Peak Summer

Please be sure to check the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (in-person and virtual). I've included highlights below. The Trailheads Rec Room pages to the right of your screen offer an array of online content generated by Trails of History sites.

If you're looking for a Covid vaccine provider, check out Vaccines.gov and enter your zip code.

Second floor landing of the Manor House, looking toward the rear of the house (photo via Pennsbury Facebook)

Pennsbury Manor announced this week that the reconstructed Manor House is once again open to the public as part of the site's guided tours. The house had been closed due to some ongoing projects at Pennsbury. Please visit Pennsbury's website for details on hours of operation, admissions, and guided tour schedules.

Heading to the beach? Erie Maritime Museum's recent post breaks down the parts of a wave for you.



And another in our long-running series of posts from Old Economy Village showcasing the beautiful grounds and gardens (kudos to museum educator David Miller). I hope you've enjoyed the vicarious visits as much as I have.


Think of this as a public service announcement, even though it's not directly Trails of History. The PA Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources says it's time to start stomping on spotted lantern flies. Tread carefully as they tend to jump away, so be prepared to persist. I was 1 for 2 on my lunchtime walk yesterday.

Upcoming Events (in-person and virtual)

Today, August 6

• StoryTime (in-person) - today's book is "The Case of the Missing Chalk Drawings" by Richard Byrne, The State Museum of PA, included in regular admission, 10:30-11:30 am (StoryTime info)
• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual) - fine art curator Amy Hammond talks with artist Lauren Litwa about PA landscapes, plein air painting, and the creation of "Tekla's Ladder," The State Museum of PA, 12:15-12:45 pm (register for Zoom link)
• First Friday Food Trucks (in-person) - live music, food truck fare, and funnel cake, Somerset Historical Center, $5 parking fee, 5:30-8:30 pm (Food Truck event info)

Saturday, August 7

• Battle of Bushy Run (in-person) - includes historical reenactments, demonstrations, music, and more, Bushy Run Battlefield, admission is by donation, 9 am-6 pm today and tomorrow, August 8 (BRB event info)
• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of England Car Show (in-person) - car show, live music, and (for those 21 and older with valid ID) craft beer tasting, Hope Lodge, admission is $10 for adults (add'l charge for beer and food concessions), 10 am-4 pm (HL event info, including online ticket purchase)

Sunday, August 8

• Battle of Bushy Run (in-person) - see August 7 for info
• Tonight's Sky: A Live Chat with the Planetarium Director (virtual) - this monthly program helps you know what to look for in the night sky, The State Museum of PA, 2-3 pm (Tonight's Sky Zoom registration)

Tuesday, August 10

• The Pennsylvania Barn in Form and Function (virtual) - Patrick J. Donmoyer will discuss his research on the anatomy of the PA barn and its larger context, Cornwall Iron Furnace, 7-8 pm (PA Barn Zoom registration)

Wednesday, August 11

• Explore! (in-person) - this week's program looks at the role of beavers in the survival of specific plants and animals, The State Museum of PA, included in regular admission, 11:30 am-12:30 pm (Explore! info)

Thursday, August 12

• Curiosity Kids (in-person) - today's program explores gristmills and takes place in the Transportation & Industry Gallery, The State Museum of PA, included in regular admission but space is limited, 11:30 am-12:30 pm (Curiosity Kids info)
• Webinar on creating hands-on natural history materials (virtual) - Carissa Longo (PA State Parks) and Susan Gallagher (Carbon County Environmental Education Ctr) will show you how to safely and legally curate, preserve, and care for natural history items for educational use, 5:30-7:30 pm (webinar Zoom link)