Closing out October

Please see last week's post for info on Trails of History events today through next Thursday. If leaf peeping is on your agenda, take a peep at this week's foliage update from DCNR.

As is becoming my habit, this end-of-month (almost) post includes an assortment of items that have come across my screen but I haven't found a place for. I hope they'll be of interest. I've also included a few previews of the month ahead.

One of the horseless carriages that visited Ephrata Cloister this month (via Facebook)

Ephrata Cloister recently shared some images from a visit by members of the Horseless Carriage Club of America, who (with permission) drove their pre-1915 automobiles onto the site and took photos with the Saron and Saal in the background. I've included one of the photos above, and you can find more on Ephrata's Facebook page. Earlier this month the site shared a historic photo (below), ca. 1915-20, of visitors who might have arrived in similar vehicles. I love it when history comes together in my news feed.

This snapshot, recently added to the collection at Ephrata Cloister, shows visitors in front of the Sisters' House (Saron) and Meetinghouse (Saal) sometime between 1915 and 1920 (via Facebook)

A news article from Erie features a high school student who is preparing for a career as an underwater welder. To help develop her ability to work and sleep on the water, Emma Johnson completed a two-week live aboard stint on U.S. Brig Niagara, thanks to the Rebecca Cornish Memorial Scholarship, which is offered through Athena Erie and the Flagship Niagara League. Read more about it on GoErie.com.

Several sites have held their Halloween and harvest themed events (with others still to come this weekend), and there are great photos online. Check out Bonfire at the Iron Furnaces or Landis Valley's Harvest Days or the haunted lantern tours at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum.

Coming Up

Nov. 5 is the deadline to nominate historic sites to the 2019 Pennsylvania at Risk list administered by Preservation Pennsylvania. To find our more, check out the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation blog post, "Change the Outcome."

The Anthracite Heritage Museum is hosting a photo contest to gather images of the anthracite region. Selections from the contest entries will be exhibited at the museum as an accompaniment to an exhibit about photographers from the region and those who came to the region to document it. Contest entries are due at the museum by Nov. 12. Find out all the details on the contest webpage.

On the Trails of History, Oct. 19-Nov. 1

There's still so much to do this month! Also, please note that some site schedules change seasonally, mostly affecting which days of the week the site is open. Please be sure to check ahead before visiting.

There are lots of Halloween-themed events coming up, including Tricks and Treats at Pennsbury Manor (via Facebook)

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
Oct. 20: Bonfire at the Iron Furnaces—this year Bonfire at The Iron Furnaces will be highlighting the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), an annual celebration to honor the spirits of the dead, observed in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Visit the Bonfire Facebook page for ticket info and program updates. 6-10 pm at the historic Scranton Iron Furnaces.

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Oct. 23: Revolutionary Dining Series—Robert A. Selig, PhD, will present "Of Skulls, Limbs, and Skeletons," exploring the topic of how the opposing armies dealt with casualties after the Battle of Brandywine. Cost is $48 in advance, $55 at the door (online tickets will be available soon are now available). 6 pm at The Gables at Chadds Ford.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Oct. 28: Last Day of the 2018 Season—starting Mon., Oct. 29, the visitor center is closed to the public until Spring 2019. Park grounds are open year-round, 8 am to dusk.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Oct. 21: Living History Sunday and Fall Park Walk—enjoy the beautiful Olmsted-designed park, as well as guided historic tours of the site. Noon-4 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Oct. 20: Presentation—Paul Trainor will present "Soldiers in the American Revolution," which includes a display of uniforms, weapons, and other military accounterments. 2 pm.
Oct. 27: Trick or Treat at the Homestead—there will be loads of activities for kids and their families at this event co-sponsored by Exeter Township (details on website). Cost is $5 per person. 10 am-8 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
Oct. 21: Last day in 2018 to see oilfield equipment—today is the last day of 2018 to see the museum's operating oilfield equipment in action. It's time to prepare the equipment to "hibernate" until April.
Oct. 27: Something More Saturday—the focus of this month's special activities is "Stories of the Oilfields." Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Oct. 19-20, 26-27: Haunted Halloween Lantern Tours—tour groups walk through the 19th-century village and encounter ghosts, goblins, and ghoulish fun. Tours last about an hour and are filled on a first come, first served basis. Bring your own flashlight or purchase one at the museum store. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Please start at the visitor center: doors open at 6 pm, last tour starts at 9.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Oct. 20: Little Mates Halloween Spooktacular—come for the costume party and trick-or-treating (and pizza lunch), stay for a spooky tour of Niagara. Cost is $10 per person, free for members of the Little Mates Kids Club. RSVP to Marcus: mmasternak@flagshipniagara.org or 814/452-2744 x 222. 11 am-1 pm.
Oct. 27: Watercolor Class and Last Day to View Exhibit—taught by watercolorist Daven Anderson, whose work is on display in the exhibit, "A Celebration of Our Work and Waterways," closing today. The workshop is open to the public and will run from 9 am to 4 pm in the West Wing Gallery. Cost is $110. Contact Linda Bolla, 814/452-2744 x219 or c-lbolla@pa.gov, by Oct. 20 to register.
Oct. 27: Boos on the Brig—a Halloween party for grown-ups (must be at least 21 to attend) and a fundraiser (see loads more info here). Cost is $40 per person, $30 for Flagship Niagara League members (online tickets here). 7-10 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for info on holiday schedules, events, and programs.

