Harvest Time!

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.

This weekend's Harvest Days event at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is all about apples

Just because the weather has turned warm-ish again, it doesn't mean there isn't plenty of fall fun to be had. Several northern tier counties have their best color right now, the rest of the northern half of Pennsylvania and the Laurel Highlands are approaching peak leaf-peeping season, while the southern half of the state is just starting to see fall colors, according to DCNR's foliage tracker. Fall programming is going full tilt and advance tickets are on sale for several. I hope you find something or someplace to enjoy this weekend! (Please note that PHMC sites and offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 11.)

Upcoming Events (virtual and in-person)

Today, October 8

• Apple Dumpling Sales (in-person): stop by to purchase delicious apple dumplings and support the Back to the Cloister Fund, Ephrata Cloister, 10 am-3 pm today and 10 am until supplies run out tomorrow (Ephrata info)
• Learn at Lunchtime (in-person and virtual): join DCNR wildlife biologist Emily Domoto to talk about Pennsylvania deer habitat, The State Museum of PA, 12:15-12:45 pm, included in regular admission or sign up to watch via Zoom (Learn at Lunchtime info)

Saturday, October 9

• Harvest Days (in-person): celebrate the harvest and learn about apples and more, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, 11 am-5 pm today and tomorrow, regular admission fees apply (Harvest Days info)
• Exeter Fall Festival (in-person): Exeter Township's festival includes music, food, games, and fun, Daniel Boone Homestead, 11 am-6 pm, $5 per car (Festival info)
• Fall Antique Show and Sawmill Run (in-person): vendors and historic trade demonstrations today and tomorrow, steam-powered sawmill running Saturday only, tickets are $5 and event runs 10 am-4 pm both days (event info)

Sunday, October 10

• Living History Theater (in-person): attend the Quaker wedding ceremony of John Sotcher and Mary Lofty, Pennsbury Manor, 12:15, 1:45, or 3:15, included in regular admission (Sotcher wedding info)

Tuesday, October 12

• Safety in the Mines (virtual): Michael Weber will present a historical exploration of the day in a life of a miner, Cornwall Iron Furnace, 7 pm (info and link for Zoom registration)

Wednesday, October 13

• Explore! (in-person): learn about fossils on National Fossil Day, 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 14

• Curiosity Kids (in-person): learn how prehistoric animals walked, crawled, swam, and flew, 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 please sign up at the Ground Floor Information Desk (Curiosity Kids info)
• Ephrata Virtual Academy: Susan McLellan Plaisted will present a program on Native American foodways, Ephrata Cloister, 7 pm (Ephrata link for Zoom registration)

On Sale Now

Tickets for the following in-person Fall programs are currently on sale (as of 10/6 - supplies may be limited):

• Old Economy Village After Dark, Oct. 15 and 30 (Oct. 15 tickets and Oct. 30 tickets)
• Hope Lodge Halloween Lantern Tours, Oct. 16, 7:30 tour is already sold out and ticket supplies are low for remaining tours (Lantern Tour info and tickets)
• Graeme Park Haunted Lantern Tours, Oct. 22 and 29, 7 pm tour on 10/29 is sold out (Oct. 22 tickets and Oct. 29 tickets)
• SOLD OUT Bushy Run Battlefield Haunted History Hayride, Oct. 23 (Hayride info and tickets)
• Joseph Priestley House Riverview Cemetery Tour, Oct. 30, tickets available at the site weekends 1-4 pm or by calling 570/473-9474 (JPH event info)

Change is Constant

This swallowtail caterpillar is munching on lovage in Pennsbury Manor's garden. What critters is your garden feeding this weekend? (Photo via Pennsbury Facebook page)

So what happened was...Although staff at our Trails of History sites have been at work in person for a while - some were on-site throughout the pandemic, others returned in April - it's my first week back in the office since March 2020. I'd been trying to anticipate what it would be like, but I failed to account for all the little pieces that went with teleworking for over a year. Things kind of got away from me, and I hit some technical glitches in readjusting. So this week's post is very brief (thank you for pretending to notice the difference).

Please check out the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (in-person and virtual).

However you're planning to spend your weekend, I hope you have a chance to rest and recharge. The gardens and grounds, not to mention the fascinating stories, on the Trails of History can offer the perfect spot to notice the changes that are all around us.

Enjoy Your Weekend

This is what puts the "park" in Drake Well Museum and Park (photo via DW Facebook page)

Taking a quick break from posting this week. If you're planning to visit the Trails of History, please check with your destination (via website or social media) to confirm hours of operation and other info. Information on safety protocols can be found on PHMC's Welcome Back page.

The PHMC Events Calendar has listings for upcoming events, still mostly online.

The Trailheads Rec Room pages to the right of your screen have a bunch of online offerings for you to explore.

