C'mon, Spring!

Feast Hall (left), Frederick Rapp House (center) and George Rapp House (right) as seen from the Rapp House Garden (photo via Old Economy Village Facebook page)

I know it's foolish to wish for spring just because it's March, but I can't help myself when I see photos like the one above. I'll keep dreaming. Some Trails of History sites began shifting from their winter schedules to their spring schedules this week, so that must mean something (although I should note that Old Economy Village, pictured above, will reopen April 1).

Visit Lebanon Valley, in partnership with the Lebanon County Branch of the NAACP, Lebanon County Historical Society, and Cornwall Iron Furnace, rounded out Black History Month by launching the Lebanon County African American Heritage Trail with a celebration attended by the participating organizations. Cornwall Iron Furnace is one of the stops on the trail.

The latest episode of the WQLN (Erie's PBS affiliate) series, Chronicles, features the story of Drake Well and Pithole City. Drake Well Museum & Park's curator, Sue Beates, provides commentary on the history of the oil boomtown and the context of oil industry history (watch Pithole City: The Ghost of America's Black Gold, Part I).

This past week, PA Museums (our statewide museum professional organization) hosted a webinar on the effort to return nearly 200 Lenape ancestors and their associated funerary objects to their Lenape homeland for burial. The 4-day event last April was the culmination of a process involving five Delaware nations and PHMC staff from The State Museum of Pennsylvania and Pennsbury Manor. The PA Museums webinar included commentary from Jeremy Johnson, cultural education officer for the Delaware Tribe of Indians, Janet Johnson, acting senior curator of archaeology at The State Museum, and Douglas Miller, site administrator at Pennsbury Manor, site of the homecoming and reburial (you can read a short article about the event in the Fall 2022 issue of Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine). The webinar was recorded and is available on the PA Museums YouTube channel. Doug Miller and Jeremy Johnson also recently appeared on an episode of the Keystone Edge podcast, which is produced in conjunction with PA Humanities. I recommend watching the webinar and listening to the podcast to learn more.

Next week's post will have more info on PA's birthday celebration coming up on March 12, but if you want to get a jump on celebrating, take advantage of a 10% discount on all PHMC titles sold through ShopPAHeritage.com now through March 31.

Up Next

Today, March 3

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read Give Me Some Space by Philip Bunting and create your own map of the solar system. For ages 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (StoryTime info).

Saturday, March 4

• PA Geography with the Giant Map (in-person); 10 am-Noon; The State Museum of PA
• Discover the giant map of Pennsylvania as we walk across the state. Test your geography skills playing a game. Included in regular admission (Giant Map program info).

• Kids Day: STEM Discovery (in-person); 10 am-2 pm; PA Military Museum
• Come experiment and learn how math and science are used by the military. Make your own rocket, conduct experiments, and more. Included in regular admission (Kids Day info).

Wednesday, March 8

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about what the Sun is, its basic motions in the sky, and why it is important to us. Then make a suncatcher to take home. For grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

Thursday, March 9

• Winter History Class (virtual); 9 am-noon; Ephrata Cloister
• This course runs every Thursday through March 30. Today's presentations are "Henry Stiegel's Vision for Manheim" with Dan Snyder and "Iron and Glass by Stiegel: One Man's Collection" with Jeff Dreisbach. If you have not already signed up for the full series, you can attend single sessions via Zoom only (Winter History Class registration options).

• Wisdom & Wine (in-person); 5:30-8 pm; Drake Well Museum & Park
• Jim Samuels will present "My Dream Job Come True...Finding, Assessing & Plugging Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells." Admission charged. Lecture starts at 6:30. Doors open at 5:30 for socializing and wine tasting from Brokenstraw Valley Winery (Wisdom & Wine info).

Friday, March 10

• Original Pennsylvania Charter on Display (in-person); today through March 17; The State Museum of PA
• PA's 342-year-old Charter is written on parchment using iron gall ink. 51 weeks a year, the State Archives preserves the document in a high-security vault, shielding it from strong light and environmental fluctuations. In honor of PA's birthday, the Charter will be on display at The State Museum (included in regular admission) March 10-11 (10 am-4:30 pm), March 12 (Noon-4:30 pm), March 15-16 (10 am-4:30 pm), and March 17 (10 am-1 pm) (Charter display info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Remembering Gnadenhutten: Missionaries, Massacre, and the Resilience of a First Nation Community (in-person); Saturday, Mar. 11, 1-5 pm; Fort Pitt Museum
• During this one-day conference, attendees will examine the experience of Moravian Delaware converts in 18th-century Ohio Country and explore the fascinating history of the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown, where descendants of this resilient First Nation community live today (Gnadenhutten conference info and registration).