Graeme Park
Oct. 21: Living History Sunday—tour the Keith House and learn about the governor for whom it is named. At 2 pm, there will be a presentation, "Sir William Keith: Savvy Politician or Scoundrel?" Noon-3 pm.
SORRY - SOLD OUT Oct. 26: Haunted Lantern Tours—see the Keith House by lantern light (you may bring your own flashlight if you wish). For an additional fee, you can experience an hour-long sample of paranormal investigation. Reservations are required for either or both; tickets must be purchased online (a small processing fee will be added). 7-10:30 pm.

Hope Lodge
October 21 & 28: Site open—Hope Lodge will be open 1 pm to 4 pm, with guided tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm. Admission charged.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Fall Workshops continue this month. Visit Landis Valley's workshops page for details and registration.
Oct. 25: Hands-On History Days—children of all ages get to experience seasonal chores, hands-on crafts, wagon rides, and more. Reservations are not required but you can purchase tickets online in advance if you like (program details). Admission: $11 per person (members and children age 5 and younger get in free). 9 am-3 pm.
Oct. 27: Haunted Landis Valley Tea and Tour—did you know that the Landis Brothers loved to pull Halloween pranks and tell ghost stories? Celebrate in their spirit at this fun event! Your day includes Pennsylvania German spooky stories, interactive activities, wagon rides, a hot cider reception in the Firehouse, and a tea luncheon in the Landis Valley House Hotel with scones, soup, sandwiches, and a dessert. Reservations are required: contact Jamie at c-jschurin@pa.gov or 717-581-0590 OR purchase tickets online (service fee applies). Doors open at 11 a.m.; festivities begin at 11:30 a.m.

Old Economy Village
Oct. 27: Multiple activities—choose between a cooking class and straw hat workshop. See calendar of events for info.
Oct. 28: A Halloween Haunting—children 10 and under are invited to come in costume and trick-or-treat among the historic buildings. Please check the website for details. Admission is $5 per person.

Pennsbury Manor
Oct. 21: Open Hearth Cooking—the cooks will (prepare a complete seasonal dinner for William and Hannah Penn). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Oct 28: Tricks and Treats at the Manor—enjoy an afternoon of festive family-friendly Halloween fun mixed with Pennsylvania history. Children can come dressed in their Halloween costumes for some trick-or-treating, games, and 17th-century demonstrations. We are partnering up again with the Teal Pumpkin Project to bring non-food games and trick-or-treating stations for those with food allergies. A living history theater presentation, "The Trial of Margaret Mattson," will be held during the event. It is 1684, Margaret Mattson has been accused by her neighbors of witchcraft. William Penn will preside over the trial. No admission charged for this event. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Oct. 20: Haunted Lantern Tours—hear spooky (but not too spooky) tales in the logging camp as you tour by lantern light and trick-or-treat along the way. Costumes are welcome, and there will be some craft activities in the program room. Admission is $3 per person. 5-8 pm.
Oct. 27: Citizen Science Workshop—UPDATE 10/22/18 - event has been cancelled due to insufficient registration. Stay tuned for another Citizen Science Workshop in the spring, and be sure to pre-register. learn about citizen science opportunities happening around the county and how to get involved. Program offered in conjunction with the Potter County Conservation District. Guest speakers will talk about pollinators and honey production, invasive plants, and watershed association activities. Free lunch will be provided, so registration is required. Call 814-320-4017 to reserve your spot. 10 am-3 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Oct. 20: Historical Halloween—trick-or-treating with a historical theme, following the site’s pathways by lantern light. Enjoy popcorn and fresh apple cider! Admission: $3 per child, plus an apple for the cider press. 5-8 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Check the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of programs.
Oct. 19: 3rd in the Burg—exhibit opening for "Innovative Means: Photographs from the Collection," spanning 80 years of work by 26 photographers. The exhibit runs through Feb. 17, 2019. Admission is free. 5:30-7:30 pm.
Oct. 21: Great Pumpkin Day—family-friendly Halloween-themed activities and entertainment (details on the website). Everyone pays the "child" admission rate today, that's $5. Parking is free. Please note that the Planetarium and Curiosity Connection will be closed. 12:30-3 pm.
Oct. 25: Curiosity Kids—today's program takes place in Nature Lab and is focused on "Dinosaurs" (details). Included in regular admission, but space is limited, so please sign up at the front desk when you arrive. 11:30 pm.
Oct. 27: Workshops in Archaeology—for more information and registration form, visit the State Museum website.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing Historic Park calendar of events for details of this month's events and programs.

