PA Trails of History Events, Dec. 28-Jan. 10

Happy New Year to all of our loyal Trailheads readers - and everyone else, as well. All Trails of History sites will be closed on Jan. 1. Please be aware that many sites are closed on Mondays, so they won't be open on Dec. 31; if they are open at all, they may close early.

And don't forget: for a few more days, through December 31, the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation (PHF) and The State Museum of Pennsylvania are offering a "Buy One Get One Free" membership deal. Renew, rejoin, or join, and you can gift a free membership of equal or lesser value to a friend, family member, or co-worker. Memberships included in this offer are Heritage, Individual, and Family (visit PHF website for details or to purchase online). All categories of membership include free regular admission to sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History. (Please note, the gift membership must be for individuals or families who have never held a membership with PHF or The State Museum previously.)

We hope that 2019 will be a healthy and productive year for all of you. The January program page will get you further through the month, but here's what's coming up in the next couple of weeks. Enjoy!

UPDATE: Please note that the Pennsylvania State Archives Research Room will be closed to the public January 5-12; staff will be at the PA Farm Show providing access to free genealogy searches via Ancestry.com.

A giant firefly dropping from the ceiling of Memorial Hall, next to the statue of William Penn, will be part of The State Museum's Noon Year's Celebration today, Dec. 28 (photo Jeni Ashton)

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Through Dec. 29: History for the Holidays—explore a different theme each day and help dispel the winter blahs (details on Facebook). Included in regular admission. Site open 9 am-4 pm, with special programs at 11 am and 2 pm.

Drake Well Museum
Dec. 29: Something More Saturday—enjoy family-friendly activities and learning added to the museum's regular offerings (watch the Facebook event page for details). Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Through Dec. 29: Lantern Tours—explore Ephrata's history with help from Student Historians and theatrical presentations throughout the grounds. This year's program asks the question, "What Would the Neighbors Think?" and will examine the Ephrata community's role among the many religious faiths found in Lancaster County. Visitors will be invited to share their opinions of the historic community as well. Tours leave from the visitor center every half hour from 6:30 to 8 pm. Admission: $10 (age 18-64), $9 (age 65+), $7 (age 6-17), $5 (age 3-5); members receive a discount. Reservations are required and tickets do sell out; call 717/433-6600 to reserve your spot.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Starts Jan. 5: Winter Sail Training—these FREE classes are designed to provide training in many of the basic skills necessary to sail a tall ship. Takes place on Saturdays from January through March during ship maintenance hours where crew work to repair and maintain parts of NIAGARA. Open to ages 14+. This is a great way to complete community service hours! Email volunteer@flagshipniagara.org to sign up. 9:30 am-3:30 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum
Jan. 1-Feb. 1: Museum closed—Fort Pitt Museum will be closed during the month of January for exhibit upgrades and maintenance. It will reopen on Feb. 2.

Joseph Priestley House
Jan. 6: Twelfth Night—glimpse the Priestley family’s life in Northumberland with a taste of the English customs they remembered. The house will be decorated as an English country manor, costumed docents will be on hand, and there will be chemistry demonstrations and children’s games. Free admission. 4-7 pm (chem demos in the Pond Building at 4:30 and 5:30 - space is limited for those, get tickets at the visitor center).

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the planetarium webpage for info on shows and schedules.
Dec. 28: Noon Year’s Celebration—ring in 2019 a little early at this program designed for younger children and their families. Crafts, dancing, and a planetarium show, plus the big countdown in Memorial Hall at noon. Included in general admission. Timed tickets for Curiosity Connection will be limited. Regular rates apply for planetarium shows. 10 am-1 pm (Curiosity Connection closes at 2 pm).
Jan. 4: StoryTime—this month's program features Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre. Program is designed for children ages 3-5 with an accompanying adult. Included in general admission. 10 am.
Jan. 10: Nature Lab—use science activities to explore SNOW! with the museum's education staff. Geared for visitors age 7 and up. Included in general admission. 11:30 am.

