It's Fall?

The September program page is still up (because it's still September), and the October page is also available (and it will be updated as needed).

Photo of the George Rapp House at Old Economy Village taken from the garden by museum educator David Miller to document the roof project and a beautiful almost-Fall day (photo via Facebook)

We welcomed fall this week, not least because it helps us pin ourselves in time. And because Fall brings some beautiful changes to the landscape. I'm grateful for that in the midst of a lot of chaos and uncertainty. I'm sure that Trails of History sites will also share photos of the seasonal transformations that we see this time of year, documenting colorful leaves, autumn flowers, and the way the sunlight changes (see photo from Old Economy Village above). Be sure to follow your favorite sites on social media to enjoy these posts. Also, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides weekly updates on fall foliage around the state (visit DCNR website for updates).

Screenshot of online exhibit panel, Deck Shoes worn by E. Jackson Taylor aboard the USS Franklin

The Pennsylvania Military Museum has launched a new online exhibit, The Long Road to Victory: Heroism and Sacrifice in the Pacific, 1945. This exhibit is part of the museum's series of exhibits and programs that began in 2016 to mark the 75th Anniversary of U.S. involvement in World War II. The exhibit features 14 artifacts from the museum's collection along with the personal stories that go with them. You can find the exhibit on the museum's website (exhibit link).

This robe was worn by Clarion County native Genevieve Blatt during a career on Commonwealth Court that spanned nearly 20 years (photo via Facebook)

In response to the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last Friday and in tribute to her role in advancing women's rights, The State Museum of Pennsylvania posted about another pioneering female judge, Genevieve Blatt. From the Facebook post: "Like Ginsburg, Blatt rose through the ranks in politics and law in an era when both were male dominated and as a judge championed women's rights. Previous to her bench appointment, Blatt had been a mainstay in Democratic Party politics and a true game changer, having been the first woman in Pennsylvania to win state wide office. As Commonwealth Court Judge, Blatt issued a precedent setting ruling that banned gender discrimination in high school sports."

Coming up in October, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will be offering "STEAM on the Rails Virtual Education Program" (STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). On each of three days (Oct. 13, 20, 27), there will be four 30-minute presentations, for a total of 12 opportunities for students in grades K-6 to explore STEAM topics. In addition to museum staff, presentations will include other Trails of History program partners (Anthracite Heritage Museum/Eckley Miners' Village, Cornwall Iron Furnace, Drake Well Museum and Park, and the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum), blacksmith Frank Gillespie, and Operation Lifesaver. Registration is by donation and entitles you to all 12 presentations. The Facebook event has the registration link and session times.

Late last week, the American Association for State and Local History, which is holding its annual conference virtually this week and next, issued a statement on the role of history in a democracy. Those interested in reading it can find it on the AASLH website.

View of Pennsbury Manor garden in late summer (photo via Facebook)

I'll leave you with a link to a video posted by Pennsbury Manor this week. Jessye the gardener talks to us about hops and shows us how they are harvested from Pennsbury's garden. I knew that hops were used in beer brewing (and that's what Pennsbury's will be used for). But I didn't know they had medicinal uses and could be made into a sedative as well. You'll find the video on Pennsbury's Facebook page.