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.