Shameless Commercialism (in support of a great cause)

Those of you celebrating Christmas on December 25 know that we’re going into the home stretch, and those of you not celebrating know that those of us who are can get pretty annoying right about now. My favorite rock station started their all-Christmas lineup BEFORE Thanksgiving, so I had to go back to listening to the news (yikes). As we approach the fiscal cliff AND the end of civilization (according to some interpretations of the Mayan calendar), I’d like to offer a suggestion:

Thanks to American Alliance of Museums Facebook page

As I’m sure you know, museum stores offer a wide variety of cool stuff that you may not find other places; they provide an opportunity to shop local and (often) buy local; and they help support museums and historic sites. Obviously, I’d love for you to visit one of our stores on the Pennsylvania Trails of History, (www.patrailsofhistory.com) but if you can’t, please consider shopping at a museum store for someone on your gift list (or for yourself—I promise not to tell).

If you have history-minded folks on your list, you might also consider a gift membership to any of our Trails of History friends groups. Membership generally includes free regular admission and discounts in the museum store (which you can use when you do your holiday shopping—hint, hint). It may also include discounts and advance purchase of tickets for programs and special events; behind-the-scenes or members-only events and receptions; and, depending on the membership level, guest passes to take others with you when you visit. (Pssst—buy a membership for yourself, too, if you haven’t already.)

One final plug. As the sesquicentennial of the Civil War continues, a new book, The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History, might be just the thing for someone interested in the Civil War and/or historical photography. A project of Pennsylvania Civil War 150, the book was published by the Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh. You can order it (and other Civil War and Pennsylvania history-themed goodies) from the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation through the Shop PA Heritage website.

Happy shopping! And thank you.