'Tis the Season

Last week's post has program info through Dec. 27 and the December program page has info through the 31st. If you really like to plan ahead, the January program listings are also available.

Still shopping? Your favorite Trails of History sites offer unique gifts in their museum stores. And through December 31, the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation (PHF) and The State Museum of Pennsylvania are offering a "Buy One Get One Free" membership deal. Renew, rejoin, or join, and you can gift a free membership of equal or lesser value to a friend, family member, or co-worker. Memberships included in this offer are Heritage, Individual, and Family (visit PHF website for details or to purchase online). All categories of membership include free regular admission to sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History. (Please note, the gift membership must be for individuals or families who have never held a membership with PHF or The State Museum previously.)

It has been a busy December on the Trails of History. There were lots of holiday programs, but that's not the only news to report. But we'll get to that.

Holiday Programs

Somerset Historical Center held their third annual Ethnic Traditions Program, in which Somerset County residents present foods and customs from a variety of cultures. This year's presenters included Sotiris Aggelou, born in Greece; Anna Thomas, born in India; Grete Lowery, born in Austria, and her daughter Margot (Knupp) Daniels; Mark and Dianna Smith, descendants of 19th-century Irish, Scottish, and German immigrants to Pennsylvania; and Jamie Barron, whose great grandparents came to the U.S. from Stenico, a small village in the Italian Alps. All shared stories and most shared food (the Smiths played Scottish music) with program attendees. A printed program included information about each presenter and their traditions and introduced attendees to PHMC's 21st Century Museums Initiative.

Holly Nights at Pennsbury Manor, 2018 (from Facebook)

Pennsbury Manor's annual Holly Nights event (see Facebook photo album) is a longstanding tradition for many southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey families. Columnist JD Mullane had this to say in the Dec. 9 Intelligencer, after lamenting several unsuccessful attempts to create holiday memories with the kids:

But then the other night in Falls, I realized that we still have one family Christmas tradition of the variety I tried so hard to create — Holly Night at Pennsbury Manor, two nights always held the first week of December.

We’ve taken the kids to Gov. William Penn’s recreated summer house on the Delaware River since they were babies, and only because it was an inexpensive family outing, and always at Mrs. Mullane’s request. I took her there when we were still boyfriend and girlfriend. Despite nearly 20 years of Holly Nights, our kids still look forward to it — the paths lit by luminaries, pine and wood smoke on crisp night air. The dining room table set for an 18th century feast in the candle-lit manor house. The bell choir playing, the U.S. Steel Chorus, today called the Men of Harmony, performing “Little Drummer Boy.” (A bonus that received an extra ovation from the audience last week: three Men of Steel from the original choir are still singing). And the finale: tossing a sprig of evergreen into the small fire for good luck in the new year, and sipping hot apple cider.

Family traditions bring identity, unity and warmth, whether it’s Holly Night or finding the perfect tree at the farm. But you can’t force them, no matter how enticing and sentimental. There has to be some sort of magic in them that you can feel, but really can’t explain.

Carols around the bonfire at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum (via Facebook)

 Yet another firelit holiday event is Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum's Bonfire Night, which welcomes visitors for the price of some nonperishable donations for a local food bank. This year the weather was a bit damp and foggy, but many people still stopped by, including photographer Jennifer MacNeill, a regular at LVM events (see her album of Bonfire Night photos here).

Kids of all shapes and sizes enjoyed the Christmas program at Bushy Run Battlefield (photo Michael Tusay)

Other December Happenings

The annual Pearl Harbor remembrance took place at the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Dec. 7. The museum shared images on their Facebook page (below) and WTAJ provided local coverage.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum opened a new exhibit on photographers working in the anthracite region and also announced the winners of the accompanying photo contest (below). Local news highlighted one of the winners, Megan Rusonis.

