Moving into April

As we get ready to move forward into April, we can look back at a few events and announcements that we missed on the blog.

L to R: Tyler Gum, Janice Mullin, and Brenda Reigle at the PA Military Museum (photo John Stevens)

We've noted in the program listings that the PA Military Museum has started a new Monday and Friday program called PT in the PM, that mixes typical military physical training activities with a history of the grounds and some of the heavy equipment. Many people use the pathways on the museum grounds for walking and jogging, so it seemed like a good way to reach out. Last week, Janice Mullin, chief of partner and placed properties, and bureau director Brenda Reigle were at the Military Museum and joined site administrator Tyler Gum for a tour (photo above). If you're in the area on a Monday or Friday afternoon, meet at the flagpoles at 4 pm and give it a go.

Somerset Historical Center hosted a class last weekend for participants to create a 1700s-style women's ensemble of a shift, short gown, and petticoat. They shared some photos on Facebook. Upcoming sewing classes include May 6 (for kids and moms to create period clothing for an 18" doll) and July 15-16 (to create 1700s-style men's clothing). Visit the website for more details and to register.

WITF (Harrisburg's public media organization) took their "Smart Talk" program on the road to the Railroad Museum of PA last week. Museum educator Patrick Morrison spoke with host Scott LaMar and there were some other guests as well. If you missed it, you can listen via WITF's website.

Some students from Allegheny College in Meadville spent their spring break at the Erie Maritime Museum volunteering with the crew of the U.S. Brig Niagara. They assisted with the ongoing work of getting the ship ready for the coming sailing season. Photos on Facebook show happy, smiling people hard at work.

The Univ. of Maryland is recruiting for its archaeology and historic preservation field school to be held at Eckley Miners' Village this summer. For-credit participants as well as local volunteers are welcome. See below for details from their Facebook page.



This weekend...

Conrad Weiser Homestead
April 2: Spring Lecture—Scott Wert, a teacher in the Conrad Weiser School District, will present a talk entitled "'The Calamett, a Sure Bond and Seal of Peace': Native-Pennsylvania Treaties as Religious Discourse." Site is open noon-4 pm, the lecture is at 2.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
April 2: Erie Maritime Museum Lecture Series—Richard E. Buys (Lt. Col, US Air Force, Ret.) will present "The Naval History of World War One and Erie's Contribution." Takes place in the H.O. Hirt Auditorium. Lecture is free. 2 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
April 1: Museum Store Class—"Tin Punching" is this week's class. Check the brochure for details and registration info.

Old Economy Village
April 1-2: Village reopens for the season—check the website for special activities planned, including the grand opening of the newly renovated blacksmith shop.

Pennsbury Manor
April 2: Sunday programming starts for the season—this week is historic trades and cooking demos. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
April 1: Kids Day I: Dress Up and Discover!!—kids of all ages can try on field gear and head gear from the museum education collection. Photo backdrops will be set up in the museum theater and there will be learning stations throughout the galleries. Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
April 2: Exhibit opening—"Pennsylvania at War: World War I Posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives" features a sampling of the nearly 500 WWI posters in the State Archives. Archivist Richard Saylor will provide a walkthrough of the exhibit (which will be on view through Nov. 12). Included in regular admission. Exhibit opening is 2-3 pm.