• All About Slag (hybrid); Tuesday, Mar. 14, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Mike Weber will provide a comprehensive overview of slag, including what it is, how it's produced as part of the iron-making process, its characteristics, and why it is so important. Attend in person (Freeman Hall at Cornwall Manor) or online (register for Zoom). Program is free, but donations are appreciated.

• Homeschool Program (in-person); Wednesday, Mar. 15, 10-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Archivist Brett Reigh will discuss the history of the original 1681 Penn Charter and the research resources available at the Pennsylvania State Archives. Explore the process used to create the document, such as iron gall ink, quill pens, parchment paper and block printing, and then create your own document using similar techniques. Registration is required (Homeschool registration link).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Saturday, Mar. 18, Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Bradley Smith, archivist and assistant director of the Berks History Center, will present "Dr. Bodo Otto: The Patriot Surgeon of Pennsylvania," who at the age of 65 volunteered his services as a surgeon to the Continental Army. Tickets available starting Feb. 25 (3/18 tickets via Eventbrite).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Mar. 24, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Mark Hand, director, and Matt Reis, deputy director, will provide an overview of Pennsylvania's GreenGov Program and its climate goals for state agencies. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Rails & Ales 2023 (in-person); Saturday, April 1, 5:30-9 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Taste craft beers among the museum's world-class collection of historic trains in Rolling Stock Hall. Must be age 21 or older to attend; photo ID required at the door. Advance tickets only; VIP tickets are sold out (ticket options, including designated driver tickets).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

We're Going to Need Another Boat

Yes, I know that's not quite the line from Jaws, but humor me. If you enjoyed last week's post about the new exhibit at Erie Maritime Museum featuring a 123-year-old ice boat, then you may also enjoy a new exhibit at The State Museum of Pennsylvania featuring a somewhat younger 1956 Cowell Runabout. Cowell Boat Works (1953-1962) was part of the recreational boat building industry in Erie in the mid-20th century. The Runabout is now on exhibit in The State Museum's second floor Transportation and Industry Gallery.

Photo via The State Museum's Facebook page

Up Next

Saturday, February 25

• Chatting Through Time (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Discover how people have used different innovations throughout history to share their ideas and thoughts with others. Create your own secret message using the same techniques George Washington used at Valley Forge. Included in regular admission (Chatting Thru Time info).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Wade Catts, president of South River Heritage Consulting, LLC, will present "Archaeology and the Preservation of Sites of America's War for Independence, with special focus on new studies of the Brandywine Battlefield (Feb 25 Rev Speaker Series info).

• Rocks (in-person); 1-1:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore hands-on stations to compare rocks microscopically and uncover phosphorescent properties. Examine the use of rocks in historic tools and building materials. Included in regular admission (Rocks info).

Sunday, February 26

• African American History Month Celebration (in-person); 2-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Shirley Lee Corsey will present "Harriet Tubman – Live!" in which “Harriet” will speak to her audience about her early life on the Maryland plantation where she was born and enslaved, her escape from slavery up to Philadelphia and beyond to freedom. Pennsbury Manor will also again be displaying art quilts from the Dreams of Freedom - The Threads That Hold Us Together exhibit organized by the Sankofa Artisans Guild. These stunning works of art celebrate the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman. Included in regular admission (African American History Celebration info).

Tuesday, February 28

• Train Tour: The H6SB (virtual); 10-10:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Children in grades K to 6 will investigate the inside of the historic H6sb locomotive No. 2846, virtually visiting the cab and exploring behind-the-scenes in the tender and maintenance areas. Register to receive the link; admission is by donation (Train Tour registration).

