On the Trails of History, January 3-16

This week's post covers the first half of January. If you're looking further ahead, please visit the January program page to see the rest of the month. Remember that many sites adjust schedules during the winter and that winter weather can impact operations. It never hurts to double check before heading to your favorite site.

Tomorrow, Jan. 4, is the start of the Pennsylvania Farm Show. As in past years, staff from various parts of PHMC will be there to share our agency's work with show goers. For more info, check PHMC's Facebook page or the Farm Show website. And don't miss the food court!

PA Farm Show 2019 at the Archaeology Booth (photo via Facebook)

Bushy Run Battlefield
Jan. 9: Historic Sewing Workshop Series—each workshop consists of one hour of formal instruction followed by an hour of open studio stitching (see Facebook event page for details and registration instructions. Also offered Feb. 13, Mar. 12, and Apr. 9. 6-8 pm.
Jan. 11: Intro to Embroidery—Jessica Young will lead this beginner-level class exploring the basics of embroidery (all skill levels are welcome). Participants will make a hanging pincushion appropriate for accentuating your 18th-century wardrobe. Cost is $75 and includes all materials (and refreshments). See Facebook event page for details. 9:30 am-3 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum
Fort Pitt will be closed in January for collections inventory and exhibit maintenance/upgrades. Please visit the website for information.

Joseph Priestley House
Jan. 5: 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).

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Jan. 4 (and later in the month): Winter Workshops—check out the workshop page on Landis Valley’s website for details on a variety of hands-on classes for adults; you’ll see the schedule for February and March as well. Times and costs vary.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Jan. 14-Feb. 9: Murder on the Orient Express at Fulton Theatre—the museum is partnering with Fulton Theatre to offer group and individual tour packages during the run of the play, for a great cross-over experience. Visit the museum’s Facebook page for details.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the museum’s Planetarium page for a full schedule.
Jan. 3: StoryTime—this month's program takes place in Nature Lab and features Charlotte the Scientist is Squished by Camille Andros. Program is designed for children ages 3-5 with an accompanying adult. Included in general admission. 10:30-11:30 am.
Jan. 9: Curiosity Kids—visit Nature Lab to learn about owls. Geared for ages 3-6 with an adult. This program is included in general admission, but space is limited, so be sure to sign up at the front desk when you arrive. 11:30 am.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for info on this month's programs and schedule.