Trailheads is on Hiatus for Now

For the time being, we've hit "pause" on the weekly Trailheads blog. You can find information on upcoming programs by visiting the PHMC Online Events Calendar or by finding your favorite sites on social media.

Please remember that some site schedules change seasonally and that the holidays and weather can affect site operations. Always check ahead to be sure the site you want to visit will be open when you plan to be there.

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).