Training Opportunities through Save Pennsylvania’s Past

This week’s guest blogger is Lee Price, Director of Development at the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in Philadelphia. CCAHA, in partnership with PHMC, the PA Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations, and LYRASIS, is leading a statewide effort to preserve the millions of objects and historic artifacts that shape the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s history and define our nation.



Save Pennsylvania’s Past, a two-year initiative to improve collections care throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, celebrates the state’s great historic collections. Save Pennsylvania’s Past calls upon the state’s leaders, both public and private, to support the work of preservation. It will streamline information regarding available resources. And, most importantly, Save Pennsylvania’s Past will offer training for staff and volunteers, with registration starting now.

Three traveling educational programs are being offered in 2011-2012. For each of these programs, full-day sessions will be offered at locations in Erie, Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Boalsburg/State College (at the Pennsylvania Military Museum), Allentown, Scranton, Philadelphia, and York.



Jessica Silverman, Paper Conservator and
Preservation Consultant at the CCAHA, leads an educational
program at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia



Preservation Best Practices for Optimal Collections Care
Archivists, collections managers, librarians, curators, and other staff members involved in collections care must manage a variety of tasks, including implementation of collections management plans and policies, management of environmental controls and storage conditions, and provision for safe use and exhibition of collections. This program will provide participants with an overview of the preservation standards for the many aspects of collections care. Speaker: Laura Hortz Stanton, Director of Preservation Services, Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts. Workshops are scheduled between Oct. 6, 2011, and Jan. 13, 2012; the details are here.

Digitization Basics
Every institution struggles with pressure to be visible on the web and to make its collections accessible to wider audiences, and many face daunting hurdles to implementing digitization programs. This program will cover basic issues in digital preservation, including an introduction to digitization, and will provide information on handling guidelines for digitization, selection of materials, conducting pilot projects, creating access to digitized materials, funding sources, and the benefits of collaborating with other institutions. Speaker: Thomas F.R. Clareson, Senior Consultant, Digital & Preservation Services, LYRASIS. Workshops are scheduled between Feb. 21 and Apr. 25, 2012; the details are here.



Jessica Keister, Mellon Fellow at the CCAHA, with program

participants at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia




Understanding Archives: An Introduction to Archival Basics
Proper archival procedures enable safe and effective management of collections. Participants will learn about the fundamentals of archival appraisal, acquisition, and access; proper storage materials; and the most common preservation problems associated with paper-based archival collections. This program will touch briefly on processing, arrangement, and description. Volunteers, historians, and those with archival responsibilities in addition to other duties may find themselves in the position of "archivist" without formal training in the profession; this program offers an introduction to best practices in the field. Speakers: Beth Bensman, Certified Archivist, and Dyani Feige, Preservation Specialist, Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts. Workshops are scheduled between May 9 and July 16, 2012; details are here.

Additional information and registration materials for all three workshops are available at CCAHA’s website.

Civil War 150: Update

During this first summer of the 150th anniversary commemoration of the American Civil War, the Trails of History have been buzzing with activity. And speaking of buzzing—you can now buy coffee, along with other CW150 merchandise, at ShopPAHeritage.com (clearly, my product placement strategy for Trailheads isn’t very sophisticated, yet). Anyway, the end of summer (metaphorically, if not officially) seems like a good time to reflect on recent activities.




The Civil War Road Show’s stop at Somerset Historical Center August 26-28 was a big success. Some 2,400 people visited the grounds of the Historical Center over the course of 3 days that included an encampment, a lecture, door prize drawings, and a members-only opening. People waited in line to tour the Road Show exhibit, once again proving that history is not dead. There are lots of photos on the Historical Center’s Facebook page, and The (Somerset) Daily American also posted photos. The video is from the Tribune-Democrat in nearby Johnstown.