I hope your weekend brings whatever you need it to bring - rest or activity, quiet or hubbub (hubbub?) - and I'll see you back here next Friday.

What to Do this Weekend

The full June program listings are available, but I've highlighted events scheduled for this weekend below. Full disclosure: Trailheads HQ (that is, me) is on vacay this week, so it would be a good idea to confirm events on the individual websites or Facebook pages. Just to be sure there haven't been last minute changes.

Interior of Cornwall Iron Furnace (via Facebook)

Cornwall Iron Furnace
June 24: Band Concert and Reception—enjoy an outdoor concert by the Keystone Band of Rehrersburg and see the new display of the Cornwall Mines mineral collection. Regular admission applies for tours of the furnace. Please bring your own lawn chairs for the concert. Light refreshments will be served (more info on the Facebook event page). 2-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum
June 23: MEET-U BBQ—help support the museum's energy education outreach programs as you enjoy smoked St. Louis-style pork ribs with Sweet Crude barbecue sauce, coleslaw, baked beans, and a cold drink. Keep an eye on the Facebook event page for details. Noon-3 pm.

Local residents worked as extras on The Molly Maguires when it filmed at what is now Eckley Miners' Village. A group is shown here with costume designer Dorothy Jeakins (I think) and cinematographer James Wong Howe (photo from PHMC files)

Eckley Miners’ Village
June 23-24: Patch Town Days—this year's program marks the 50th anniversary of the filming of The Molly Maguires right here in the village. Planned activities include rugby matches, a Sean Connery mustache contest, village scavenger hunt, Fact or Fiction Trivia game, breaker boy challenge, cooking demonstrations, live animals, reenactments and skits throughout the village, movie props and memorabilia on display, music, food and more! The film will be shown at 7 pm on Saturday (with a lecture at 6:30 pm - doors open at 6) and there will also be a “Join the Strike” Parade at 3:30 pm on Sunday. Admission charged. 10 am-5 pm both days.

Graeme Park
June 24: Colonial Beer Brewing Demonstration—learn about and watch traditional brewing practices in the summer kitchen. Admission charged for tours of the Keith House (more info on Facebook event page). 11 am-2 pm.

Antique cars will once again be on display at Old Economy Village (photo from prior year event)

Old Economy Village
June 23: An American Celebration—enjoy music, storytelling, artisan demos, antique cars, and food as you explore the Village. All included in regular admission. 10 am-5 pm. (Rain date: June 24, 10 am-5 pm.)

Pennsbury Manor
Special Sunday Programming—June 24: Beer Brewing and Garden Highlights—visit the gardens and the brew house to see what's on offer. Sunday programs included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
June 23: Log Birling Clinic—ever wanted to learn how to log roll like the folks at the Bark Peelers' Festival? This is your chance! This clinic is designed for strong swimmers age 12 and up (under 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult). All participants must complete and sign a release of liability. More info about what to bring is on the Facebook event page.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
June 23 and 24: Guided Tours—1 pm guided tour on Saturday and Sunday is included in regular admission (normally an additional charge).

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please check the website for schedule and descriptions of planetarium shows.
June 22: Summer Fridays and Learn at Lunchtime—starting June 22 and continuing through Aug. 24, Fridays are "Pay as you will." From 10 am to 3 pm, entrance to Curiosity Connection will be by timed tickets (numbers are limited). Regular fees apply for the Planetarium. Learn at Lunchtime programs offered 12:15-12:45 pm: 6/22, World War I. Museum is open 9 am-5 pm.
June 24: Exhibit opening and reception—“Art of the State,” the annual juried exhibition of Pennsylvania artists, opens today and continues through Sept. 9. Museum admission is free on June 24. Museum open noon-5 pm, exhibit awards ceremony begins at 1:30.

Life Comes at You Fast

Next week will be busy with Thanksgiving preparation and clean-up, so why not take some time this weekend for a nice quiet visit on the PA Trails of History? (The November program page has a full list.) UPDATE: I've also included info below about a few programs coming up in December for which limited advance tickets are currently on sale. Watch for the full December program page going online at the end of November.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Nov. 18: Masquerade Harvest Ball—kids ages 4 to 12 are invited to dance the minuet (we'll teach you), decorate masquerade masks, play colonial games, and enjoy a light snack. Come in costume if you like. Cost is $2 per person. Reservations are a must: contact Marlene Sawayda at 724/744-4193 or marsawayda@yahoo.com to register. 2-4 pm.

Candlelight at Conrad Weiser Homestead (via Facebook)

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Nov. 18: Candlelight Tours—this annual program features Native American storytelling, 18th-century music, and a chance to see the site by night. This is an all-weather event. Admission is free (donations gratefully accepted). 5:30-8 pm (last tour starts at 7:30).

