Another Anniversary!

Celebrate the 275th anniversary of Hope Lodge by attending the British Car & Motorcycle Show on Saturday or the Ambler Symphony Concert on Wednesday (photo via Hope Lodge Facebook page)

Historic Hope Lodge is celebrating the 275th anniversary of the completion of the mansion (read about Hope Lodge's history). The Erie Maritime Museum just marked the 25th anniversary of the opening of the museum on Erie's waterfront. The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum has a temporary exhibit in honor of the 90th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps. And the Pennsylvania Military Museum has a temporary exhibit related to the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American War (covered by WJAC-TV). Gives you a little taste of the variety of the Pennsylvania Trails of History. Why not give us a visit?

Up Next

Friday, June 2

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in the Auditorium on the Ground Floor to learn about the symphony orchestra. The book Because by Mo Willems will be featured. Storytime participants will learn about the instruments that make up an orchestra and have a chance to play along with a few famous symphonic works. For kids age 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

• First Fridays (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Enjoy an evening of music, family games, tractor rides, and food trucks. Some covered seating is provided, but feel free to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Parking is $5 per car, but there is no admission fee (June First Fridays info).

• Art and Wine with Henry! (in-person); 7-9 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• An art show featuring regional artists. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Must be at least 21 years old to attend. Tickets are $25 (Art and Wine event tickets).

Saturday, June 3

• Horsham Day (in-person); 10 am-2 pm; Graeme Park
• Celebrate Horsham Day with free tours of the Keith House on the hour from 10 am to 2 pm (Horsham Day info).

• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of England Car Show (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• Enjoy food, live music and craft beers (age 21+ with valid ID) for a tour of one of the largest British motoring shows on the East Coast with over 250 classic British cars and motorcycles. This event will also feature tours of the Hope Lodge mansion and celebration of 275th anniversary. Admission is $10 (Hope Lodge event info and ticket link).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a private history tour of the outside tracked vehicles and discuss the history of armored vehicles with a preeminent local historian. Tour begins at the museum, but there will be plenty of walking on the grounds, so please have appropriate footwear. This tour will not access the insides of the vehicles. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership (Exploring the Armor tickets).

Sunday, June 4

• Colonial Craft Day (in-person); 11 am-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• A variety of craftspeople will demonstrate 18th-century skills and some vendors will have items for sale. Guided tours of the site will also be available (Colonial Craft Day info).

• Historic Trades (in-person) 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Come and witness some of the trades and crafts that were done at Pennsbury Manor during the 17th Century. Our blacksmiths, joyners and spinners will be eager to talk to you about their work and its importance during Penn’s time. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades info).

Wednesday, June 7

• Ambler Symphony Orchestra (in-person); 7-8:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• Under the musical direction of conductor Jack Moore, the Ambler Symphony will present an evening of music for all ages. Bring the family, chairs, and your picnic for an evening on the lawn. Tickets are $5 for ages 13 and up (free for members) and can be purchased at the door or in advance online (Eventbrite ticket link). Rain date is June 14.

Thursday, June 8

• Family Gallery Tour: Horse 2 Auto(in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Look back at the transition from horse-powered transportation to the automobile. Examine the similarities and struggles we face today as we look to transition from the internal combustion engine to a more energy efficient system. Included in regular admission (June 8 Family Gallery Tour info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, June 13, 3-5 pm and Tuesday, June 27, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for June 13 Sensory Hours or June 27 Sensory Hours).

• The End of An Era: Reflecting on 236 Years of Mining at Cornwall (hybrid); 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• This presentation by Mike Weber will take a retrospective look at the Cornwall Mines at the end of an era as we reflect on the legacy of more than two centuries of iron mining at Cornwall. Attend in-person at Freeman Hall (Cornwall Manor Retirement Community) or via Zoom (Cornwall lecture info and registration).

• PHMC's Framing History Series (in-person); Wednesday, June 14, 1:30-3:30; The State Museum of PA
• Join award-winning historian Tom Sugrue, author of Sweet Land of Liberty: The Forgotten Struggle for Civil Rights in the North, at 1:30 pm on June 14 at The State Museum of Pennsylvania as he discusses the Civil Rights Movement and the quest for racial equality in Pennsylvania. Tour The State Museum’s exhibit, A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration, following the presentation. Registration recommended but not required (register for Tom Sugrue lecture).

• Art in the Garden: Botanical Drawing Workshop (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Outdoor art for all skill levels. This guided drawing workshop will focus on plants in the kitchen garden. Materials provided. Registration required $35/non-members $30/members. Call 215/946-0400 to register (Art in the Garden workshop info).

• Brews at the Battlefield (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 5-8 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Taste beers from local and regional breweries, listen to music, and enjoy food from Burgers by Wildwich (separate purchase from event tickets). You must be at least age 21 to attend, and photo ID will be required at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance; designated driver tickets available (Brews at the Battlefield tickets).

• OEV Music Weekend (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18, Noon-8 pm both days; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a wide array of bands at a beautiful historic site. Event is rain or shine (will move indoors if the weather is bad); bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. There will be a variety of food trucks onsite (separate purchase). Advance tickets only; choose one day or the whole weekend (OEV Music Weekend line-up and tickets).

• Brews & Bites (in-person); Saturday, June 24, 4-8 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• This event features local breweries, live music, food trucks, 17th-century brewing demonstrations and more, in a lovely setting along the Delaware River. Must be at least 21 years old to attend (photo ID required at the door). Tickets are limited; advance purchase recommended (Brews & Bites tickets).

