June 2020 on the Trails of History

As part of the Commonwealth's network, PHMC's Trails of History sites remain closed to the public and will reopen at the direction of the Governor's administration (please note that Fort Pitt Museum is operated by Heinz History Center under an agreement with PHMC and Washington Crossing Historic Park is under the jurisdiction of the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources - their reopening status may not match the rest of the Trails of History sites).

The best way to stay up-to-date on site activities is through social media. Facebook links for Trails of History sites are available below. (The March program page has a list of website addresses.)

This page will be updated as more 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

Conrad Weiser Homestead on Facebook

Cornwall Iron Furnace on Facebook
June 9: Online Lecture--Mike Weber, who worked for 36 years as a geologist, health physicist, and manager for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Geological Survey, will present "Mining of Cornwall." The lecture is free (donations appreciated). Space is limited, and registration is required to get the Zoom link. More info and ticketing is available on the Facebook event page. 7-8 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead on Facebook

Drake Well Museum and Park on Facebook

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, with 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.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara on Facebook
June 11-Aug. 13: Virtual Summer Camp--every Thursday for ten weeks, the museum will post a new nautical-themed activity that kids can do at home. Completing all ten tasks earns a certificate and the rank of Junior Mate (see Facebook post for details). The program is free and activity work is on your schedule.
June 27: Online Lecture--join Walter Rybka, site administrator and senior captain of Niagara, and Charles Johnson, museum educator, online for "Sail to Steam: Evolution of American Naval Power." The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Tyler Gum, site administrator at the Pennsylvania Military Museum. The lecture is free (donations welcome). It will be offered on the Zoom platform, so you must register to get the link (details are on the Facebook event page). 2-3 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
June 27: Virtual Brews and Bites--since Pennsbury's popular food and beverage festival had to be canceled this year, they're moving online. Grab a craft brew (or your potable of choice) and learn more about Pennsbury's historic brewing program (including a live chat with the brewers). More info and updates on the Facebook event page. Noon-5 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum on Facebook

Pennsylvania Military Museum on Facebook

June 6: Online Lecture--museum lecturer Ronald Lenox will present "Poison Gas Use in World War One," 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 museum events calendar for details). 2-3 pm.
June 13: Online Lecture--historian Jared Frederick will join PMM site administrator, Tyler Gum, to present "Armchair Battle Breakdown - Invading Forces," exploring three pivotal battles of the American Civil War, Harpers Ferry, Antietam, and Gettysburg. The presentation is free and will be offered on the Zoom platform. 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.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on Facebook
June 5: Trivia Night--tickets are available via Eventbrite for this online trivia night. Questions will cover a broad range of topics (not just trains). See listing on Eventbrite for details. 7 pm.
June 10: Virtual Lecture--"Down by the Station: Railroad Stations and Terminals" is intended for a teen through adult audience. There will be a Q&A session as well. Tickets are $5 for individual or a group accessing through one screen. Register to get the Zoom link. 2-3 pm.
June 19: Interactive Virtual Program--"Workin' on the Railroad" is designed for kids pre-K through 6th grade. Cost is $5 for an individual or group accessing through one screen. Register to get the Zoom link. 10:30-11:15 am.
June 16, 23, 30: Workin' on the Railroad Virtual Summer Camp--geared to ages 9-12, this virtual camp will take place on three consecutive Tuesdays from 10 to 11 am. Cost for all 3 is $50 and includes sessions and an activity kit that will be mailed to participants. Live sessions will be presented via Zoom. More info and the registration link are on the Facebook event page.
June 26: Virtual lecture--"It's Crummy: The Story of the Railroad Caboose" is designed for teens through adults and includes a Q&A session. Cost is $5 per individual or group accessing through one screen. Register to get the Zoom link. 2-3 pm.

Somerset Historical Center on Facebook

The State Museum of Pennsylvania on Facebook

Washington Crossing Historic Park (DCNR) on Facebook
Update on DCNR and Friends of Washington Crossing activities.