People are Talking

If you're planning to be out and about on the Pennsylvania Trails of History this weekend, please note that some sites will be open on Sunday, July 4, and others will not. Some sites will be expanding their schedules soon, after our initial reopening period, so it's best (it's always best) to check ahead before visiting. You'll want to make sure that the site you want to visit will be open when you plan to be there.

Please also note that Covid protocols have been lifted. Masks are no longer required at our sites, but visitors who prefer to wear them should feel free to do so.

Presenters (and one lurker) for the June 16, 2021, PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase (see below for link to video)

This week I bring you a series of quick hits that you may have missed. I hope you'll enjoy them. I wish you a great weekend. Stay safe, stay cool, and stay interested in history!

Old Economy Village created a short video to spur interest using a series of keywords related to their history.




Eckley Miners' Village and the Anthracite Heritage Museum (as well as the Museum of Anthracite Mining that is now run by the borough of Ashland) were mentioned not only in the "Office Ladies" podcast but also in Rolling Stone Magazine. In the podcast, hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey (Pam Beesley and Angela Martin from The Office) talk about an episode in which Angela and Dwight visit a fictional version of the Anthracite Heritage Museum. Kinsey did some online research and notes that there's a real museum (which appeared in a couple of other episodes of The Office). The Rolling Stone mention relates to a music release from country singer Don DiLego, "Dim Red Light," and its video filmed at Eckley Miners' Village.

Ephrata Cloister's curator, Kerry Mohn, and museum educator, Michael Showalter, appeared on the Cloister Talk Live! podcast a few weeks ago to talk with host Alexander Lawrence Ames about architecture, spirtual and mystical exploration, music, and the manuscript texts that helped inform Ames's book, "The Word in the Wilderness."

If you missed the most recent episode of the PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase, you can catch it on YouTube. It starts a little abruptly because I forgot to hit "record," but you'll be able to enjoy all the presentations (with edited captions).

Upcoming Events (in-person and virtual)

Today, July 2

• StoryTime (in-person), "Big Bad Bubble" by Adam Rubin with illustrations by Daniel Solirieri, The State Museum of PA, 10:30-11:30 am, included in general admission (StoryTime details)
• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), curators Amy Hammond and Katie McGowan explore dress in post-Revolution PA through portraits and historic clothing, The State Museum of PA, 12:15-12:45 (register to receive Zoom link)
• First Friday Food Fest (in-person), great local fare from food trucks and live music, Somerset Historical Center, 5:30-8:30 pm, parking is $5 (SHC Facebook for details)

Wednesday, July 7

• Explore! (in-person), visit Nature Lab to learn about native flowers and plants of PA, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, included in general admission (Explore! details)

Thursday, July 8

• Curiosity Kids (in-person), today's focus in Benjamin Franklin's inventions, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, included in general admission (Curiosity Kids details)
• Ephrata Academy (virtual), learn about the people who lived and worked at Pennsbury Manor, Historic Ephrata Cloister, 7-8 pm (Ephrata Facebook page for registration)