• PA Museums Webinar with Pennsbury Manor (virtual); 1-2 pm
• Sponsored by PA Museums, this program features Jeremy Johnson, cultural education officer for the Delaware Tribe of Indians, and Douglas Miller, site administrator at Pennsbury Manor. Turner and Miller will talk about the partnership and collaboration that resulted in the repatriation of 180 Delaware ancestors to their homeland last spring. The program is offered via Zoom (PA Museums website to register).

• The Art of C. Edgar Patience (virtual); 7-8 pm; Anthracite Heritage Museum
• Anthracite Heritage Museum and Luzerne County Historical Society co-sponsor this African American History Month program, which features AHM curator John Fielding talking about the anthracite coal sculptures of C. Edgar Patience (Art of C. Edgar Patience info).

Wednesday, March 1

• Family Gallery Tour: PA Icons (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Take a trip through Pennsylvania to discover what makes the state iconic. Learn about people, places and industries from the State Museum collection. Included in regular admission (PA Icons Tour info).

Thursday, March 2

• Winter History Class (virtual); 9 am-noon; Ephrata Cloister
• This course runs every Thursday through March 30. Today's presentations are "Pennsylvania German: Their Lives Through Color," with Jennifer Royer, curator at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, and "German Dairying Practices" with Susan Plaisted. If you have not already signed up for the full series, you can attend single sessions via Zoom only (Winter History Class registration options).

Friday, March 3

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read Give Me Some Space by Philip Bunting and create your own map of the solar system. For ages 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (StoryTime info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• All About Slag (hybrid); Tuesday, Mar. 14, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Mike Weber will provide a comprehensive overview of slag, including what it is, how it's produced as part of the iron-making process, its characteristics, and why it is so important. Attend in person (Freeman Hall at Cornwall Manor) or online (register for Zoom). Program is free, but donations are appreciated.

• Homeschool Program (in-person); Wednesday, Mar. 15, 10-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Archivist Brett Reigh will discuss the history of the original 1681 Penn Charter and the research resources available at the Pennsylvania State Archives. Explore the process used to create the document, such as iron gall ink, quill pens, parchment paper and block printing, and then create your own document using similar techniques. Registration is required (Homeschool registration link).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Saturday, Mar. 18, Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Bradley Smith, archivist and assistant director of the Berks History Center, will present "Dr. Bodo Otto: The Patriot Surgeon of Pennsylvania," who at the age of 65 volunteered his services as a surgeon to the Continental Army. Tickets available starting Feb. 25 (3/18 tickets via Eventbrite).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Mar. 24, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Mark Hand, director, and Matt Reis, deputy director, will provide an overview of Pennsylvania's GreenGov Program and its climate goals for state agencies. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Rails & Ales 2023 (in-person); Saturday, April 1, 5:30-9 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Taste craft beers among the museum's world-class collection of historic trains in Rolling Stock Hall. Must be age 21 or older to attend; photo ID required at the door. Advance tickets only; VIP tickets are sold out (ticket options, including designated driver tickets).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person unless marked otherwise)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Live the Battle Week (grades 3-4), June 27-30, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 3-4), July 11-14, 9 am-2 pm
• Live the Battle Week (grades 5-6), July 18-21, 9 am-2 pm
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

• Drake Well Museum & Park (Drake Well camp info)
• Discovery Days Camp (ages 8-12), July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 am-4 pm

• Pennsbury Manor (Pennsbury camp info)
• Colonial Camp Week (ages 6-8), July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm

Summer in Bloom

Tansy growing outside the summer kitchen at Graeme Park (photo via GP Facebook page)

The gardens and grounds at our Trails of History sites are brimming with flowers, veggies, and greenery. Many also have shade, so if you're looking for ways to keep cool this weekend, why not visit? Not to mention that there's always at least one air-conditioned building. I hope your weekend is full of fun and interesting things. Don't forget to hydrate!

Up Next*

*Please note that calendar info is subject to change; we try to keep this up to date, but it's always best to check.

Today, August 5

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Wear your best tea party hat or helmet to read Molly Idle's Tea Rex. For kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (SMOP StoryTime info).

• Sawmill demo (in-person); 11 am and 2 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Weather permitting, staff at Daniel Boone Homestead will demonstrate the water-powered Bertolet Sawmill, which was moved to the Homestead from its original Berks County site in 1972 (DBH info and a short video preview of what the mill looks and sounds like in operation).

