June 2015 on the Trails of History

With June starting on Monday, I thought I'd go ahead and put this out there. The May program listings can point you toward things to do this weekend, as we wave good-bye to May.

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
June 5-7: Fire at the Furnace and Arts on Fire—Friday, June 5, 8-11 pm, is the Fire at the Furnace fundraiser at Scranton Iron Furnaces with a parade, nighttime iron pour, entertainment, and more (you can get tickets in advance for $15 and at the door for $20). The Arts on Fire Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, 11 am-4 pm, with industrial artists working in glass, metal, recycled materials, and clay (plus children’s activities, food, and music). Admission to the Arts on Fire festival is free.
June 13: South Side Farmers Market opens—through October 3, the South Side Farmers Market is held on the grounds of the Scranton Iron Furnaces. 10 am-2 pm.

Brandywine Battlefield
June 22-26, 29-July 3: Summer History Camp—summer camp is held weekly through early August for different age groups (check the website for details and to register).
June 26: Baseball!—watch the Wilmington Blue Rocks play the Potomac Nationals (Carolina League baseball) and benefit the Brandywine Battlefield Park. Tickets online at Chadds Ford Live. Gametime is 7:05 pm at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, DE.

Bushy Run Battlefield
June 13: General meeting and lecture—speaker to be announced is Dr. Mark McConaughy, archaeologist based at Bushy Run and part of the staff of the state historic preservation office. $5 (free for members of the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society). 1 pm.
June 27: Con on the Run—a day of historical tabletop gaming (see website for more info). $5 includes museum admission and battlefield tours (free to members of BRBHS); food and drink will be available for purchase during the day. 9 am-5 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
June 6: Forest Diplomacy - Edge of the Woods Ceremony—in Conrad Weiser's time as a colonial diplomat, large treaty conferences were preceded by a preliminary meeting, in keeping with Native American customs. In addition to reenacting this important custom, interpreters will demonstrate what went into keeping an 18th-century plantation up and running. Site will be open 10 am-4 pm, with Edge of the Woods ceremonies at 1 and 3 pm.
June 7: Colonial Craft and Demonstration Day—craft demonstrators will share the historical context, materials, and equipment of a variety of mid- to late-18th-century trades. 11 am-4 pm.
June 7-Sept. 6: Summer hours—site will be open every Sunday, noon-4 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
June 16: Annual Dinner and Lecture—Henry Deemer, with his wife, Diane, and board member Sue Dieffenbach, will present a program entitled "Mrs. Buckingham." The after-dinner program explores the history of Cornwall Iron Furnace up through its donation to the Commonwealth by Mrs. Margaret Buckingham. Dinner and program will be held at The Timbers in Mt. Gretna. Deadline for reservations is June 9; cost is $35 per person. Call 717/272-9711 for reservations.

Daniel Boone Homestead
June 12-14: Patriot Days Scout Encampment—scout and other youth groups are invited to camp on the grounds and participate in craft and other activities. For more information and to register, visit patriotdays.org.
June 20: Evening on the Greenthis program includes music by the Toad Creek Duo featuring Keith Brintzenhoff (5:30-7:30 pm), tour guides in period dress, colonial era games and toys, old-fashioned ice cream making, and wine-tasting. Admission is $6 for ages 16+, $4 for ages 4-15 (free for FDBH members). Friends of Daniel Boone Homestead will be selling pulled pork sandwiches as a fundraiser: $6 for adults and $4 for kids buys a sandwich, 2 sides, and a drink. Overall event time is 5-9 pm.

Drake Well Museum
June-August: The Visitor Center at historic boomtown Pithole will be open every Saturday and Sunday; admission is charged. An orientation film and exhibits are available. 10 am-4 pm.
June 6: Wildcatter Day at Historic Pithole—help kick off the summer-long celebration of Pithole's 150th anniversary. Entertainment by the Men of Ivy and the Good for Nuthin String Band, plus food, guided tours, and more. Admission will be charged. 10 am-4 pm.
June 13: Something More Saturday—explore the exhibits and grounds of the Museum and enjoy dulcimer music provided by the Elm Street Strummers. Included in regular admission (special family admission rate of $20 for up to 2 adults and 3 children). 10 am-3 pm.
June 27: Oil Valley Blacksmith demonstrations—offered the last Saturday of each month through October. Included in regular admission. 10 am-2 pm.

