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There's always a lot of activity on the PHMC's Trails of History. We have regular operating hours with guided tours and "free range" visitor experiences. We have special events and public programs (see the June program page, for example). I've highlighted a few of these below, in addition to some things that don't really fit into an easy category. But I thought you might be interested, if you haven't already run across them.

Photo courtesy of PA Lumber Museum Facebook page 

To entice all you hikers and walkers, the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum posted photos of trails on the museum grounds and adjacent Susquehannock State Forest. If you go, don't forget to check out the Visitor Center, Logging Camp, Sawmill, and other great venues on the site as well. And remember that the annual Bark Peelers' Festival is coming up July 2-3.

Somerset Historical Center is hosting an exhibit of winning entries in the Laurel Highlands Photography Club's 2016 contest. An opening reception was held earlier this week, where the winning entries were revealed. Entries were submitted by amateur and professional photographers in about a dozen categories (you can find the list on the club's Facebook page). The exhibit will be up through June 28.

If you're planning to attend Brews and Bites at Pennsbury Manor tomorrow evening, June 18 (tickets are still available by phone), you'll have a chance to taste a bit of the 17th century. In addition to a wide array of local brews, you can sample cider made from a recipe belonging to Gulielma Springett Penn, William's first wife. "Penn's 74" is made by Blackledge Winery. You can also sample site-brewed beer based on 17th-century recipes (brewing demos are offered on Sunday afternoons through much of the year, but you normally don't get to sample the product).

Photo courtesy of Landis Valley's Facebook page

Earlier this week, as part of Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum's Summer Institute, volunteer Bob Goodhart (in short-sleeved plaid shirt) led a tour of the kitchen gardens on a lovely summer evening. Check out Landis Valley's Facebook page for more photos of Summer Institute activities.

On Wednesday, June 22, The State Museum of PA will host a lunchtime talk by author and archivist Valerie Frey, who will share her insights on preserving family recipes and analyzing the history found in them. She will also sign copies of her book, Preserving Family Recipes: How to Save and Celebrate Your Food Traditions. The program is part of the Museum's "Learn at Lunchtime" series (included in general admission) and will take place in Village Square from noon to 1 pm.

Photo courtesy of Cornwall Iron Furnace Facebook page

Members of the 2016 class of Leadership Lebanon Valley toured Cornwall Iron Furnace this week to learn more about the history of the region. In the photo above, board member Sue Dieffenbach (left of photo near the great wheel) explains how air was blown into the furnace to help it reach the temps necessary for producing iron.

And finally, a public service announcement. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, in cooperation with the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank, will host a community blood drive next Friday, June 24, from 10 am to 4 pm. All blood types are needed; generally anyone 16 or older, weighing at least 110 pounds, and in good health can donate (more details). As a thank you, blood donors will receive a coupon for a donut from Sugar on Top bakery in Strasburg (good thru 7/31/16) and a free adult admission to the Railroad Museum (good thru 12/31/16). Please consider donating if you can. UPDATE: I just saw that donors also get a free adult admission to the Choo Choo Barn, which is just up the road from the museum.