Cornwall Iron Furnace
House Tour Tickets on Sale—tickets for this year's Christmas at Cornwall House Tour (scheduled for Dec. 2) are now on sale. There will be 5 stops in Lebanon, 4 in Cornwall and 3 in Mt. Gretna. Furnace tours are also included in the ticket price - $15 in advance, $20 on the day. For details and advance tickets contact the Museum Office at 717/272-9711 or stop by the site during regular hours.

Ephrata Cloister
Tickets for Christmas at the Cloister—tickets are currently on sale for this annual event that features seasonal readings and music in the historic meetinghouse. The program takes place on Dec. 11 and 12, with two performances each night, 6:30 and 8 pm. Seating is limited. Tickets are $6 per person; call 717/733-2592.
Nov. 17: Extraordinary Give—Ephrata Cloister will once again participate in the Lancaster County Community Foundation's one-day, online giving campaign. Visit their page anytime between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm to donate.

Fort Pitt Museum
Nov. 18: Lecture and Exhibit Tour—get a curator's eye view of the new exhibit, "From Maps to Mermaids: Carved Powder Horns in Early America." Program is included in regular admission, but advance registration is highly recommended (visit website for more registration info). 11 am-1 pm.

Graeme Park
Nov. 18: Paranormal Investigation—Glenn Orwan III and Olde City Paranormal will lead an investigation and equipment seminar. Cost is $50 per person (also includes refreshments); advance registrations are required (more details and registration info). 5 pm-midnight.

Joseph Priestley House
Nov. 19: Last day of the season—as of Nov. 20, site closed until Charter Day (except for Twelfth Night event in January or by appointment).

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Nov. 17: Extraordinary Give—Landis Valley will once again participate in the Lancaster County Community Foundation's one-day, online giving campaign. Visit their page anytime between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm to donate.
Nov. 18-19: Landis Valley Museum Store Holiday Open House—shop for locally handmade art, crafts and heirloom-quality gifts and enjoy holiday decorations in the museum store. At 2 pm on Sat., Dave Rippy will be on hand to talk about his memoir, Captain of My Soul: Mastering a Destiny Altered, which recounts his journey following a car crash that left him with paralysis from the shoulders down. Two-day store event is free; regular rates apply for museum admission. Sat., 9 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-5 pm.

Members of the Pittsburgh Opera company will perform again at this year's Christmas Dinner at OEV

Old Economy Village
Reservations available for Christmas Dinner Fundraiser—this annual event, which takes place in the historic Feast Hall on Dec. 6, requires advance reservations (visit the website for details).

Pennsbury Manor
Nov. 19: Cooking Demonstration—join the cooks as they revel in the extravagant use of sugar and spices, using 17th-century confectionary recipes. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Nov. 17: 3rd "Sunday" Program—this month's 3rd Sunday program will be held on Friday, Nov. 17. Come learn about Night Sky Photography from Curt Weinhold, PA Wilds Juried Artist and board member of the PA Lumber Museum Associates. Weinhold's photography is featured within the museum's exhibits as well (samples of his night sky photography). Potter County has some of the darkest skies around, so this is a great opportunity to explore. Cost is $60, $55 for members. Pre-registration for this limited-space event is required, but you can pay (by check or cash) upon arrival (see Facebook event page for registration and program details). 5-9 pm.

PA Military Museum Kids Day (via Facebook)

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Nov. 18: Kids Day - Dress Up and Discover!!—Kids of all ages get to try on military uniforms from the museum education collection. Photo ops in the museum theatre. Visit the education stations in the galleries for more fun discoveries throughout the day. Parents must remain on-site while their kids participate in the activities. Included in regular admission. 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Reservations currently open—advance registration is required for the museum's Christmas with the Conductor parties, scheduled for Dec. 2 and 9 (see flyer for details). Deadline to reserve is Nov. 24.
Nov. 17: Extraordinary Give—the Railroad Museum is participating in the Lancaster County Community Foundation's one-day, online giving campaign. Visit their page (listed as "Friends of the Railroad Museum") anytime between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm to donate.

Somerset Historical Center
Nov. 19: Last Day to Register—tickets are limited for the Dec. 3 "Ethnic Traditions" program, sponsored by the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County and hosted by Friedens Lutheran Church. Tickets are $20 per person ($35 for couple) and can be purchased at the Historical Center; call 814/445-6077.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Nov. 17: Holiday Marketplace—back by popular demand, in a new location. Shop the Trails of History with representatives from The State Museum of PA, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Ephrata Cloister, and Somerset Historical Center (details). Museum admission will be free for shoppers. Hours on Thursday are 10 am-3 pm. Friday opens at 10 am and runs until 7:30 pm for 3rd in the Burg, and includes a preview of the new exhibit, Every Thing of Interest Shown: T.M. Fowler’s Pennsylvania Bird’s-Eye Views, 1885-1905.