And finally, we're ending the year on a high note with the announcement that several Trails of History sites will be among the honorees when PA Museums presents the 2019 Special Achievement Awards at their annual conference in April. Institutional Achievement Awards will go to: U.S. Brig Niagara/Flagship Niagara League (homeport Erie Maritime Museum) for "Waves of the Past, Sailors of the Future"; Old Economy Village for "Bringing History Alive at Old Economy Village"; and The State Museum of Pennsylvania for "Restoration and Reinterpretation of Mammal Hall." Sarah Buffington, curator at Old Economy Village, and Hope W. Kopf, volunteer at Joseph Priestley House, will be honored with Individual Awards recognizing their contributions and good work. Visit the PA Museums website for the full list of honorees for 2019. Congratulations to all! And to all, a good night.

On the Trails of History, Dec. 14-27

There are some events at the very end of the month, so be sure to take a look at the full December page if you're thinking that far ahead. All sites on the Trails of History will be closed on Dec. 25 (except Washington Crossing Historic Park). Please be aware that some sites may also adjust schedules on the days before or after the actual holiday (or be closed on the "eves" this year because of normal Monday closures). Some additional seasonal closures kick in during December, as well, and winter weather can be a factor. It's never a bad idea to check ahead to avoid disappointment. Fa la la la la, la la la la.

And don't forget: through December 31, the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation (PHF) and The State Museum of Pennsylvania are offering a "Buy One Get One Free" membership offer. Renew, rejoin, or join, and you can gift a free membership of equal or lesser value to a friend, family member, or co-worker. Memberships included in this offer are Heritage, Individual, and Family (visit PHF website for details or to purchase online). All categories of membership include free regular admission to sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History. (Please note, the gift membership must be for individuals or families who have never held a membership with PHF or The State Museum previously.)

Learn how beer was brewed in the 18th century at Graeme Park on Dec. 16; see below for details (via Facebook)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Dec. 15: Breakfast with Santa—there will be lots of activities for kids at this new event. Watch the museum's Facebook page for event details and a link for purchasing tickets. 10 am-noon.

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Dec. 26-29: History for the Holidays—explore a different theme each day and help dispel the winter blahs (details on Facebook). Included in regular admission. Site open 9 am-4 pm, with special programs at 11 am and 2 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Dec. 26-29: Lantern Tours—explore Ephrata's history with help from Student Historians and theatrical presentations throughout the grounds. This year's program asks the question, "What Would the Neighbors Think?" and will examine the Ephrata community's role among the many religious faiths found in Lancaster County. Visitors will be invited to share their opinions of the historic community as well. Tours leave from the visitor center every half hour from 6:30 to 8 pm. Admission: $10 (age 18-64), $9 (age 65+), $7 (age 6-17), $5 (age 3-5); members receive a discount. Reservations are required and tickets (on sale as of Dec. 1) do sell out; call 717/433-6600 to reserve your spot.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on programs and schedules.

Graeme Park
Dec. 16: Colonial Beer Brewing Demonstration—the brewer will be in the summer kitchen making a batch of house beer and talking about ingredients, processes, and history (more info). Demo is free; admission charged to tour the Keith House. 11 am-2 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Dec. 14: Holiday at Landis Valley Bonfire—caroling, a blazing bonfire, wagon rides, hot cider and cookies (details). And it’s free—Landis Valley’s gift to the community. Return the favor by bringing non-perishable food items to donate to the Lancaster Food Bank. 6-8:30 pm.
Dec. 27 & 28: Winter Day Camp—a different theme each day to make the days go faster. Cost for both days is $55 per child, $40 per child for LVA members (details here). Registration is required, and space is limited; call the museum's education department at 717/569-0401 x228. 8:30 am-12:30 pm each day.