What's Up?

Planning ahead for events later this month? Check out the October program page. I've listed some of this weekend's events below, but there's plenty more between now and the end of the month. And if you're trying to gauge the best time and place for leaf peeping in PA, DCNR's fall foliage reports will help you work it out.

L to R: Pennsbury Society president Ron Schmid, Gov. Tom Ridge, Gov. Tom Corbett, Gov. Tom Wolf, Gov. Mark Schweiker, PHMC Chair Nancy Moses, Pennsbury Manor site administrator Doug Miller (via Facebook)

I'm a little late on the follow-up, but two weeks ago Pennsbury Manor hosted a luncheon and panel discussion in honor of the 300th anniversary of William Penn's death. The event was the culmination of Pennsbury's exploration of Penn's legacy during this anniversary year. Gov. Tom Wolf kicked off the luncheon with remarks on Penn's impact. Former governors Tom Corbett, Ed Rendell, Mark Schweiker, and Tom Ridge reflected on their terms in office and the responsibilities of following in Penn's footsteps (former Gov. Dick Thornburgh sent written remarks). It was, by all accounts, an impressive gathering and an excellent example of mixing history and contemporary issues (Bucks County Courier Times online article includes video).

The Pennsylvania Military Museum was recently featured in a post on the Getaway Mavens blog, which compiles "entertaining and eclectic" ideas for weekend trips in the northeastern US, with an emphasis on unique destinations. Their take on the greater State College area noted that the museum is small but "engaging and well-designed" and that walking the grounds is a great way to get some fresh air and "pay your respects to our lost soldiers."

On board the Lettie G. Howard, September 2018 (photo AKF)

The Lettie G. Howard, which spent this summer and early fall providing day sails out of the Erie Maritime Museum, recently went through the Welland Canal en route to a maintenance stop in Maine. The Flagship Niagara League posted video on their Facebook page showing a time lapse view of the Canal locks. The Lettie, which is in Erie under a collaborative program agreement with the South Street Seaport Museum in NYC, will then sail down the east coast of the US to Florida for the winter. Come spring the schooner will return to Erie for another summer of sailing. This arrangement has meant that visitors to the museum get to see a tall sailing ship even when U.S. Brig Niagara is away touring the Great Lakes. Visit the website for more info on the east coast trip and opportunities to participate.

On Wednesday, Oct. 17, the PHMC and the PA Dept. of General Services will host a meeting to update the public on plans for the new Pennsylvania State Archives building, currently in design. The new building will be located on a 3-acre lot bounded by Sixth, Seventh, Harris, and Hamilton Streets in Harrisburg. Staff from the two state agencies responsible for the project will provide a progress report, answer questions, and listen to community feedback. The event will begin at 5:30 pm and will be hosted by Camp Curtin YMCA, 2135 N. 6th St., Harrisburg.

This weekend...