Eckley Miners’ Village
June 27-28: Patch Town Days—this long-running and popular program provides a glimpse of life in a Pennsylvania coal patch town circa 1870. Music, food, dancers, and more. UPDATE: come see the new Company Store exhibit as well! Admission charged. 10 am-5 pm both days.

Ephrata Cloister
June 4: Evening Conversations Series—Dr. Patricia Gibble's topic is "Pennsylvania German Women." The program is free; donations are welcome. 7 pm.
June 21: Father’s Day—explore the apprenticeship system of the 18th century and try your hand at various make-and-take activities suitable for all ages. Admission is $6 per child and accompanying adult; $3 for each additional participant (free for family level members of ECA). Site open noon-5 pm; activities available between 1 and 4 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
UPDATE 6/1 - Event is sold out! June 6: Mariner’s Ball—this black tie optional event raises funds to support the Flagship Niagara and its sailing program. (Info on tickets and the live auction.)
June 15: Movie Night—enjoy a showing of "Mutiny on the Bounty," starring Charles Laughton and Clark Gable, on the museum's outdoor plaza (with Niagara's sails as the screen). Event is free; free popcorn provided. Movie begins at dusk (so, 9-ish).

Fort Pitt Museum
June 5-July 8: History Inspires...Again Art Show—front lobby of Fort Pitt. Opening reception June 5, 5:30 pm, otherwise on view during regular museum hours, 10 am-5 pm.
June 6: Living History Series: Fife and Drum—learn about 18th-century military music and its affect on life at Fort Pitt. Point State Park. 10 am-4 pm.
June 13-14: Living History Series: Artillery—interpretation of the various trades involved in making and firing cannon; firing demonstrations as well. Point State Park.
June 20: Living History Series: Cooking—learn what early Pittsburghers ate as museum staff and volunteers prepare 18th-century recipes. Point State Park. 10 am-4 pm.
June 27: Living History Series: Buckskins and Powderhorns—learn how buckskins and powderhorns shaped the 18th-century frontier. Point State Park. 10 am-4 pm.

Hope Lodge
June 10: Ambler Symphony Concert—bring a chair or blanket, a picnic dinner or snack, and enjoy beautiful music on the lawn. Concert and parking are free, donations are accepted. (Raindate is June 17.) 7 pm.
June 21: Site open—Hope Lodge will be open the third Sunday of each month through October, with guided tours offered at 1 and 2:30 pm. Admission: adults, $5; ages 6-17 and seniors, $4; age 5 and under and Friends of Hope Lodge, free. 12:30-4 pm.

Joseph Priestley House
June 28: Liberty's First Crisis—author Charles Slack will discuss his book chronicling the prosecution of newspaper editors who published articles critical of President John Adams. Among those tried under the Alien and Sedition Act was Thomas Cooper, editor of the Sunbury and Northumberland Gazette, and friend of Dr. Priestley. 2 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
June 16-19: Summer Institute—Institute offers a wide range of hands-on classes, lectures (including several that are free-of-charge), tours, and evening events for adults. Some classes are already full, but many opportunities await (full list of offerings).
UPDATE June 21: Civil War Lecture—historian Vince Slaugh will present "Union Warriors: A Lancaster County Company Fights the Civil War," which focuses on Company E, 79th Pennsylvania (more details). While you're there, visit this year's visitor center gallery exhibit, "1865: Lancaster County at the Close of the Civil War." Lecture is free; regular admission applies to visit the exhibit and site. 2 pm.
June 23: Hands-on History Days—chores, games, crafts, wagon rides, a one-room schoolhouse lesson, and more for kids of all ages ($10 per person, children 5 and younger get in free). Contact the museum for more information.