• Acting Workshop (in-person); Saturday, July 15, 2-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Laurie McCants, co-founder of the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, will lead a two-part workshop for students age 8 to 12. Actors will choose a historical figure, research their life, write a script, and reenact them. Second session takes place July 22 (Acting Workshop info and registration).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Bushy Run Battlefield (Bushy Run camp info)
• Colonial Life (grades 1-5), June 19-21, 10 am-3 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Joseph Priestley House (Priestley House camp info)
• Summer History Camp (grades 1-6), July 26-28, 9 am-Noon

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

• PA Lumber Museum (Lumber Museum camp info)
• History Camp (ages 10-18), August 4-5, 9 am-2 pm

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28

Memorial Day Weekend 2023

Lilacs in bloom at Daniel Boone Homestead (Photo via DBH's Facebook page)

As I mentioned in last week's post, most Trails of History sites will be closed on Monday, May 29, for Memorial Day. The Pennsylvania Military Museum and Fort Pitt Museum will be open. The Pennsylvania Military Museum is hosting a World War II event Saturday and Sunday, exploring the experiences of soldiers on the Western Front in Europe. Be sure to check the list of other events in the coming week, as well as the list of events requiring or offering advance tickets. Oh, and the list of summer camps. There's a lot to do.

Up Next

Today, May 26

• Star Party (in-person); 8-10 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The Homestead is hosting the Berks County Amateur Astronomical Society. Society members will set up telescopes for visitors to use and will share information about light pollution, contrast, and sky mechanics. Start and end times are approximate (DBH Star Party info).

Saturday, May 27

• Discover PA with the Giant Map (in-person); 10 am-Noon; The State Museum of PA
• Discover the giant map of Pennsylvania as we walk across the state. Test your geography skills playing a game. Included in regular admission (Giant PA Map program info).

• Life at the Front: World War Two (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Immerse yourself in life on the Western Front during the Second World War. Explore encampments and talk to living historians about life on the front lines; spend your weekend learning how Operation Overlord changed the course of the War and the lives of the Soldiers who fought in it. At 11 am on Saturday, Museum volunteer Mike Siggins will present "Uncle Dick: The Bravest Man I Never Met," about U.S. Army PFC Richard C. Van Dyke, who was killed in action during General Patton's Third Army Moselle River crossing in September, 1944. Food will be available for purchase from Rebelz Food Truck. Encampment is open to the public 10 am to 4 pm both days. Regular admission rates apply to visit Museum Gallery (Life at the Front program info).

Sunday, May 28

• Beer Brewing and Garden Highlights (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The brewing of beer as well as maintaining a garden were critical to the lives of those living at Pennsbury Manor. Explore and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the recipes and plants that fed the early residents of Pennsbury. Included in regular admission (Sunday program info).

Monday, May 29

• Allegheny Mountain Region AACA Car Show (in-person); 9 am-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• The Regional Antique Automobile Club of America’s Allegheny Mountain Region Chapter hosts their annual summer season kickoff event on the grounds of the 28th Division Shrine at the Pennsylvania Military Museum. This event features many pre-war through modern classic cars on display through the grounds. $5 for on-site parking (AACA Car Show info).

Friday, June 2

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in the Auditorium on the Ground Floor to learn about the symphony orchestra. The book Because by Mo Willems will be featured. Storytime participants will learn about the instruments that make up an orchestra and have a chance to play along with a few famous symphonic works. For kids age 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

• First Fridays (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Enjoy an evening of music, family games, tractor rides, and food trucks. Some covered seating is provided, but feel free to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Parking is $5 per car, but there is no admission fee (June First Fridays info).

• Art and Wine with Henry! (in-person); 7-9 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• An art show featuring regional artists. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Must be at least 21 years old to attend. Tickets are $25 (Art and Wine event tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of England Car Show (in-person); Saturday, June 3, 10 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• Enjoy food, live music and craft beers (age 21+ with valid ID) for a tour of one of the largest British motoring shows on the East Coast with over 250 classic British cars and motorcycles. This event will also feature tours of the Hope Lodge mansion and celebration of 275th anniversary. Admission is $10 (Hope Lodge event info and ticket link).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); Saturday, June 3, 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a private history tour of the outside tracked vehicles and discuss the history of armored vehicles with a preeminent local historian. Tour begins at the museum, but there will be plenty of walking on the grounds, so please have appropriate footwear. This tour will not access the insides of the vehicles. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership (Exploring the Armor tickets).

• Ambler Symphony Orchestra (in-person); Wednesday, June 7, 7-8:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• Under the musical direction of conductor Jack Moore, the Ambler Symphony will present an evening of music for all ages. Bring the family, chairs, and your picnic for an evening on the lawn. Tickets are $5 for ages 13 and up (free for members) and can be purchased at the door or in advance online (Eventbrite ticket link).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, June 13, 3-5 pm and Tuesday, June 27, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for June 13 Sensory Hours or June 27 Sensory Hours).

• The End of An Era: Reflecting on 236 Years of Mining at Cornwall (hybrid); 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• This presentation by Mike Weber will take a retrospective look at the Cornwall Mines at the end of an era as we reflect on the legacy of more than two centuries of iron mining at Cornwall. Attend in-person at Freeman Hall (Cornwall Manor Retirement Community) or via Zoom (Cornwall lecture info and registration).