PHMC/Eckley Miners' Village

The previous weekend (Aug. 20-21) Eckley Miners’ Village offered a living history program that brought the Civil War to a coal patch town. In addition to Union and Confederate reenactors encamped and offering demonstrations of military drills, Eckley’s living history troupe staged a funeral for a Union soldier killed in the war (as well as a wedding to lighten things up). Read an article from The (Wilkes-Barre) Times Leader here and find some wonderful photos on Eckley’s FB page.



Labor Day and Beyond

Editor's note, Sept. 15: Last week's flooding has affected some programming--the Gallery Walk activities at the State Museum (listed below for Sept. 11) are now happening Sept. 18; the Bloomsburg Fair (the last week of the month) has been cancelled, which I assume means the Civil War Road Show won't be visiting the area either (I'll post updated info as I get it). Please check ahead with sites to make sure the event you want to attend is still going on.

Most sites on the Trails of History are open Sept. 5 for Labor Day, so please consider spending some of your holiday with us. But if you can't, the rest of the month has some great stuff.

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Sept. 23-24, Hunter-Trapper Education—check website for more info.
Sept. 25, Under the Lackawanna Moon—a theatrical presentation using monologue, dialogue, and music to tell stories of settlers and early residents of the Anthracite region; reservations requested, call 570/963-4804.

Brandywine Battlefield
Sept. 11, Commemoration Ceremony—remembering the Battle of Brandywine, Sept. 11, 1777, and the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Sept. 10, Lecture—Dr. John Boback, director of education at Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village, will talk about the lifestyle and subsistence strategies of prehistoric American Indians (free to members of Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society).

Civil War Road Show
Sept. 2-4, Crawford County Fairgrounds, Meadville—hosted by Crawford County Civil War Roundtable.
Sept. 9-11, Grant St. between Sutton-Ditz Museum and Memorial Park, Clarion—hosted by Clarion County Historical Society.
Sept. 17-19, Ephrata Public Library, Ephrata (Lancaster County)—hosted by Ephrata Public Library in partnership with PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau and Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley.
Sept. 24-Oct. 1, Bloomsburg Fair, Bloomsburg (Columbia County)—hosted by Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau and Bloomsburg Fair Assn.




PHMC/Conrad Weiser Homestead

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Sept. 11, Interpretive Sunday—learn about women’s work on the 18th-century frontier, and ask questions about Native American life; program is free to the public.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Sept. 13, Lecture—Jim Schucker will present a talk on the Union Canal Tunnel; check the website or contact the site for more details (lectures are held in Freeman Hall at Cornwall Manor).
Sept. 17, Cast Iron Cooking Demonstration—contact the site for more info.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Sept. 11, Band on the Run 5k Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk—held in conjunction with Daniel Boone High School Music Boosters (go here for details).
Sept. 18, Nature Program—check website for details.

Drake Well Museum
Sept. 11, Sunday Family Fun—“Uncovering the Past” will allow families to learn about the work of archaeologists through a mock excavation; limit 10 people, fee charged (call 814/827-2797 for reservations).
Sept. 17, Fall Gas Up—enjoy antique engines on the grounds of the museum; admission charged.
Sept.24, Saturday Family Fun—“Oil Spill Clean-up” looks at how to handle a spill (you can earn your Boy or Girl Scout badge through this program); there will be 2 sessions, limit 10 people per session, fee charged (call 814/827-2797 for reservations). Also on Sept. 24, Oil Valley Blacksmiths will be on-site for their monthly demonstration day.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Sept. 11, The Story of Big Mary—presented by Regina R. Dasher, this program explores the aftermath of the Lattimer Massacre and the labor movement that resulted.


PHMC/Ephrata Cloister

Ephrata Cloister
Sept. 10, Founders’ Day—the historic site celebrates the birth of the modern borough of Ephrata with $1.00 general admission and activities highlighting Ephrata’s first residents (special tours of the upper levels of the Sisters’ House will be available for $10.00--$8.00 for members of Ephrata Cloister Associates and PA Heritage Society).

