Seasonal Changes

Fall has progessed in the northern tier to the point where the leaves are almost gone (photo via PA Lumber Museum Facebook page)

Now that it's November, we will start to see some schedule changes at sites on the Trails of History, especially those with outdoor exhibits. Some sites will start scaling back their open days this month, with others paring back starting in December or January. As I always say, it's a good idea to check site schedules before heading over for a visit to make sure they plan to be open when you want to be there. It's also worth noting that weather and holidays can interfere with schedules as well. A heads-up about next week: most Trails of History sites (except for Fort Pitt Museum and Erie Maritime Museum, last I checked) will be closed on Friday, November 10, in observance of Veterans Day. All will be open on Saturday, November 11, on their normal Saturday schedules.

Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

On a different note, the State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) needs your help! The current statewide historic preservation plan expires at the end of 2024. You can be a part of the new plan (2024-2034) by taking PA SHPO's short survey (link to PA SHPO survey). The results of the survey will help identify issues and create a shared vision for the future of preservation in Pennsylvania. The next phase of the statewide planning process, public outreach, will begin in early 2024. For more information, visit SHPO's website.

Up Next

Today, November 3

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Come to the First Floor Activity Room for a reading of The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, followed by a chance to learn more about the use of the dot in artwork and to use dots to create your own art. Designed for ages 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime info).

• History Storytime (in-person); 11 am-Noon; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The first Friday of each month will feature a different history topic, with a related craft activity. Designed for preschool and kindergarten ages (Boone Homestead Storytime info).

Saturday, November 4

• 1777 Whitemarsh Encampment (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• This event commemorates the time from November 2 to December 11, 1777, when General George Washington and the Continental Army were encamped in the Whitemarsh Hills. Continental and British soldier re-enactors and living history events. Tickets available in advance or at the door (Whitemarsh Encampment info and tickets).

• Trains & Troops (in-person); Saturday, 10 am-4 pm, and Sunday, Noon-4 pm (1940s Swing Dance, Saturday, 7-10 pm); Railroad Museum of PA
• Military and civilian reenactors; displays of uniforms, vehicles and railroad equipment; and salutes to veterans and active-duty personnel. Plus the museum's regular exhibits, hands-on activities, and world-class collection of locomotives, railcars, and other artifacts. Included in regular admission. Separate ticket for 1940s Swing Dance Saturday night; advance purchase is recommended (Railroad Museum Swing Dance tickets).

• Explore PA Industry with the Giant Map (in-person); 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Travel across the Giant Map of Pennsylvania to discover the industries that shaped our state. Included in regular admission (Giant Map program info).

Sunday, November 5

• Fall Lecture (in-person); 2-3 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Lynn Otto will present "From Philadelphia to Duquesne," exploring the Forbes Campaign in 1758. The site will be open from noon to 4 pm (Fall Lecture info).

Tuesday, November 7

• 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 spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 7 Sensory Hours).

Wednesday, November 8

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 2-2:45 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. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 8 Stargazing program info).

Friday, November 10

• Soldier's Art and Presentation Honoring Cpl. Thomas Mosley (in-person); 11 am-Noon and 2-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore pieces of art created by Pennsylvania soldiers at the time of war. Examine their mediums, inspirations and techniques. Create your own etched work and thank-a-soldier card. Included in regular admission. At 1:30 there will be a presentation honoring Dauphin County native Corporal Thomas Mosley (1924-2016), one of the pioneer Montford Point Marines (Nov. 10 Soldier's Art program info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-3:45 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. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 10 Stargazing program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Coffee or Tea with Louisa May Alcott (in-person); Sunday, Nov. 12, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm; Graeme Park
• It's 1868 and Louisa May Alcott, who was born not far from Graeme Park, returns to the area as part of a speaking tour in support of her most successful book to date, Little Women: or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. She'll read from her various works, talk about her life and artistic influences, and welcome feedback on her upcoming sequel. After the presentation, enjoy coffee and pastries (10:30 event) or tea and sweets (1:30 event). Advance tickets are required (Louisa May Alcott event tickets).

• Bound by the Furnace: Iron Slavery in Early National Pennsylvania (virtual); Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian Cory Young will present a program based on his research about the use of enslaved labor in the iron industry. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall Iron Furnace lecture registration).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Nov. 17, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Sarah Goodman, museum educator at Drake Well Museum & Park, will present "The History of Drake Well and the PA Petroleum Industry." This virtual program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Nov. 21, 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 Nov. 21 Sensory Hours).

• Wreaths & Greens Workshop (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Make a fragrant evergreen wreath to take home. Please bring your own clippers. Offered 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm. Space is limited (Wreaths & Greens workshop info).

• Ethnic Traditions (in-person); Sunday, Dec. 3, 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Each year, the Somerset Historical Center brings together local families from diverse cultural backgrounds for a tasting and discussion of their food, music, and traditions. This year the dinner features dishes from Indian, Swedish, and Chilean cuisine. Dinner is held at Friedens Lutheran Church (Ethnic Traditions dinner info).

• Christmas at the Cloister (in-person); Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 11 and 12, 6:30 & 8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Held in the original 1741 Saal or Meetinghouse, the “lessons and carols” style program combines the Christmas story with seasonal music and familiar carols for the congregation. The program features the talents of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus under the direction of Mark Herr, with guest musicians Randy Kochel and Amanda Wells on hammer dulcimer and guitar. Advance tickets are required and go on sale Nov. 8 (Christmas at the Cloister info and tickets).