September 2020 on the Trails of History

PHMC's Trails of History sites remain closed to the public until further notice. Where applicable, grounds are open to visitors during posted hours and in accordance with guidance from the CDC and PA Dept. of Health. Stay tuned to PHMC's website and social media for updates (or Trailheads, of course). The list below includes links to Facebook pages for the Trails of History and individual sites (please note that Fort Pitt Museum is on a different schedule than other sites and that Washington Crossing Historic Park is under the jurisdiction of PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources). This page will be updated as new information about online programs becomes available.

All times are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Pennsylvania Trails of History/PHMC on Facebook
Sept. 14-18: Community History Dialog Series--the Pennsylvania State Archives has organized a series of lunchtime discussions to help community-based organizations learn how to collect and preserve their history. Sessions are free, but you must register to get the Zoom link. Visit the Archives webpage for session details and registration. Noon-1:30 pm.
Sept. 29: The 1918 Influenza Epidemic--Tyler Stump of the Pennsylvania State Archives will share experiences of Pennsylvanians who lived through the 1918 influenza epidemic and highlight records about the pandemic from the Archives collections. The presentation is free and will be streamed live. You can reserve a virtual spot online (via PHMC website). 7 pm.
Sept. 30: Historical Marker Webinar--the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will present "PHMC's Historical Markers: Tips & Tricks for a Successful Nomination." In this free webinar, Historical Marker Program Coordinator Karen Galle will provide an overview of the marker program, explain the nomination process and criteria, tell you what to expect if your marker is approved, and offer tips for a successful nomination (details and registration info). 10-11 am.
Registration now open for 2020 Archives and Records Management Seminar--this year's seminar is 100% online and will take place on Oct. 7. The seminar is free of charge, but you must register by 5 pm on Oct. 5. Session descriptions and registration form are available on the PHMC website. Two sessions: 10:30-11:45 am and 1:30-2:45 pm.

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces on Facebook

Brandywine Battlefield Park on Facebook
Sept. 11: Remembrance Program--this online program will commemorate the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, and the events in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001. Check Brandywine's events page for program details and Zoom info.

Bushy Run Battlefield on Facebook

Conrad Weiser Homestead on Facebook

Cornwall Iron Furnace on Facebook
Sept. 15: Online Lecture--Mike Weber will present "Cornwall's Pre-History," a look at the geology and pre-human history of the Cornwall area. Site administrator Mike Emery will moderate a brief discussion following the presentation. The program is free (donations appreciated) and will be offered via Zoom (link for registration). 7 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead on Facebook

Drake Well Museum and Park on Facebook
Sept. 10: Online Lecture--curator Susan Beates will present her Drake Day virtual lecture, "Memories to Museum," via Zoom. Originally presented on Aug. 27 for Drake Day, the program is free. Space is limited and you must register by 11 am on Sept. 9 (Facebook event page has all the details). 3 pm.

Eckley Miners' Village on Facebook

Ephrata Cloister on Facebook
Sept. 10: Online Lecture--this evening's program is "A Comparison of the Ephrata Community and the Shakers," exploring similiarities and differences between the two communal groups. The event is free and will be offered via Zoom. Registration info and additional details are on the Facebook event page. 7-8 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara on Facebook
Sept. 10: Virtual Wreath Laying Ceremony--in commemoration of the 207th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, staff will present a short livestream of their annual wreath laying ceremony. Check the Facebook event to join. 11:45 am-noon.

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
Sept. 20-27: Auction Preview--since this spring's onsite benefit auction had to be canceled, Landis Valley has moved online for this fundraiser that supports the Farm Program and Heirloom Seed Project (animals and gardens need ongoing care even if the site is closed to the public). Previews start Sept. 20. Online bidding will take place Sept. 28-Oct. 5. Visit the Facebook event for details.

Old Economy Village on Facebook

Pennsbury Manor on Facebook
Sept. 29: Field Trip Orientation--Pennsbury will host a live orientation via Zoom for educators interested in learning more about virtual field trips. Contact museum educator Mary Ellyn Kunz, mkunz@pa.gov or 717-433-6320, to sign up. 7 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum on Facebook

Pennsylvania Military Museum on Facebook

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on Facebook
Sept. 2: Riding the Rails Virtual Program--this online program explores the rail passenger experience in Pennsylvania and is geared for teens through adults. The program will be offered via Zoom and includes photos, audio, and video, as well as a live Q&A with museum staff. Cost is $5 per person (or per single screen). More info and registration link are on the Facebook event page. 7-8 pm.
Sept. 8: Workin' on the Railroad Virtual Program--this interactive online program (via Zoom) is designed for children in pre-K through 6th grade. It explores the jobs of the conductor, station agent, and engineer through demonstration and guided activity. There is also a chance to ask questions of museum staff at the end. Cost is $5 per person or access through a single screen. Link for registration is on the Facebook event page. 10-11 am.
Sept. 12: Railroad Heritage Day--this virtual event features two sessions focused on railroad stations. Session 1 (10-11 am) is a live virtual tour of the architecture of the museum and the different stations that influenced its design. Session 2 (1-2 pm) is a live virtual tour of Steinman Station, recreated inside the museum to portray a typical early 20th-century station. Cost is $10 per person or single screen. Additional details will be announced - check the Facebook event page for updates and registration link. 10 am-4 pm.
Sept. 23: Virtual Happy Hour: Sports--join staff from the Railroad Museum, Anthracite Heritage Museum, Eckley Miners' Village, and the Pennsylvania Military Museum for a live chat about sports-related objects in their collections. Offered via Zoom. Tickets for this event are by donation (drink recipe included with ticket). Visit Facebook event page for details and ticket link. 7-8 pm.
Sept. 25: Virtual Trivia Night--form your own team or sign up and have the museum put you on a team. Topics not limited to knowledge of trains. This event is suitable for all ages. Cost is $10 per person, $30 for teams of up to 4 people, $50 for teams of up to 8 people. Check the Facebook event page for details and registration link. 7-9 pm.
Sept. 29: Power of Steam Virtual Tour--join staff for a behind-the-scenes virtual tour of two historic steam locomotives at the museum. There will also be a live steam demo and Q&A. Tickets are by donation; you must register to get the Zoom link (Facebook event has all the details). 7-8 pm.

Somerset Historical Center on Facebook

The State Museum of Pennsylvania on Facebook
Sept. 13: 53rd Annual Art of the State Exhibit--an online exhibit featuring artists from across the state will launch today at 2 pm, and award winners from among those exhibiting will be announced on social media. Visit the Art of the State landing page for updates.

Washington Crossing Historic Park (DCNR) on Facebook