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
Sept. 24, Speaker Series-Bayfront historian Jerry Skrypzak's talk will explore Erie's docks and commercial fishing industry. Skrypzak's presentation is based on extensive research and photography of Erie's waterfront with David Frew; the two have co-authored a book, Fortune and Fury, A History of Commercial Fishing in Erie, which is available in the museum store. The talk is free and open to the public.

Graeme Park
Sept. 21, Homeschool Day—homeschool families are invited for a day of educational activities.
Sept. 24-25, World War II Weekend—encampment of WWII-era reenactors, demonstrations, and a swing concert in the evening.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Ice Cream Sundays-Enjoy ice cream sundaes (make your own for $1) and music by the Lancaster County Folk Music & Fiddlers Society (and watch for a "live" report from me, I hope, later this month).
Sept. 22, Hands on History Day—an opportunity for children of all ages to experience history up close and personal through activities and demonstrations.

Old Economy Village
Sept. 10, Wine Tasting Party—visit the wine cellar at Old Economy and taste wines from around the world; call 724/266-4500 x101 for reservations.
Sept. 24-25, Erntefest Harvest Festival—see how the Harmonists celebrated the harvest and prepared for winter; enjoy site tours, Harmonist music, and lots of family-friendly activities.

Pennsbury Manor
Sept. 4, Historic Trades—the blacksmith and joyner will be on hand for their monthly demonstration of metalworking and woodworking skills.
Sept. 11, Living History Theater—“The Departure” brings community members (and visitors) to Pennsbury to bid farewell to the Penn family as they prepare to return to England in 1701.
Sept. 18, Open Hearth Cooking Demo—“Is it Pudding Yet?” explores the 17th-century meanings and forms of “pudding.”
Sept. 26, Garden Highlights—visit the fall garden and experience its colors and textures.


PHMC/Pennsylvania Military Museum


Pennsylvania Military Museum
Sept. 6, Lecture (and picnic)—“Not Frail Flowers: Six Pennsylvania Women Who Made a Difference in the Civil War,” with speaker Linda Estupnian Snook. Presented by Central PA Civil War Roundtable; attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck dish to share.
Sept. 17-18, Then & NOW—this popular living history timeline program brings together military equipment, uniforms and reenactors from the colonial period through the present.
Sept. 28, Friends of PMM Speaker Series—“Vikings: the Evolution of Attack,” with Prof. Ben Hudson, Penn State University, whose talk will trace the progression of Viking military actions culminating in the important Battle of Clontarf, fought in Ireland in 1014 against the legendary Irish high king Brian Boru.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 24, Members Day—lectures, book-signings, and films are among the day’s activities, open to members and guests of Friends of the Railroad Museum (it’s never too late to join).

Scranton Iron Furnaces
Sept. 17, Family Day—check website for details.

Somerset Historical Center
Sept. 9-11, Mountain Craft Days—visit the 42nd Annual folk festival with over 125 craft artisans and demonstrators; great local food (trust me on this) and activities for kids.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 10, New Planetarium shows—“Star Stories of the Native Americans” and “Ultimate Universe.”
Sept. 11, Gallery Walk Activities—last day for Art of the State exhibit and IdeaZone: Experience the Arts; Artist Conversation with Best of Show winner Lydia Panas and awards juror Ricardo Viera; reception for Doshi Gallery exhibit opening; Susquehanna Art Museum’s VanGO!
Sept. 18, Grand opening for new museum store—as part of Harrisburg’s 3rd in the Burg monthly celebration, see the new store and enjoy a “Mad Men” themed reception.
Sept. 28, HomeSchool Day—gallery talks and demonstrations highlight the museum’s varied collections and programs.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Sept. 18, Open Hearth Cooking Class-food historian Connie Unangst will teach how to stew, boil, roast, and bake using 18th-century techniques and recipes. Space is limited and you must be at least 12 years old to participate; registration and fee required, call 267/475-2353.