• PHMC's Framing History Series (in-person); Wednesday, June 14, 1:30-3:30; The State Museum of PA
• Join award-winning historian Tom Sugrue, author of Sweet Land of Liberty: The Forgotten Struggle for Civil Rights in the North, at 1:30 pm on June 14 at The State Museum of Pennsylvania as he discusses the Civil Rights Movement and the quest for racial equality in Pennsylvania. Tour The State Museum’s exhibit, A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration, following the presentation. Registration recommended but not required (register for Tom Sugrue lecture).

• Art in the Garden: Botanical Drawing Workshop (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Outdoor art for all skill levels. This guided drawing workshop will focus on plants in the kitchen garden. Materials provided. Registration required $35/non-members $30/members. Call 215/946-0400 to register (Art in the Garden workshop info).

• Brews at the Battlefield (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 5-8 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Taste beers from local and regional breweries, listen to music, and enjoy food from Burgers by Wildwich (separate purchase from event tickets). You must be at least age 21 to attend, and photo ID will be required at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance; designated driver tickets available (Brews at the Battlefield tickets).

• OEV Music Weekend (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18, Noon-8 pm both days; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a wide array of bands at a beautiful historic site. Event is rain or shine (will move indoors if the weather is bad); bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. There will be a variety of food trucks onsite (separate purchase). Advance tickets only; choose one day or the whole weekend (OEV Music Weekend line-up and tickets).

• Brews & Bites (in-person); Saturday, June 24, 4-8 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• This event features local breweries, live music, food trucks, 17th-century brewing demonstrations and more, in a lovely setting along the Delaware River. Must be at least 21 years old to attend (photo ID required at the door). Tickets are limited; advance purchase recommended (Brews & Bites tickets).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Bushy Run Battlefield (Bushy Run camp info)
• Colonial Life (grades 1-5), June 19-21, 10 am-3 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Joseph Priestley House (Priestley House camp info)
• Summer History Camp (grades 1-6), July 26-28, 9 am-Noon

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

• PA Lumber Museum (Lumber Museum camp info)
• History Camp (ages 10-18), August 4-5, 9 am-2 pm

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28

Music, Gardens, and More

Enjoy lovely scenery and beautiful music at Ephrata Cloister this Sunday (photo via Ephrata's Facebook page)

Please note that the Pennsylvania State Archives Search Room will close to the public on Monday, May 22, to allow staff to make final preparations for their move to the new State Archives facility on North Sixth St. in Harrisburg (online and mail services were suspended earlier this month). The Search Room and other archival services will resume in the fall at the new facility.

I hope your weekend and the coming week are restful, fun, exciting or whatever else you need them to be. Check out the event listings below for ideas. And a heads-up - most Pennsylvania Trails of History sites will be closed on May 29 for Memorial Day. Next week's post will include info on sites that will be open.

Up Next

Today, May 19

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Lindsay A. Byron, environmental group manager for the Department of Environmental Protection, will talk about climate projections for Pennsylvania, the impacts of those changes for the Commonwealth and its residents, and the action being taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency. Program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Saturday, May 20

• Oil Creek 5 & 13 Stacked Trail Races (in-person); 7 am-Noon; Drake Well Museum and Park
• This unique trail race starts and finishes at Drake Well and uses the Gerard Hiking Trail in Oil Creek State Park. Options to run a 5-mile race, a 13-mile race, or both (DWM Trail Race details).

• Herb and Native Plant Faire (in-person); 9 am-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• This event is held in conjunction with Remake Learning Days and will feature plant and plant product vendors, food wagons, and an "Ask the Master Gardener" booth staffed by Master Gardeners from Northumberland and Montour Counties. Heirloom plants and vegetables from Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum's Heirloom Seed Program will be available for purchase (JPH Herb and Plant Faire info)

• Sail to Steam Saturdays (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• The Museum welcomes the International Guild of Knot Tyers for demos of knot tying, knot art, rope making, and more. Included in regular admission (Sail to Steam program info).

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read What Grandma Did by Erin Miller with illustrations by Randall Harmon, the story of a little girl who learns her grandmother was a pilot during World War II. Learn about the role the museum’s Piper aircraft played in training pilots and try creating your own plane. For ages 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

Sunday, May 21

• A Celebration of Service: Honoring Pennsylvania's Veterans (in-person); Noon-2 pm; PA Military Museum
• U.S. Army Reunion and memorial service sponsored by the Pennsylvania National Guard commemorating Pennsylvania’s Citizen Soldiers with a military band and ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 12:30, heavy equipment will be on the Museum lawn before the ceremony weather permitting. The public is welcome to visit and join in the commemoration honoring the 28th Infantry Division (Celebration of Service program info).

• Open-Hearth Cooking (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The grass is green, and the cows are being milked. The cooks will demonstrate 17th-century recipes using dairy products. Included in regular admission (Open-Hearth Cooking program info).

• Spring Concert (in-person); 3-4 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform works by founder Conrad Beissel and Sister Foben, recognized as one of America's first female composers, as well as choral works by other religious groups of early America, including Moravian, River Brethren, Shaker, and African-American traditions. The museum will open at noon with free admission. The orientation video will be shown at 12:30 and there will be a cake and beverage reception from 1 to 3 (Spring Concert info).

Wednesday, May 24

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 2-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Purchase general admission and Planetarium tickets at Ground Floor Desk at least 5 minutes before showtime (Stargazing program info).

Thursday, May 25

• PHMC Archival Grant Webinars (virtual); 2 pm; PA State Archives
• Learn more about the Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) grant program, determine your eligibility, and get suggestions for a successful application. Webinars are free, but you must register to receive the link (register for May 25 webinar).

