Park calendar of events for details of this month's events and programs. WCHP will be open on Oct. 14.

On the Trails of History, September 20-October 3

This week's post provides info on events through the end of September (it's officially Fall as of the 23rd) and teases a couple of events at the very beginning of October. The full October program page will be up and running next week (I'll update this with a link).

Tomorrow, Sept. 21, is Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day, and several PA Trails of History sites are participating, as noted below.

Bushy Run Battlefield offers their Fall Nature Walk tomorrow, Sept. 21 - details below (photo via Facebook)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Sept. 21: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day—people who present a Museum Live! ticket will receive two free admissions. Visit the Museum Day website to download your ticket.

Brandywine Battlefield
Sept. 24: Revolutionary Dining Series—this month's dinner and lecture are planned in conjunction with a new exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia (Sept. 28, 2019-March 17, 2020). "Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier" focuses on Richard St. George, veteran of the battles of Brandywine and Germantown. Held at The Gables at Chadds Ford, the cost is $50 per person (includes salad, entree, dessert, and lecture). Check Brandywine's website for reservation info. 6-9 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Sept. 21: Fall Nature Walk—learn about the flora and fauna of the woods around the battlefield with herbalist Lindsey Praksti (more info on Facebook event page). Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Cost is $5 per person, free for members. 10 am-noon.
Sept. 26: Historic Sewing Workshop Series—this four-part series is open to people at all skill levels. Each workshop will have a one-hour of formal instruction on 18th- and 19th-century techniques, followed by an hour of open studio time to work on your own projects or practice in a group setting. Additional dates are Oct. 10, Nov. 14, and Dec. 12. See the Facebook event page for details on how to register. 6-8 pm.
Sept. 28: Bushy Run Market—this is the last market day for the season. There will be a variety of vendors, and the concession stand will be open. 8 am-noon.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Sept. 28: Artisans in the Park—enjoy a wide variety of craft demonstrations and displays. Food vendors will be on hand and the historic buildings will be open (self-guided only). 9 am-4 pm.

Scene from the 2018 Cast Iron Cooking Demo at Cornwall Iron Furnace

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Sept. 21: Cast Iron Cooking Demo—cast iron cooking demonstrations will be presented by several members of the Friends of Cornwall Iron Furnace. 11 am-3 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Sept. 28: Heritage Day—all kinds of activities will take place throughout the site. Cooking, baking, dancing, magic, and much more (details on the calendar of events.) Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
Sept. 21: Fall Gas Up—the museum hosts the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society's display of antique gas engines, oil field and farm equipment, and more. Included in regular admission. 9 am-4 pm.
Sept. 28: Something More Saturday—this month's program is "Hands-on Oil Labs" (check the Facebook event page for more info). Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.

Eckley Miners' Village
Sept. 21: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day—people who present a Museum Live! ticket will receive two free admissions. Visit the Museum Day website to download your ticket.

Temporary exhibit of hymnals and music manuscripts at Ephrata Cloister (photo via Facebook)

Ephrata Cloister
Sept. 21: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day—people who present a Museum Live! ticket will receive two free admissions and enjoy a special program on music written at Ephrata. Visit the Museum Day website to download your ticket. Site is open 9 am-5 pm; special Museum Day music presentations at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please check the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on programs and events this month.

Graeme Park
Sept. 26: Homeschool Day—activities include tours of the Keith House, open-hearth cooking, colonial games, and typical chores (program flyer). Cost is $6 per person; students must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 10 am-2 pm.

Hope Lodge
Sept. 22 & 29: Site open—enjoy the grounds and take a guided tour of the mansion. Admission charged. 1-4 pm (tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm).

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Sept. 21 & 28: Fall Workshops—visit the workshop page on LVM's website for details on workshops in Sept., Oct., and Nov.
Sept. 21: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day—people who present a Museum Live! ticket will receive two free admissions. Visit the Museum Day website to download your ticket.
Sept. 28: "Escape" Landis Valley—it's 1777 and the British have invaded Philadelphia. Can you solve the puzzles to help the Continental Congress get through Lancaster on their way to York? You must register ahead of time if you want to find out. Program times are 10 and 11:30 am, 1 and 2:30 pm. Tickets are $35 for adults ($30 for LVA members) and $25 for children age 10 and under (light refreshments included). Contact Jamie at 717-581-0590.

Old Economy Village
Sept. 21: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day—Old Economy is participating in Smithsonian magazine's annual Museum Day. Visit the Old Economy website for a link to download a ticket good for free admission for two people. 10 am-5 pm.
Sept. 26: Lecture and Booksigning—Dr. Eileen Aiken English will present "If These Walls Could Talk," exploring stories of The Harmony Society (see Facebook event page for details, including how to register). Dr. English will also sign books (available in the Museum Store for purchase). 7 pm.
Sept. 28: Introduction to Blacksmithing—this is a basic intro taught by John Frankowski and Ben Delaney, who regularly demonstrate blacksmithing at Old Economy. The class is free, but there are only 8 spaces. You must pre-register by Sept. 18; contact David Miller at 724/266-4500 x110 or davmiller@pa.gov. 10 am-1 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
Sept. 22 & 29: Special Sunday Programming—Sept. 22, Beer Brewing and Garden Highlights will find the brewers working on a traditional fall beer; Sept. 29, Meet the Animals that make Pennsbury their home. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 27: Escape Room—there are two different storylines (one beginner level, the other advanced), each offered 3 times during the evening. Not recommended for children younger than 13. Space is limited and reservations are required. Visit the event page for details and links for ticket purchase (please read carefully to be sure which you wish to purchase). 6-10 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Sept. 21: Hometown Science Festival—folks from the Lumber Museum will be on hand at this event in Wellsboro to demonstrate some simple machines from the "for use" collection (details on the Facebook event page).
Sept. 21: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day—people who present a Museum Live! ticket will receive two free admissions. Visit the Museum Day website to download your ticket.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Sept. 29: Exploring the Armor—this special 2-hour guided tour begins in the museum theater, then takes you inside some of the military equipment on the grounds. Space is limited, and reservations are required (reserve online). Cost is $15 ($5 for museum members). 2-4 pm.
Oct. 1: Central PA Civil War Roundtable Series—David MacLean will present "Calcium Lights and Optical Entertainment in Civil War and Peace." 7-8:30 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 21: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day—people who present a Museum Live! ticket will receive two free admissions. Visit the Museum Day website to download your ticket, then present it at the Railroad Museum for admission. 9 am-5 pm.
Sept. 28: Members Day—a full slate of activities and speakers is planned for Friends of the Railroad Museum (and it's not too late to join). Full info on the website.

Somerset Historical Center
Sept. 20: Writers Workshop—SHC will host "Historical and Contemporary Research for Fiction: Shape Your Characters, Turn Your Plot & Bring Your Setting to Life," part of the 2019 Festival of Books in the Alleghenies. Registration is required and is being handled by Festival of Books (info and registration links). 2-3:30 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please check the Planetarium page for updates on this month's programs.
Sept. 26: Nature Lab—learn more about two familiar PA birds, the ruffed grouse and the wild turkey. Included in regular admission. 11:30 am.
Oct. 1-4: Archaeology at Fort Hunter—this season's excavations by the State Museum archaeology team wrap up this week. You can drop by between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm to see what's up.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit Washington Crossing's Calendar of Events page for info on park and historical programming.