LVM broom maker Genevieve Pallas shows Shelby Vaccaro from Lancaster Newspapers how it's done (via Facebook)

Hope Lodge
October 14: Site open—Hope Lodge will be open from 1 pm to 4 pm, with guided tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm. Admission charged.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Oct. 13-14: Harvest Days—a classic special event and a great way to celebrate the heart of the fall season. Loads of demonstrations and activities for the whole family in a beautiful setting. Admission: adults, $12; seniors, $10; age 6-11, $8; free for members and children age 5 and younger. Free parking and food available for purchase. Skip the admissions lines by purchasing your tickets through Brown Paper Tickets (please note that the event is rain or shine and there are no refunds for online tickets). 11 am-5 pm.

Old Economy Village
Oct. 13: Multiple activities—there will be a Gardening Class, Beer Tasting, and a Sip and Paint evening. Times and fees vary; please click on individual activities for details.

Pennsbury Manor
Oct. 14: Living History Theater—William Penn’s steward and housekeeper, John Sotcher and Mary Lofty, will be united in marriage according to 17th-century Quaker wedding customs. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

PA Trails of History Events, Oct. 5-18

Most sites on the PA Trails of History will be closed on Oct. 8 for Columbus Day. The Railroad Museum of PA will be open (see info below).

If you're planning ahead, the full October program page is also available.

Also, please note that some site schedules change seasonally, mostly affecting which days of the week the site is open. Be sure to check ahead before visiting. And speaking of seasonal changes (smooth, huh?), check out this week's update of the fall foliage map for Pennsylvania and plan your leaf peeping.

Yum. See info below to find out how to buy one (or more) of these and support the Ephrata Cloister.

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
Oct. 11: Celebrating Our Anthracite Heritage—this free program honors Anthracite Heritage Month. Jamie Longazel will present "Undocumented Fears: Immigration and the Politics of Divide and Conquer", and Stephanie Longo's topic will be "Italians in NEPA" (more info on the Facebook event page). 7-9 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Oct. 17: History Speaks Series—“Celtic Ceol…A Musical Journey,” is an acoustical program of traditional 17th- and 18th-century Irish, Scottish, French, and English music. Brenda Walker, Tom Lighthall, Nancy Podey, and Larry Podey will play an assortment of intstruments, including Irish whistle, guitar, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, banjo, and bodhran. Some of the music will be interwoven with the ancient stories they represent to bring the past to life. Cost is $8 in advance, $10 at the door (members receive 10% discount). Contact secretary@bushyrunbattlefield.com or Bushy Run Battlefield at 724-527-5584 for tickets. 7 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
UPDATE: Oct. 6-7: Site open—the Homestead will be open for visitors on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from noon to 4 pm. Guided tours will be available on Sunday.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Oct. 9: Friends Lecture Series— Jim Polczynski will present "The Impact of Divorce in the James Coleman Family." Lectures take place in the auditorium of Freeman Community Center at Cornwall Manor Retirement Community. Program is free; donations are welcome. 7 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Oct. 5-6: Apple Dumpling Sales—enjoy a delicious PA Dutch tradition and support the Back to the Cloister Fund (which has helped to return more than 100 original furnishings and objects to the site). Dumplings, from Aschenbach's Achenbach's Bakery [and thanks to an eagle-eyed colleague for the correction], are $4 each (this year, apple pies and pumpkin pies will also be available). There is no admission charge to buy apple dumplings (regular admission applies if you want to tour the site). Pre-orders for 5 or more dumplings will be accepted, and free local delivery can be arranged for advance orders of 20 or more; call 717/733-6600. Fri., 9:30 am-4 pm; Sat., 9:30 am until sold out.
Oct. 7: Day of Music—the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform in the Saal at 2, 3, and 4 pm. The program will include music composed at the historic community in the 1700s, along with works from other early American communities. The volunteer group is currently rehearsing a new transcription of a hymn written at Ephrata in the 1740s. While all ninety-two verses (!) of this important composition are not planned, there may be a sampling of a few portions. Included in regular admission. Site is open noon-5 pm (guided tours will be available).
Oct. 12: Community Days School Program—students and teachers move at their own pace among learning stations located throughout the site. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged; call 717/733-6600. Cost is $7 per student, with one adult admitted free for every 10 paying students (additional adults pay $9 each). 9:30 am-1 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for info on holiday schedules, events, and programs.

Graeme Park
Oct. 10: Lunch and Learn—Hugh Boyle, president and executive director of the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum and Library, will present "Duel at Dawn - The Feud Between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr." Cost is $30 per person ($25 for members) and includes continental breakfast and lunch buffet. Reservations are required; registration form is on the website. 10:30 am-1:30 pm.
Oct. 18: Happy Hour with the Historian—this evening's topic is "The 'Body Snatchers' of the 18th Century," and the program will take place in the Graeme Park Cemetery (or indoors if the weather doesn't cooperate). Cost is $5 per person (free for members). Food and drink available for purchase starting at 6 pm, program begins at 7.