• Behind the Scenes Tour (in-person); 6-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• Explore attics and basements of Harmonist buildings and visit collections storage areas during this behind-the-scenes peek. Light hors-d'oeuvres will be served after the tour. Space is limited. Contact Sarah Buffington (sbuffingto@pa.gov) to register.

Friday, May 26

• Star Party (in-person); 8-10 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The Homestead is hosting the Berks County Amateur Astronomical Society. Society members will set up telescopes for visitors to use and will share information about light pollution, contrast, and sky mechanics. Start and end times are approximate (DBH Star Party info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of England Car Show (in-person); Saturday, June 3, 10 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• Enjoy food, live music and craft beers (age 21+ with valid ID) for a tour of one of the largest British motoring shows on the East Coast with over 250 classic British cars and motorcycles. This event will also feature tours of the Hope Lodge mansion and celebration of 275th anniversary. Admission is $10 (Hope Lodge event info and ticket link).

• Art in the Garden: Botanical Drawing Workshop (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Outdoor art for all skill levels. This guided drawing workshop will focus on plants in the kitchen garden. Materials provided. Registration required $35/non-members $30/members. Call 215/946-0400 to register (Art in the Garden workshop info).

• Brews at the Battlefield (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 5-8 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Taste beers from local and regional breweries, listen to music, and enjoy food from Burgers by Wildwich (separate purchase from event tickets). You must be at least age 21 to attend, and photo ID will be required at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance; designated driver tickets available (Brews at the Battlefield tickets).

• OEV Music Weekend (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18, Noon-8 pm both days; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a wide array of bands at a beautiful historic site. Event is rain or shine (will move indoors if the weather is bad); bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. There will be a variety of food trucks onsite (separate purchase). Advance tickets only; choose one day or the whole weekend (OEV Music Weekend line-up and tickets).

• Brews & Bites (in-person); Saturday, June 24, 4-8 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• This event features local breweries, live music, food trucks, 17th-century brewing demonstrations and more, in a lovely setting along the Delaware River. Must be at least 21 years old to attend (photo ID required at the door). Tickets are limited; advance purchase recommended (Brews & Bites tickets).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Bushy Run Battlefield (Bushy Run camp info)
• Colonial Life (grades 1-5), June 19-21, 10 am-3 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

• PA Lumber Museum (Lumber Museum camp info)
• History Camp (ages 10-18), August 4-5, 9 am-2 pm

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28

Watch This!

Shop for all kinds of heirloom varieties at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum today and Saturday (photo via LVVFM Facebook page)

Over the past month or so, I've run across some Trails of History videos that I'd like to share. But first, I want to be sure you know about our PA History 2 Go project, which was funded through an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) federal grant under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The series includes all Trails of History sites and provides overviews of site history and visitor experiences at each. The videos can help you prepare for an in-person visit or experience a site that isn't convenient for you. You'll find links to all the videos on PHMC's PA History 2 Go page.

You may (depending on how "online" you are) have seen a trend of people doing videos in the style of filmmaker Wes Anderson (Grand Hotel Budapest, The Life Aquatic, The Royal Tenenbaums and many others). At Old Economy Village, they got in on the trend.



On a very different note, the Railroad Museum of PA posted a time lapse video of their recent Rails & Ales craft beer event. Whether you're curious about this specific event or want a behind-the-scenes view of the work involved in an event like this from set-up to tear-down, you may enjoy this.



The exhibits at Drake Well Museum & Park were featured in an episode of WQLN's Chronicles series earlier this year, Pithole City: The Ghost of America's Black Gold, Part I. Drake Well curator Susan Beates shares her considerable knowledge of Pithole, as well as images and objects from Drake Well's collection. The Visitor Center at Historic Pithole City is open on Saturdays and Sundays from June through August.

Up Next

Today, May 12

• Herb & Garden Faire (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 9 am-5 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• The Faire, featuring plants from Landis Valley Museum’s Heirloom Seed Project, will also offer heirlooms, natives, and other hard-to-find varieties to purchase from vendors spread out over the historic village area of the site. The 2023 Herb & Garden Faire is the 35th year of this high-profile regional event. Food and drink will be available onsite. Tickets are available at the door or in advance online (Herb & Garden Faire online tickets).

Saturday, May 13

• Mapping Mammal Hall (in-person); 10 am-Noon; The State Museum of PA
• Did you know that the dioramas in Mammal Hall are based on real locations in Pennsylvania? Locate each of these spots on the giant map of Pennsylvania and discover some interesting facts about our state mammals. Included in regular admission (Mammal Hall program info).

• Mother's Day Weekend Celebration (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Learn about the roles of women in the American Revolution and try some hands-on activities, see the colonial cook at work, and make a craft. Included in regular admission (Brandywine Mother's Day program info).

• Book Talk & Signing (in-person); 1-2 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Robert Lynn Steiner will talk about his book, River Boots: A Fish Warden's Tales of Pennsylvania Fish and Game Law Enforcement. Steiner worked for the PA Fish and Boat Commission for a quarter century. Copies of the book will be available for purchase in the museum shop and can be signed after the talk (PLM Book Talk info).

Sunday, May 14

• Mother's Day Breakfast and Cake Walk (in-person); 10 am-Noon; Graeme Park
• Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day breakfast in the large event tent at Graeme Park! After your meal, enjoy a tour of the Keith House or participate in our cake walk (separate $10 ticket to be sold on site) to win a cake to take home with you. Tickets must be purchased in advance (tickets for Graeme Park Mother's Day breakfast).

