What's Going On?

So much to do on the Trails of History this month. Be sure to check out the July program listings to make your plans. Remember, July is National Anti-Boredom Month. Only you can prevent boredom, but we can help.

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Independence Day Weekend was abuzz with activity on the Trails of History. On July 3, a team of horses, driver, and wagon from Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum provided transportation for the Moravian Trombone Choir during the (nearby) Lititz parade (photo below by AKF).

On July 4, visitors to Washington Crossing Historic Park enjoyed military demonstrations, a reading of the Declaration of Independence (Andrea Pearlman Richards shared her photo to the Crossing's Facebook page), and the christening of a newly restored replica Durham boat. The Pennsylvania Military Museum offered one of its Kids Day programs, where children can try on military items from the education collection.

Family photo ops at the PA Military Museum on July 4
included a genuine military jeep (from Facebook)

It was a beautiful Sunday at Conrad Weiser Homestead on July 5 for the annual Patriotic Concert, which featured the famous Ringgold Band. Over 100 veterans signed in, each receiving an American flag and a certificate; all names were read as part of the program. In total, more than 450 people were on hand for the event.

(Top) Veterans sign in so they can be recognized during the program
(Bottom) Spectators enjoy music by the Ringgold Band, founded in 1852
(photos courtesy Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead)

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In other news...

In late June, representatives of the United States World War One Centennial Commission visited the State Museum, the State Archives, and the Pennsylvania Military Museum. Among other activities the Centennial Commission is partnering with Saving Hallowed Ground to document existing monuments related to "The Great War," while their mission also includes the development of a national WWI memorial. During this centennial period (2014-18), the Military Museum has increased their attention to Pennsylvanians' experience in WWI (already a substantial part of the museum's focus), and the PHMC has a committee working on commemoration of both World Wars (2016 is the 75th anniversary of U.S. entry into WWII).

WWI Centennial Commission and Saving Hallowed Ground volunteers at
the PA Military Museum's 28th Division Shrine (via @phmc on Twitter)

Archaeological excavations have been going on this summer at Eckley Miners' Village, focused on what is known as the back street, home to the least well-paid workers. The work at Eckley is an extension of the Lattimer Archaeology Project, under the auspices of the Dept. of Anthropology at the Univ. of Maryland. The crew have found a number of interesting artifacts that shed light on the daily lives of mining families. During this year's Patch Town Days event, which was pretty rainy, they shared info with visitors and welcomed them into the on-site lab where they are processing the artifacts unearthed. To learn more about the Eckley dig or the earlier work in nearby Lattimer and Pardeesville, check out the Lattimer Archaeology Project blog.

The Bucks County Courier Times shared video of Pennsbury Manor's first week of Colonial Camp, and it looks like fun. If you're in the area and missed it this week, Time Traveler Camp (for grades 5-7) starts this Monday, July 20, and Colonial Camp II (for grades 1-4) starts July 27.