February 2020 on the Trails of History

Many sites are on adjusted winter schedules, and February is notorious for bad weather, so it is advisable to check ahead before planning a visit. Most Trails of History sites will be closed on February 17 for Presidents Day; I’ve noted exceptions below where I have info.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Feb. 13: Historic Sewing Workshop Series—each program in the series starts with one hour of instruction in basic techniques, followed by an hour of open studio time to work on your projects and enjoy the company of the group (see Facebook event page for details). Additional dates in series are Mar. 12 and Apr. 9. 6-8 pm.
Feb. 22-23: Make an 18th-Century Shift—this 2-day workshop will explore women’s shifts from 1760 to 1800, including examining an extant shift ca. 1790-1800 and a reproduction 1770s shift. Some experience is necessary—participants should be confident in their hand-sewing skills, including running stitch, backstitch, buttonhole stitch, and felling stitch. Additional details on the Facebook event page. Cost is $180 and includes all materials, catered lunch, and snacks both days. Sat., 9 am-5 pm; Sun., 9 am-3 pm.

Drake Well Museum
Feb. 1: Pithole Cabin Fever Party—shake off your winter blues with food, crafts, games, and fun. If there is snow, grab your sled and cruise down the legendary boomtown’s slopes or build a snowman! Donations welcome. Takes place at Historic Pithole City, 14118 Pithole Road, Pleasantville, PA 16341 (check out the Facebook event for details). 10 am-2 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Winter History Class—each Thursday morning participants in the Winter History Class learn about the history of the celibate brothers and sisters, the world they lived in, and the work of preserving the collections and buildings. Sign up for the series or for individual dates (visit website for session details and cost). Contact the site at 717/733-6600 to register. Class continues through March.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for info on any events and programs happening this month. Fort Pitt Museum is open on Presidents Day, Feb. 17.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Winter/Spring Workshops—February brings learning opportunities, including craft and trade classes, lectures, and classes offered by the Heirloom Seed Project. Schedules and costs vary. The full list of classes through April is on the website, along with registration info.
Homeschool Classes—this year marks the 10th anniversary of Landis Valley’s homeschool program. On six Wednesdays in February through mid-March, the site offers a series of classes designed for homeschool groups. Each week has a different focus and activities. Sign up for all or some, depending on your schedule and interest (full details are on the website). 9 am-12:30 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Feb. 14-16: Snow-mobility Weekend—ride your snowmobile to the museum all weekend-long. Cross-country ski/ hike to the museum on Saturday (Feb. 15) for a Pancake Breakfast (9:30 am-1:30 pm). Documentaries will be shown in the program room during breakfast. Check out the Facebook event for updates and details.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Feb. 23: Lecture/Movie—today’s event is focused on Iwo Jima; visit the museum’s calendar of events for updated info. 2-3 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Feb. 17: Presidents Day—the museum is open today, 9 am-5 pm (otherwise closed on Mondays through March).

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Planetarium Shows—check the State Museum website for schedule and program descriptions.
Feb. 7: Storytime—this month's program takes place in the Planetarium, with Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper and a planetarium show. Geared for ages 3-5 with accompanying adult. Included in regular admission. 10:30-11:30 am.
Feb. 13: Curiosity Kids—this month's program will explore Native American clothing. Geared for young visitors, ages 3-6. Included in regular admission, but space is limited so be sure to sign up at the front desk when you arrive at the museum. 11:30 am-noon.
Feb. 16: Exhibit Tour—join Dr. Curt Miner and Amy Hammond for a curatorial tour of Picturing a More Perfect Union: Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies for the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber, 1911-1919 (more info on the website). Geared for young visitors, ages 3-6. Included in regular admission. 2-3 pm.
Feb. 21: Learn at Lunch—Jason Wilson, historian for the Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee, will lead a tour of Violet Oakley’s Senate Chamber murals, discussing their history and preservation (details on the website). Participants should meet at the Third Street entrance to the PA Capitol Building (if you don’t have a Commonwealth of PA id badge, you’ll need to go through security, so please gauge your time accordingly). 12:15-12:45 pm.
Feb. 27: Nature Lab—learn about Pennsylvania’s Wild Cats, native bobcats and cougars. Included in regular admission. 11:30 am-noon.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for operating schedules and info on events and programs happening this month.