Old Economy Village
Saturdays: Craft and Trade Demonstrations—each Saturday through September you will find a different craft or trade demonstration in the Village. June 6 - The Art of Blacksmithing; June 13 - 19th-century Foodways: Bread-baking; June 20 - Niceties and Necessities. Included in regular admission, so please start at the Visitor Center. 10 am-5 pm.
June 4: Behind-the-Scenes Tour—take a closer look at Harmonist furniture with a behind-the-scenes tour of the exhibit, "Harmony in Wood Revisited," artifact storage areas, and the George Rapp House. Light refreshments will be served. Cost is $20, $16 for Friends of OEV. Registration is required; contact Holly Dofner at 724/266-4500 x 102. 6-9 pm.
June 14: Site open Sunday—OEV is open on the 2nd Sunday of the month (closed other Sundays).
BREAKING NEWS 6/25: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED due to the inclement weather forecast and will be rescheduled June 27: An American Celebration—enjoy music, storytelling, artisan demos, antique cars, and food as you explore the Village. There's also a spelling bee (download the word list if you want to study). All included in regular admission. 10 am-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
June 7: Historic Trades—the blacksmith and the joyner will demonstrate the skills needed to make equipment for the estate. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
June 14: Living History Theater—“Pirates at Pennsbury” takes place during the summer of 1700. Hear the news of pirates afoot in Philadelphia, learn about navigation on the riverfront, and stop by the kitchen to cure hangovers, scurvy, and other nautical ailments. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
June 20: Brews & Bites at Pennsbury Manor—sample beers from Philadelphia-area craft brewers and enjoy food, musical entertainment, and demonstrations of historic beer brewing. The event page has info on ticket options; tickets are on sale now. Must be at least 21 to attend. 4-8 pm.
June 21: Open Hearth Cooking—the cooks will prepare 17th-and 18th-century recipes to explore how cooking techniques were evolving. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
June 28: Garden Highlights and Beer-Brewing Demo—experience some of the labor involved in keeping a working kitchen garden in shape. The brewers will be working on a batch of Coriander Pepper Beer in the Brew House, using 17th-century techniques. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Saturdays and Sundays in June: Guided tour (1 pm) included in regular admission.
June 3: Friends’ Richard Koontz Memorial Lecture Series—this month’s speaker is Richard Frederick, Ph.D., whose topic is "The Original Veteran: World War One Doughboys." Donations encouraged. 7:30 pm.
June 6: Exploring the Armor—a special guided tour of the tracked vehicles displayed on the museum grounds, including a chance to look inside the crew compartments. Cost is $15, $5 for Friends of the PA Military Museum. Participation is limited, so please reserve your spot by contacting the Friends of the PA Military Museum. 2 pm.
June 13: The True Story of Winnie the Pooh—this presentation and movie explore the story of a Canadian Regimental veterinarian in World War I, a bear that ended up in the London Zoo, and how they inspired author A.A. Milne. Donations encouraged. 1:30 pm.
June 14: Flag Day Celebration—State College Elks Lodge and local veterans organizations sponsor this annual Flag Day service and U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony on the Shrine parade grounds. Attendees are invited to bring U.S. flags that are no longer serviceable; the flags will be disposed of properly. 6 pm.
June 20: Buzzcut Saturday—just what it sounds like. Start the summer with a traditional boot camp haircut. Donations accepted or free with museum admission. 10 am-3 pm.
June 27: Lecture—"The Rise of the Beast: How the Nation Changed for our Entry into World War One" explores Americans' attitudes toward the war in Europe from 1914 through the US declaration of war. Included in regular admission. 2 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
June 13-14: Norfolk Southern Days—offered in partnership with the Norfolk Southern Corporation, this two-day event will highlight railroad safety programs, careers in railroading, and the history of freight and passenger railroads. Several pieces of NS equipment will visit the museum, including locomotive No. 911, dedicated to America's first responders. During the two days, first responders (police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, paid or volunteer) will receive 50% off regular admission by presenting a current ID card. Events included in regular admission. Saturday, 9 am-5 pm; Sunday, noon-5 pm.