• Living History Theater (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• As the Lady of the Manor, Hannah Penn tended to everyone when they were sick, including her husband. Come and talk with Hannah and the people at Pennsbury about their experiences being ill and the remedies that where available. Included in regular admission (Living History Theater info).

Tuesday, May 16

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spaces in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (May 16 Sensory Hours tickets).

• PHMC Archival Grant Webinars (virtual); 10 am; PA State Archives
• Learn more about the Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) grant program, determine your eligibility, and get suggestions for a successful application. Webinars are free, but you must register to receive the link (register for May 16 webinar).

Wednesday, May 17

• History Speaks Series (in-person); 7-8:30 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Wayne Marshall will present "Beer Making through the Ages" followed by a question and answer session. He will discuss the history of beer, ingredients used, and the process involved (History Speaks tickets via Eventbrite).

Friday, May 19

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Lindsay A. Byron, environmental group manager for the Department of Environmental Protection, will talk about climate projections for Pennsylvania, the impacts of those changes for the Commonwealth and its residents, and the action being taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency. Program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• PHMC Archival Grant Webinars (virtual); Thursday, May 25, 2 pm; PA State Archives
• Learn more about the Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) grant program, determine your eligibility, and get suggestions for a successful application. Webinars are free, but you must register to receive the link (register for May 25 webinar).

• Behind the Scenes Tour (in-person); Thursday, May 25, 6-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• Explore attics and basements of Harmonist buildings and visit collections storage areas during this behind-the-scenes peek. Light hors-d'oeuvres will be served after the tour. Space is limited. Contact Sarah Buffington (sbuffingto@pa.gov) to register.

• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of England Car Show (in-person); Saturday, June 3, 10 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• Enjoy food, live music and craft beers (age 21+ with valid ID) for a tour of one of the largest British motoring shows on the East Coast with over 250 classic British cars and motorcycles. This event will also feature tours of the Hope Lodge mansion and celebration of 275th anniversary. Admission is $10 (Hope Lodge event info and ticket link).

• Brews at the Battlefield (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 5-8 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Taste beers from local and regional breweries, listen to music, and enjoy food from Burgers by Wildwich (separate purchase from event tickets). You must be at least age 21 to attend, and photo ID will be required at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance; designated driver tickets available (Brews at the Battlefield tickets).

• OEV Music Weekend (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18, Noon-8 pm both days; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a wide array of bands at a beautiful historic site. Event is rain or shine (will move indoors if the weather is bad); bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. There will be a variety of food trucks onsite (separate purchase). Advance tickets only; choose one day or the whole weekend (OEV Music Weekend line-up and tickets).

• Brews & Bites (in-person); Saturday, June 24, 4-8 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• This event features local breweries, live music, food trucks, 17th-century brewing demonstrations and more, in a lovely setting along the Delaware River. Must be at least 21 years old to attend (photo ID required at the door). Tickets are limited; advance purchase recommended (Brews & Bites tickets).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Bushy Run Battlefield (Bushy Run camp info)
• Colonial Life (grades 1-5), June 19-21, 10 am-3 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

• PA Lumber Museum (Lumber Museum camp info)
• History Camp (ages 10-18), August 4-5, 9 am-2 pm

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28

The Weekend is Here

Hungry? Visit Cornwall Iron Furnace to see food like this cooked in cast iron (photo via Cornwall's Facebook page)

Have plans for the week ahead? Would you like to? Check out our program listings below. Also, we've had a couple of additions to the list of summer camps if you're still looking for something great for the kids or grandkids to do this summer.

Up Next

Friday, May 5

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read What Grandma Did by Erin Miller with illustrations by Randall Harmon, the story of a little girl who learns her grandmother was a pilot during World War II. Learn about the role the museum’s Piper aircraft played in training pilots and try creating your own plane. For ages 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

Saturday, May 6

• Spring Artist Craft Show (in-person); 9 am-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• The Conrad Weiser Rotary Club will hold their spring artist and craft show on the grounds of Conrad Weiser Homestead. Enjoy many of the region's most outstanding examples of modern-day artisanship (Artist Craft Show info).

• Art in the Garden (in-person); 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Take a tour of Pennsbury's gardens and grounds, then settle into your favorite spot and paint. All skill levels welcome; materials provided. Cost is $35, $30 for members. Registration required (Pennsbury Manor contact info).

• Hands-On History (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; Old Economy Village
• Be a Harmonist for a day! We will have several demonstrations and you can also be an apprentice to one of our trades/crafts. Come try your hand at a variety of nineteenth century crafts & trades, such as blacksmithing, printing, cooking, textile production, laundry and more! Events run 10 am-4 pm both days. Included in regular admission. Visitor Center will be closed, so please proceed to the Feast Hall (1401 Church Street, Ambridge) to purchase tickets (Hands-On History program info).

• Cast Iron Cooking Demonstration (in-person); 11 am-3 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• See a variety of cast iron cooking skills demonstrated, with foods cooked over open fires. Some samples will be available, and large selection of Lodge cast iron cookware and utensils will be on sale in the gift shop. The cooking demonstration is outdoors and free; regular admission applies to tour the museum (Cast Iron Cooking info).

Sunday, May 7

• Children's Day (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of hands-on activities and demonstrations for children and their families. Children will have the opportunity to learn more about Daniel Boone’s exciting childhood in the Oley Valley and participate in various eighteenth century, hands-on activities such as candle dipping, quill pen writing, and butter making. Admission charged (Children's Day info).