Old Economy Village
Dec. 14: Christmas Homeschool Tour—this Christmas-themed program is geared for students in preschool through third grade. Activities (details on the website) include crafts, decorations, and a visit with Belsnickel. Cost is $5 per person. Space is limited, and reservations are required by Dec. 4. Please email David Miller to make reservations. 1-2:30 pm.
Dec. 15: Intermediate Blacksmithing Class—two of OEV's regular blacksmithing demonstrators will teach this class, which is designed for folks who know some of the basics and want to take their skills up a notch. Participants must be at least 18 years old. The class is FREE, but space is limited. (Dec. 8 was registration deadline, but contact David Miller to see if space is available). 10 am-1 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Throughout the month of December—a Selective Service Registration Card for Mr. S. Claus will be on temporary exhibit during regular operating hours. Wed.-Sat., 10 am-4 pm; Sun., noon-4 pm.
Dec. 16: Christmas with the Troops—the museum will show "Bob Hope's 1967 Christmas Tour," revisiting a time when nearly half a million Americans were stationed in Southeast Asia (more info on the website). 1:30-2:30 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the planetarium webpage for info on shows and schedules.
Dec. 20: Curiosity Kids—children ages 3 to 6 (and their grown-ups) are invited to the Village Square for "An Old Fashioned Christmas." Included in general admission, but space is limited, so be sure to sign up at the admissions desk when you arrive. 11:30 am.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the WCHP events page for details on the annual crossing reenactments and other events.

Honoring History

If you're planning ahead this month, you can check the December program page to see the whole month or revisit last week's post, which covers events through Dec. 13.

Two of USS Pennsylvania's 14-inch guns were moved from Dahlgren, Virginia, to the grounds of the PA Military Museum in 2009 (photo PA Military Museum)

77 years ago, the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Hawaii was attacked by aircraft from the Imperial Japanese Navy. As has become the custom, the Pennsylvania Military Museum will hold a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Tribute starting at 12:45 pm today. The event will begin outdoors at the display of the USS Pennsy guns, which were on the ship at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Indoors, attendees may view a screening of the film "World War II: Crusade in the Pacific" and enjoy light refreshments.

An iconic piece of American travel and commuter history is slated for a big change in the coming year. The Solari board at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station (see YouTube video) is being retired in favor of new technology. The flipping numbers and letters have become outdated, although judging by the reactions in this article on BillyPenn.com, they are still treasured by people who pass through the station. The good news is that the board is destined for the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, where it will become part of the new exhibits in Rolling Stock Hall. As mentioned in the article, museum staff are working on the best ways to display the board and preserve or recreate its signature sound experience. We'll keep you apprised. UPDATE 12/12/18 - or maybe not. 12/27/18 See also this update.

Keystone Interns Derrick Atkins and Andrew Moyer with the PA Lumber Museum's Shay locomotive, summer 2018 (photo Lumber Museum)

College students (undergrad or grad) interested in exploring careers in public history should consider applying for the 2019 Keystone Internship program. Depending on applicant interest and staff capacity, internships are available in many areas of PHMC, including historic preservation, archives, collections management, and historic site/museum operations and programs. Internships run from May to August and are unpaid; most students work with their college or university to receive academic credit. Schedules are somewhat flexible and subject to negotiation between interns and their mentors. The application process involves an information form where students indicate their interests, an essay, a transcript from their home institution (unofficial is fine), and a letter of recommendation. The deadline for applications is Friday, February 8, 2019. Check out the PHMC website for details.

Preserving Pennsylvania's history and sharing it with the public doesn't just happen, as regular readers of Trailheads are well aware. It takes people and it takes money. If you have a favorite Trails of History site and are not already a member, consider giving yourself a gift this year while supporting that site's activities. Membership is a great way to support sites, as is volunteering. And membership benefits can really pay off if you're a frequent visitor and like to shop in the museum store. Just sayin'.

If you don't have a favorite site, you can support the PHMC's sites and other activities through a membership in the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation (PHF). Through December 31, if you renew, rejoin, or join PHF, you can gift a free membership of equal or lesser value to a friend, family member, or co-worker. Memberships included in this offer are Heritage, Individual, and Family (visit PHF website for details or to purchase online). All categories of membership include free regular admission to sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History. (Please note, the gift membership must be for individuals or families who have never held a membership with PHF or The State Museum previously.) You can also donate to PHF online if that's more your style. We thank you for your support.