June 28-July 5: Reading Railroad Days—the spotlight turns to the Reading Railroad, one of the most important historical transportation systems in eastern PA. Lots of activities, including model railroad layouts courtesy of the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society. Included in regular admission. 9 am-5 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
June 5-6: Made in the Glades Craft Sampler workshops—choose either the "Mechanics Trades" or "Housekeeping Trades" sampler and learn a variety of skills. Cost is $50, $40 for members. Call 814/445-6077 for more info and to register.
June 10: Helping Hands for History—the 2nd Wednesday of June, July, & August, volunteers are needed to assist with keeping the gardens tended, artifacts cleaned, and cabins daubed (among other things). Roast hot dogs over the fire when the work is done. Call 814/445-6077 for more info and to let them know you're coming.
UPDATE: June 19: Exhibit opening—Art in the Museum features the work of entrants the Laurel Highlands Photography Club and Town Planner Community Calendar photo contests. RSVP by June 12 (814/445-6077). 5-7 pm.
June 27: Frosty Mugs of Thunder Brewfest—enjoy beer, food, historical demonstrations, and live music at this new event featuring local, regional, and national brands. Cost is $30 in advance, $35 at the door ($10 for designated drivers). Must be at least 21 to attend. (More details and a link to online ticket sales are on the website.)
June 29: History Day Camp—other dates for camp are July 13, July 27, and August 10. Each day will have a different theme: Join the Army; Pottery; Trades and Apprentices; Gardens, Bakeovens, and Pizza. Cost is $20 per day per child; sign up for all 4 and the cost is $75 per child (member discounts also available). Call 814/445-6077 to register.
June 30: Archaeology Lecture—sponsored by the Somerset County Chapter of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
June 13: Party Like It's 1965—celebrate the 50th anniversary of the State Museum and Archives Complex with retro games, hula hoops, trivia, and a 1965 planetarium show. Animals from ZooAmerica in Hershey will make a visit and the Good Humor man will be outside the museum. Indoor activities included in regular admission. Noon-3 pm.
June 19: 3rd in the Burg/Learn@Lunchtime—PHMC architect Andrea Lowery will present a discussion of the Midcentury Modern architecture of the State Museum and Archive Complex. Museum admission is free from 11 am to 1:30 pm; program is at 12:15.
June 21: Father's Day Celebration—offered in partnership with The Writer's Wordshop and Jump Street, this program features a play, a poetic tribute to fathers, and other activities. Museum admission is free today. 1-4:30 pm.
June 26: Learn@Lunchtime—Join Theresa Alberici, educator from the PA Game Commission, for "Endangered Species in Harrisburg" in the Nature Lab on the 3rd Floor (see a list of more Nature Lab programs scheduled for the summer). Museum admission is free from 11 am to 1:30 pm; program is at 12:15.
June 28: Exhibit opening and reception—“Art of the State,” the annual juried exhibition of Pennsylvania artists (list of finalists announced 6/9/15). The exhibit continues through Sept. 13 (included in regular admission). 2-5 pm.
June 30: Entry Deadline for Photo Contest—today is the last day to submit entries for the "Pennsylvania Modern Architecture Juried Photo Exhibit," which will be on view at the State Museum from Oct. 25, 2015, to Feb. 28, 2016. (Read more about midcentury modern architecture in this guest post from March.)

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Saturdays: Farmers Market—local farmers and other vendors will set up near the intersection of River Road and Rt. 532 (or the Visitor Center parking lot in case of rain). 9 am-1 pm.
UPDATE: June 20: McConkey's Market—in addition to the weekly Farmers Market, today offers artisans of many types, vintage clothing and jewelry at an outdoor market (more info). 10 am-4 pm.
UPDATE: June 21: Venora Opera Company—enjoy opera and Broadway standards performed in the visitor center auditorium (more info). Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students with ID. 2 pm.

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