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Come and witness some of the trades and crafts that were done at Pennsbury Manor during the 17th Century. Our blacksmiths, joyners and spinners will be eager to talk to you about their work and its importance during Penn’s time. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades info).

Wednesday, May 10

• Presentation and Book Signing (hybrid); 11 am-Noon; Railroad Museum of PA
• J. Craig Thorpe will give a free presentation based on his book, Railroads, Art, and American Life: An Artist's Memoir. You can attend the presentation in person at the museum or virtually via Zoom. In-person attendees can also get copies of the book signed by the author. Admission will be charged to tour the museum's exhibits and can be purchased on the day at the admissions desk (register for the Zoom presentation).

Friday, May 12

• Herb & Garden Faire (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 9 am-5 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• The Faire, featuring plants from Landis Valley Museum’s Heirloom Seed Project, will also offer heirlooms, natives, and other hard-to-find varieties to purchase from vendors spread out over the historic village area of the site. The 2023 Herb & Garden Faire is the 35th year of this high-profile regional event. Food and drink will be available onsite. Tickets are available at the door or in advance online (Herb & Garden Faire online tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Mother's Day Breakfast and Cake Walk (in-person); Sunday, May 14, 10 am-Noon; Graeme Park
• Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day breakfast in the large event tent at Graeme Park! After your meal, enjoy a tour of the Keith House or participate in our cake walk (separate $10 ticket to be sold on site) to win a cake to take home with you. Tickets must be purchased in advance (tickets for Mother's Day breakfast).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, May 16, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spaces in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (May 16 Sensory Hours tickets).

• PHMC Archival Grant Webinars (virtual); Tuesday, May 16, 10 am, and Thursday, May 25, 2 pm; PA State Archives
• Learn more about the Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) grant program, determine your eligibility, and get suggestions for a successful application. Webinars are free, but you must register to receive the link (register for May 16 webinar or register for May 25 webinar).

• Brews at the Battlefield (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 5-8 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Taste beers from local and regional breweries, listen to music, and enjoy food from Burgers by Wildwich (separate purchase from event tickets). You must be at least age 21 to attend, and photo ID will be required at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance; designated driver tickets available (Brews at the Battlefield tickets).

• OEV Music Weekend (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18, Noon-8 pm both days; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a wide array of bands at a beautiful historic site. Event is rain or shine (will move indoors if the weather is bad); bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. There will be a variety of food trucks onsite (separate purchase). Advance tickets only; choose one day or the whole weekend (OEV Music Weekend line-up and tickets).

• Brews & Bites (in-person); Saturday, June 24, 4-8 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• This event features local breweries, live music, food trucks, 17th-century brewing demonstrations and more, in a lovely setting along the Delaware River. Must be at least 21 years old to attend (photo ID required at the door). Tickets are limited; advance purchase recommended (Brews & Bites tickets).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Bushy Run Battlefield (Bushy Run camp info)
• Colonial Life (grades 1-5), June 19-21, 10 am-3 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

• PA Lumber Museum (Lumber Museum camp info)
• History Camp (ages 10-18), August 4-5, 9 am-2 pm

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28

New Things to See

This month marks the 90th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), part of what became know as The New Deal during the Great Depression. A new temporary exhibit at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum commemorates this event and supplements the CCC section of the museum's core exhibit, Choices and Challenges in Pennsylvania's Forests. Curator Josh Fox notes in a recent issue of the PA Lumber Museum Associates newsletter that Pennsylvania was home to the second CCC camp, ANF-1, which opened on April 24, 1933, in the Allegheny National Forest. Eventually, Fox writes, "Pennsylvania would have 153 CCC camps, second only to California, and almost 200,000 Pennsylvanians would serve as CCC enrollees." The program ended in 1942.

In addition to the permanent exhibit component on CCC, the Lumber Museum is home to a chestnut cabin built by CCC enrollees of the Dyer Farm CCC camp for a state park project and a CCC Legacy bronze statue of a CCC enrollee. Here are a couple of exhibit photos to entice you.

View from the permanent exhibit's CCC section into the temporary exhibit gallery (photo courtesy PA Lumber Museum)

Cases in the temporary exhibit feature artifacts and images donated since the permanent exhibit opened in 2015 (photo courtesy PA Lumber Museum)

Back in February I shared some information about an ice boat donated to the Erie Maritime Museum that was being readied for exhibit. Well, it's ready. Earlier this week, the museum held a reception to open the new exhibit, Snipe...to Black Ice, which refers to the boat's original name and the name it came into the museum with. Worth a visit, I think.

The ice boat is on display on the museum's mezzanine level (photo via Erie Maritime Museum's Facebook page)

Up Next

Saturday, April 29

• Behind the Scenes with the Heirloom Seed Project (in-person); 9 am and 1 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Heirloom Seed Project staff and volunteers will offer a glimpse into preparations for the annual Herb & Garden Faire and lead a tour of gardens on the site. Two tour times: 9 am or 1 pm. The tour is two hours of walking around the museum grounds, rain or shine; please dress for the weather with comfortable footwear. Tickets are $40, $35 for members (Heirloom Seed Project tour tickets).

• Discover PA with the Giant Map (in-person); 10 am-Noon; The State Museum of PA
• Discover the giant map of Pennsylvania as we walk across the state. Test your geography skills playing a game. Included in regular admission (Giant Map program info).

• POSTPONED to May 6 - Art in the Garden (in-person); 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Take a tour of Pennsbury's gardens and grounds, then settle into your favorite spot and paint. All skill levels welcome; materials provided. Cost is $35, $30 for members. Registration required (Pennsbury Manor contact info).