• First Fridays (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Enjoy a relaxing evening with live music and food for purchase from local vendors. Some covered seating is provided but feel free to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is free with parking fee of $5 (First Fridays info).

• Summer Movie Night (in-person); 6-9:30 pm (approx); Railroad Museum of PA
• Watch Night at the Museum (rated PG) and enjoy popcorn and ice cream. Advance tickets are $10 each for ages 3+, $15 at the door. Tickets include museum admission from 6 pm until the movie starts outside on the lawn at dusk. Please bring your own lawn seating (Movie Night info and tickets).

Saturday, August 6

• Battle of Bushy Run Anniversary (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-5 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about the two-day battle between Native American warriors and British soldiers during Pontiac's War, as well as life on the frontier for European settlers and Native peoples (Battle of Bushy Run event info).

• A Tour into the Past Day (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• There will be a blacksmith, carpenter, colonial dancers, and other presenters to enliven your visit (BBP event info).

• Friends Lecture Series (in-person); 2-3:30 pm; PA Military Museum
• Meg and Dan Smith will discuss life in the Navy band, including training, duty stations, travel and special events. Lecture is free (donations welcome); seating is first come, first served (PMM lecture info).

Sunday, August 7

• Living History Sunday (in-person); noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Living history demonstrations include Native American culture by Darius Puff and 18th-century shoemaking. Guided tours will be available (CWH info).

• Garden Party/Oxygen Day (in-person); noon-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• The Garden Party starts at noon with music, children's activities, light refreshments. From 1 to 4 pm, the house will be open for self-guided tours with docents on hand to answer questions. Dr. Priestley will conduct chemistry demos at 1:30 and 2:30 (stop by the Visitor Center to pick up your free tickets). Both events are free (Garden/Oxygen event info).

• Ice Cream Social (in-person); 1-4 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Enjoy an ice cream sundae and visit the historic buildings. $10 ticket includes ice cream and access to the grounds; members get in free but pay $5 for ice cream (Ice Cream Social info).

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Historic trades demonstrators will be eager to talk to visitors as they showcase their skills. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades info).

• Summer Concert Series (in-person); 2-4 pm; Old Economy Village
• Miss Freddye's Homecookin' Band will bring acoustic blues to the garden, with some gospel, classic rock, and a hint of country and bluegrass. The event will move indoors if the weather's bad. Concert is free ($5 donation suggested). Please bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating (Concert Series info).

Tuesday, August 9

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, noise, and crowd levels will be reduced, and there will be some quiet spaces if you need a break from the activity. A few of the historic trains will be open, with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (Aug. 9 Sensory Hours tickets).

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Join Pennsbury's gardener to learn about 17th-century and modern gardening skills - today's topic is flower arrangements. The workshop is open to visitors age 12 and older; cost is $20. Registration is required; call 215/946-0400 to reserve your spot (Garden workshop info for 8/9).

• Virtual Museum Spotlight; 5-6 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Make a virtual visit to Somerset Historical Center and learn all the site has to offer. The program is free as part of the Heinz Center Affiliates Program; please register to receive the Zoom link (SHC Virtual Museum Spotlight info and registration).

• The Battle of Brandywine (virtual); 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian and educator Michael C. Harris will draw on his research and experience to present a program on this important Revolutionary War battle. Cornwall site administrator Mike Emery will moderate a short discussion. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall lecture info and registration).

Wednesday, August 10

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; PA Military Museum
• Background effects in the galleries will be turned off and the volume on the orienation video will be reduced (captions enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Please reserve your timeslot, you can pay when you arrive (go to PMM online booking calendar and select August 10).

• Family Gallery Tour: Mammal Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Museum educators will use hands-on objects to help visitors learn about the Mammal Hall dioramas. Included in regular admission (Gallery Tour info).

Thursday, August 11

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy a story with the gardener, then explore the grounds. Suggested for ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome. Cost is $3, which is a grounds pass; additional fee to tour the Manor House (PMM Storytime info).

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about memory and logic and try your skills at a variety of puzzles and games. For kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

• Ephrata Virtual Academy; 7-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Historian Noah Lewis will present a virtual program on African Americans in the Revolution, based on his extensive research on and portrayal of Edward "Ned" Hector, who served at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. Hector was among thousands of African Americans who served during the American Revolution. The program is free; please sign up to receive the Zoom link (Ephrata Virtual Academy registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); Sat., Aug. 13, 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a guided tour of the tracked vehicles on the museum grounds. Tickets are $15. Space is limited and reservations are required; as of earlier this week there were 5 slots available (Armored tour tickets).