Hope Lodge
October 7 & 14: Site open—Hope Lodge will be open from 1 pm to 4 pm, with guided tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm. Admission charged.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Fall Workshops continue this month. Visit Landis Valley's workshops page for details and registration.
Oct. 13-14: Harvest Days—a classic special event and a great way to celebrate the heart of the fall season. Loads of demonstrations and activities for the whole family in a beautiful setting. Admission: adults, $12; seniors, $10; age 6-11, $8; free for members and children age 5 and younger. Free parking and food available for purchase. Skip the admissions lines by purchasing your tickets through Brown Paper Tickets. 11 am-5 pm.
Oct. 18: Hands-On History Days—children of all ages get to experience seasonal chores, hands-on crafts, wagon rides, and more. Reservations are not required but you can purchase tickets online in advance if you like (program details). Admission: $11 per person (members and children age 5 and younger get in free). 9 am-3 pm.

Old Economy Village
Oct. 6-7: Erntedankfest - A Harvest Festival—celebrate the fall harvest as artisans throughout the village cook, bake, and demonstrate their craft skills. Music, food, and family activities make this a great tradition. Included in regular admission. Sat., 10 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-5 pm.
Oct. 13: Multiple activities—there will be a Gardening Class, Beer Tasting, and a Sip and Paint evening. Please see calendar of events for details.

Pennsbury Manor
Sundays in October: Special programming—Oct. 7, Historic Trades (the blacksmith, joyners, and spinners will demonstrate their skills); Oct. 14, Living History Theater (William Penn’s steward and housekeeper, John Sotcher and Mary Lofty, will be united in marriage according to 17th-century Quaker wedding customs). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Oct 6-7: Annual Fall Antique and Collectible Show—this event features dozens of vendors and supports the programs of the Lumber Museum. Other activities include sawmill operation (Saturday only), birch still and blacksmithing demos, and food for purchase in the community room. $5 admission ($3 for kids) includes the show and all museum exhibits and activities. 10 am-5 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Oct. 2: Central PA Civil War Roundtable Series—Chuck Teague will present "The Shadow of Napoleon on Lee at Gettysburg." Donation requested. 7-8 pm.
Oct. 7: Friends' Lecture Series—speaker is John Crider, presenting "The Cold War Up Close in the 1980s." Donation requested. 2-3 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Oct. 7: Garden Railways Tour—this event features outdoor model train layouts at private residences and retirement communities around Lancaster County. Tickets ($10 per person for ages 6 and up) may be purchased at the museum or at any Stauffer’s of Kissel Hill store in central Pennsylvania. The program flyer has more info; a list and map of participating locations will be provided with your ticket. 1-5 pm.
Oct. 8: Columbus Day—the museum is OPEN today. 9 am-5 pm.
Oct. 18: Wine and Paint Night—you bring the beverage (alcoholic or non), the museum supplies non-breakable glassware, light snacks, and the painting supplies. An instructor from the Zolē Art Factory in Strasburg will walk you through the steps to create a seasonal painting. More info, including an Eventbrite link for tickets, is on the museum website. Cost is $37 per person (plus a small ticketing fee); you must be at least 21 to attend. 6:30-8:30 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Check the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of programs.
Oct. 1-5: Archaeology at Fort Hunter—this season's excavations by the State Museum archaeology team wrap up this week. You can drop by between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm to see what's up.
Oct. 5: StoryTime—this month's program, designed for kids age 3-5 with an adult, starts with reading A Little of Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything, written by Linda D. Williams and illustrated by Megan Lloyd. Then it's off to the Planetarium for an adaptation of Linda White's Too Many Pumpkins, also illustrated by Megan Lloyd. Included in general admission. 10-11 am.
Oct. 11: Nature Lab—"Creatures of the Night" explores bats, raccoons, and skunks as examples of nocturnal animals. Geared for general audiences, age 7 and older. Included in general admission. 11:30 am-12:30 pm.
Oct. 17: National Fossil Day—learn about "Giants of the Late Cretaceous" in the Paleontology Gallery. Included in general admission. 12:15 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing Historic Park calendar of events for details of this month's events and programs.