• Spring Nature Walk (in-person); 10 am-?; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about historical and modern uses for the wide variety of plant life that grows at Bushy Run. Bring some sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather. Tickets (available at the door) are $5, free for members (Spring Nature Walk info).

• Arbor Day Book Talk (in-person); 1-2 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• In honor of Arbor Day, Dolores Parsil will talk about her book, Lancaster's Good Man: John Piersol McCaskey, A Biography. Among other things, McCaskey organized the first Arbor Day celebration in Pennsylvania in 1884 (Arbor Day book talk info).

Sunday, April 30

• EVENT POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER, but site will be open Noon to 4 pm - A "Sense" of History (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• This living history event features activities to engage all the senses in learning about life in the Tulpehocken in the 18th century. All ages welcome (Sense of History program info).

• Animals at Pennsbury (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Meet the furry, fuzzy, and feathered inhabitants of Pennsbury and discover the important roles their 17th-century counterparts played in daily life. Included in regular admission (Animals at Pennsbury program info).

Tuesday, May 2

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spaces in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (May 2 Sensory Hours tickets).

Friday, May 5

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read What Grandma Did by Erin Miller with illustrations by Randall Harmon, the story of a little girl who learns her grandmother was a pilot during World War II. Learn about the role the museum’s Piper aircraft played in training pilots and try creating your own plane. For ages 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Presentation and Book Signing (hybrid); Wednesday, May 10, 11 am-Noon; Railroad Museum of PA
• J. Craig Thorpe will give a free presentation based on his book, Railroads, Art, and American Life: An Artist's Memoir. You can attend the presentation in person at the museum or virtually via Zoom. In-person attendees can also get copies of the book signed by the author. Admission will be charged to tour the museum's exhibits and can be purchased on the day at the admissions desk (register for the Zoom presentation).

• Herb & Garden Faire (in-person); Friday and Saturday, May 12-13, 9 am-5 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• The Faire, featuring plants from Landis Valley Museum’s Heirloom Seed Project, will also offer heirlooms, natives, and other hard-to-find varieties to purchase from vendors spread out over the historic village area of the site. The 2023 Herb & Garden Faire is the 35th year of this high-profile regional event. Food and drink will be available onsite. Tickets are available at the door or in advance online (Herb & Garden Faire online tickets).

• Mother's Day Breakfast and Cake Walk (in-person); Sunday, May 14, 10 am-Noon; Graeme Park
• Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day breakfast in the large event tent at Graeme Park! After your meal, enjoy a tour of the Keith House or participate in our cake walk (separate $10 ticket to be sold on site) to win a cake to take home with you. Tickets must be purchased in advance (tickets for Mother's Day breakfast).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, May 16, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spaces in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (May 16 Sensory Hours tickets).

• Brews at the Battlefield (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 5-8 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Taste beers from local and regional breweries, listen to music, and enjoy food from Burgers by Wildwich (separate purchase from event tickets). You must be at least age 21 to attend, and photo ID will be required at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance; designated driver tickets available (Brews at the Battlefield tickets).

• OEV Music Weekend (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18, Noon-8 pm both days; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a wide array of bands at a beautiful historic site. Event is rain or shine (will move indoors if the weather is bad); bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. There will be a variety of food trucks onsite (separate purchase). Advance tickets only; choose one day or the whole weekend (OEV Music Weekend line-up and tickets).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Bushy Run Battlefield (Bushy Run camp info)
• Colonial Life (grades 1-5), June 19-21, 10 am-3 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

• PA Lumber Museum (Lumber Museum camp info)
• History Camp (ages 10-18), August 4-5, 9 am-2 pm

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28

Volunteers of the Year 2023

This past Saturday, April 15, we held our first in-person PHMC Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony since 2019 (see group photo above). We honored volunteers for service in 2022. Although the weather was quite rainy in Harrisburg, the assembled group at The State Museum of Pennsylvania was cheerful, vibrant, and good-humored. It was truly a pleasure to bring people together to say thank you for the hours of time and the tremendous amounts of talent that our volunteers contribute, working alongside our dedicated staff to care for collections, present programs, lead tours and school groups, help maintain and beautify our grounds, and much more.

The Outstanding Service Award was presented in memoriam to Nancy Hetrick (1944-2022) on behalf of the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum and the PA Lumber Museum Associates (PALMA). Nancy was a long-time volunteer at the Lumber Museum who helped create many new programs over the past 10 years or so, actively supported the annual Bark Peelers' Festival, and served as Board Secretary and editor for the PALMA newsletter (read the Outstanding Service Award citation). Nancy's husband and fellow volunteer, Roger, accepted the award in her memory.

This year's Volunteer of the Year honorees were (click on the names to see an individual photo and read about the honoree's service):

• Anthracite Heritage Museum - Chester Kulesa
• Brandywine Battlefield Park - Mario Lerario
• Bushy Run Battlefield - Jim Comunale
• Conrad Weiser Homestead - Lynn Otto
• Cornwall Iron Furnace - Dan Snyder
• Daniel Boone Homestead
• Drake Well Museum & Park - Faith Mealy and Amber Hannold
• Eckley Miners' Village - Matthew Gaydos
• Ephrata Cloister - Douglas Gehr
• Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara - Gayle Chojnacki
• Graeme Park - Kevin Horan
• Hope Lodge - Phil Williams
• Joseph Priestley House - Mike McWilliams
• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum - Linda Schock
• Old Economy Village - Joyce Patterson
• Pennsbury Manor - Douglas Lehnen
• Pennsylvania Lumber Museum - Janifer and John Halter
• Pennsylvania Military Museum - Simon Cressman
• Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania - Stephen Jacobs
• Somerset Historical Center - Ron Hillegas
• The State Museum of Pennsylvania - Alice Herncane

