July 2020 on Trails of History

Reopening of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission’s state-owned historic sites and museums has been delayed until further notice. With COVID-19 cases increasing across the country, we need to take every precaution possible to prevent a surge here in Pennsylvania. (In the meantime, where applicable and in line with CDC and PA Dept. of Health guidelines, grounds are open to visitors during posted hours.) Please watch our website and social media for important updates. The best way to stay up-to-date on activities at specific sites is through social media. Facebook links for Trails of History sites are available below, along with any planned programs this month. (The March program page has a list of website addresses.)

This page will be updated as new info becomes available.

Pennsylvania Trails of History on Facebook

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces on Facebook

Brandywine Battlefield Park on Facebook

Bushy Run Battlefield on Facebook
July 18: Registration Deadline for Living History Virtual Camp--explore Native American life through activities during this at-home program Aug. 2-7. Cost is $45 per child and includes an activity kit that families will pick up at the site on August 2. The Facebook event page shows a suggested schedule for activities, but participants will be able to work at their own pace and convenience (more info and registration form).

Conrad Weiser Homestead on Facebook

Cornwall Iron Furnace on Facebook
July 21: Virtual Lecture--Patrick Donmoyer will present "House Blessing Stones: A Pennsylvania Dutch Tradition" and site administrator Mike Emery will moderate a brief question and answer session. Program is free but registration is required to receive the Zoom link (more details on the Facebook event page). 7-8 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead on Facebook

Drake Well Museum and Park on Facebook
July 31: Registration Deadline for summer camp--Drake Well's Discovery Days summer camp is going virtual this year. Four 1.5-hour sessions will be offered Aug. 3, 4, 11 & 13 for kids age 8-12. Event is free, but registration is required to get the Zoom link. Details on the Facebook event page. 10-11:30 am.

Eckley Miners' Village on Facebook

Ephrata Cloister on Facebook
Registration open: A Householder Homecoming--on Aug. 1, Ephrata had planned to host a reunion of descendants of the married people and families who worshipped and worked with the celibate brothers and sisters of the community. That day is now a free online event, "Our Brethren Who Have Their Own Farms," a historical overview of the history of the "householders." The program will take place via Zoom, and you must register to receive access. You'll find more info on the Facebook event page. 2 pm.
July 9: Ephrata Academy--today's online program is "The Sacred Geometry of the Ephrata Cloister," exploring one of the buildings at Ephrata in detail, focusing on religious symbolism and the influence of founder Conrad Beissel's mystical language and beliefs. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (more info on the Facebook event page). 7-8 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara on Facebook
Thursdays through Aug. 13: Little Mates Virtual Summer Camp--every Thursday, the museum posts new nautically themed activities for kids and their families to do at home and then share with the museum. More info on Facebook.
July 23: Happy Hour Q & A with the Captains--join a live chat (via Facebook Live) about the U.S. Brig Niagara and the schooner Lettie G. Howard. The Facebook event page has details. 6-7 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum on Facebook

Graeme Park on Facebook

Hope Lodge on Facebook

Joseph Priestley House on Facebook

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum on Facebook

Old Economy Village on Facebook

Pennsbury Manor on Facebook

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum on Facebook

Pennsylvania Military Museum on Facebook
July 12: Online Lecture--Mike Siggins will present "Exploring the Armor," a look at the tracked vehicles at the museum and the historical evolution of armored military vehicles. The lecture will be followed by a brief Question & Answer session moderated by site administrator Tyler Gum. The program is free and will be offered via Zoom (donations welcome). Space is limited, and you must register in order to get the link (see Facebook event page for details). 2-3 pm.
July 19: Online Lecture--author Chris Brady will present "Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord," a look at the last major engagement between U.S. forces and the People's Army of Vietnam (July 1-23, 1970). The lecture will be followed by a brief Question & Answer session moderated by site administrator Tyler Gum. The program is free and will be offered via Zoom (donations welcome). Space is limited, and you must register in order to get the link (see Facebook event page for details). 2-3 pm.
July 25: Online Lecture--join model maker Mike Siggins in his workshop (via Zoom) for "Scale Modeling - Holding History in Your Hand," followed by a brief Q&A moderated by site administrator Tyler Gum. The presentation is free. Space is limited and registration is required to get the Zoom link. More info and registration link (you can also make a donation). 2-3 pm.

Pennsylvania State Archives
July 22 and 29: Grant Webinar--join archivist Josh Stahlman for free webinars on PHMC's Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) Grants (application deadline is Oct. 1, 2020). Stahlman, grants manager for the HARC program, will provide a brief overview of eligibility and guidelines and offer tips for a competitive proposal. Questions will be answered throughout the presentation. Register online for either date. 10 am.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on Facebook
July 10: Workin' on the Railroad--this 45-minute online program is designed for kids Pre-K through 6th grade and includes a Q&A session with museum staff. Cost is $5 per family (or viewers on a single screen); please register to receive the Zoom link (more info and link to Eventbrite are on the Facebook event page). 10:30 am.
SOLD OUT! (as of 7/6) July 14, 21, 28: Virtual Day Camp--this camp will take kids age 9-12 behind the scenes at the museum (virtually) on three successive Tuesdays. Kids will learn about the historic railroad equipment, the museum's varied collection of objects, and the restoration shop. Cost is $50 for three 1-hour sessions. More info on the Facebook event page, including how to register.
July 16: Riding the Rails - The Passenger Experience--this online program will explore 175 years of passenger rail travel in Pennsylvania. Designed for ages teen through adult, the program includes a Q&A session with museum staff. Cost is $5; you must register to get the Zoom link (more info and Eventbrite link on Facebook event page). 2-3 pm.
July 31: Virtual Trivia Night--sign up with a team or as an individual (they'll assign you to a team). For details and registration, visit the Eventbrite page for this event. 7-9 pm.

Somerset Historical Center on Facebook

The State Museum of Pennsylvania on Facebook

Washington Crossing Historic Park (DCNR) on Facebook