Up Next

Today, April 21

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Emily Boyd, small game mammal biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will talk about the three Pennsylvania rabbit and hare species and the ongoing research to improve management and promote the continued presence of all lagomorph species for future generations of Pennsylvanians. Program is free, but you must register to receive the link (April 21 Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Saturday, April 22

• Common Threads Fiber Symposium (in-person); 9 am-4 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Cosponsored by Somerset Historical Center and Laurel Arts, this event offers an opportunity for regional fiber artists to share their skills and knowledge with each other as well as the public. Fiber artists will be set up throughout the museum, demonstrating specific techniques, providing hands-on activities to participants, and selling or talking about their hand-made products. Admission is $5 (Fiber Symposium info).

• Earth Day (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• From seeing our Living History interpreters to interacting with the Delaware Nature and Science Museum animals and employees, visitors will get to experience a fun-filled Earth Day (Brandywine Earth Day program info).

• Spring Antique Show and Sawmill Run (in-person); Saturday & Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• There will be antiques and collectibles vendors and historic trades demonstrations, including the museum's birch still (plus cooking demos 11 am-1 pm). On Saturday only, the steam-powered circular sawmill will be operating (plus Earth Day craft activities 2-4 pm). Admission is $8. There will be food and drink for purchase (Spring Antique Show info).

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Listen to a reading of Spring After Spring by Stephanie Roth and explore the story of Rachel Carson, create a spring drawing, and look for signs of spring in the galleries. For ages 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (StoryTime info).

• Celebrate Earth Day: Plant a Tree (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn more about the trees in Pennsylvania and how they make our lives better. Then take a seedling home to plant. Supplies are limited, so register at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive to receive a seedling. Included in regular admission (State Museum Earth Day info).

Sunday, April 23

• Beer Brewing and Garden Highlights (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Explore and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the recipes and plants that fed the early residents of Pennsbury. Included in regular admission (Pennsbury Sunday afternoon program info).

Wednesday, April 26

• Lunch & Learn (in-person); 10 am-2 pm; Graeme Park
• Author C.J. McGroarty will discuss her novel, Clara in a Time of War, which is set on a Chester County farm in 1777. The program also includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and tours of the Keith House. Tickets are $35 (Lunch & Learn program info and tickets - sales end April 21).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 2-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Chat with the Planetarium director to learn about what you can see in tonight's sky, the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events coming up in the next month. Regular admission and planetarium ticket required (Stargazing program info).

• New Exhibit Reception (in-person); 6:30-7:30 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• Join us as we unveil our newest exhibit, Snipe to…Black Ice – featuring a 1900-built ice boat that sailed Presque Isle Bay for over one hundred years. Enjoy light refreshments and a chance to talk with the men who were the last to sail this ice boat (and who donated it to the museum). Event is free (Exhibit reception info).

Thursday, April 27

• Wheels Go Round (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Travel through the Second Floor of the museum to discover how many objects have wheels. Create your own vehicle using different parts and pieces. Included in regular admission (Wheels Go Round program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Behind the Scenes with the Heirloom Seed Project (in-person); Saturday, Apr. 29, 9 am and 1 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Heirloom Seed Project staff and volunteers will offer a glimpse into preparations for the annual Herb & Garden Faire and lead a tour of gardens on the site. Two tour times: 9 am or 1 pm. The tour is two hours of walking around the museum grounds, rain or shine; please dress for the weather with comfortable footwear. Tickets are $40, $35 for members (Heirloom Seed Project tour tickets).

• Art in the Garden (in-person); Saturday, Apr. 29, 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Take a tour of Pennsbury's gardens and grounds, then settle into your favorite spot and paint. All skill levels welcome; materials provided. Cost is $35, $30 for members. Registration required (Pennsbury Manor contact info).

• Salon Social (Tea) (in-person: Saturday, Apr. 29, 1-3 pm; Anthracite Heritage Museum
• Join us for afternoon tea featuring Victorian and Edwardian fashions, tea sandwiches, desserts, coffee and tea. Make reservations by calling 570/963-4804 or emailing ahmuseum@verizon.net. Tickets are $25 and the deadline to reserve is April 23 (call 570/963-4804 or email ahmuseum@verizon.net).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, May 2, 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spaces in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (May 2 Sensory Hours tickets).

• Herb & Garden Faire (in-person); Friday and Saturday, May 12-13, 9 am-5 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• The Faire, featuring plants from Landis Valley Museum’s Heirloom Seed Project, will also offer heirlooms, natives, and other hard-to-find varieties to purchase from vendors spread out over the historic village area of the site. The 2023 Herb & Garden Faire is the 35th year of this high-profile regional event. Food and drink will be available onsite. Tickets are available at the door or in advance online (Herb & Garden Faire online tickets).

• Mother's Day Breakfast and Cake Walk (in-person); Sunday, March 14, 10 am-Noon; Graeme Park
• Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day breakfast in the large event tent at Graeme Park! After your meal, enjoy a tour of the Keith House or participate in our cake walk (separate $10 ticket to be sold on site) to win a cake to take home with you. Tickets must be purchased in advance (tickets for Mother's Day breakfast).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Bushy Run Battlefield (Bushy Run camp info)
• Colonial Life (grades 1-5), June 19-21, 10 am-3 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28