• Drake Well Marathon and Half (in-person and virtual); Sun., August 14; 7 am-?, Drake Well Museum & Park
• This race is a Boston Marathon qualifier, and there are in-person and virtual options. Online registration ends August 8 (Registration info for all categories).

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); continuing Tues., Aug. 16-23, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Join Pennsbury's gardener to learn about 17th-century and modern gardening skills - a new topic each week. The workshops are open to visitors age 12 and older; cost is $20 per session. Registration is required; call 215/946-0400 to reserve your spot (Garden workshop dates and topics).

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); Sun., Aug. 14, 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
• Background effects in the galleries will be turned off and the volume on the orienation video will be reduced (captions enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Please reserve your timeslot, you can pay when you arrive (go to PMM online booking calendar and select Aug. 14).

• Virtual Museum Spotlight; Tues., Aug. 16, 5-6 pm; Old Economy Village
• This virtual visit to Old Economy will show you the wide variety of things to see and do. The program is part of the Heinz Center Affiliate Program Experience Kits initiative. Please register to receive the link (OEV Museum Spotlight registration).

• PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase; Wed., Aug. 17, 7-8 pm
• This month's theme is "Fine and Folk Art." Panelists from five Trails of History sites will present objects, and then the audience votes on their favorite. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Virtual Showcase registration).

• Virtual Talk: Drake Well Museum (virtual); Thurs., Aug. 18, 7-8 pm EDT
• The Oil Museum of Canada will offer a virtual visit to Drake Well Museum & Park with museum educator Sarah Goodman. The program is free, but you'll need to register to get the link (Drake Well at Oil Museum of Canada info and tickets).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tues., Aug. 23, 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, noise, and crowd levels will be reduced, and there will be some quiet spaces if you need a break from the activity. A few of the historic trains will be open, with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (Aug. 23 Sensory Hours tickets).

Lots to Do on the Trails of History

Learn about cast-iron cooking on Saturday, May 14, at a place where cast iron was produced (photo via Cornwall Iron Furnace Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, May 13

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of Pennsylvania
• Andrew Rohrbaugh, PA Bureau of Forestry, will talk about native plants, ecosystems, and the importance of using our land for food. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Saturday, May 14

• Hands On History (in-person), Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm, Old Economy Village
• Try your hand at a variety of 19th-century crafts and trades, such as blacksmithing, printing, cooking, textile production, laundry, and more. Regular admission charged (Hands on History info).

• CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER Cast Iron Cooking Demonstration (in-person), 11 am-3 pm, Cornwall Iron Furnace
• This outdoor cooking demo is free. Regular admission applies to tour the Furnace; the visitor center and museum store will be open 9 am-4 pm (Cooking Demo info).

• Heritage Wool & Textile Day (in-person), noon-4 pm, Daniel Boone Homestead
• Explore the history of wool production and textiles in the 18th century. There will be sheep-shearing and other hands on demos and activities throughout the day. Admission charged (Textile Day info).

Sunday, May 15

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person), 10 am-noon, PA Military Museum
• Background sound effects in the gallery will be turned off and volume on the orientation video will be reduced (captions always enabled). Please register in advance (PMM visit registration info).

• Open-Hearth Cooking and Sheep Shearing (in-person), 1-4 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• The cooks will demonstrate 17th-century recipes using dairy products and elsewhere on site the sheep will lose their winter coats. Included in regular admission (Open-Hearth Cooking info).

Tuesday, May 17

• Sensory Hours (in-person), 9-11 am, Railroad Museum of PA
• Light and noise levels will be lowered, as will crowd levels. Several historic trains will be open, and staff will be on-hand to answer questions. Please register in advance (Sensory Hours info and tickets).

Wednesday, May 18

• Music on the Lawn (in-person), 7-8 pm, Joseph Priestley House
• Enjoy an evening of music by Elegance String Quartet on the lawn of the Joseph Priestley House. The concert is free; please bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. In the event of bad weather, the concert will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Northumberland (Music on the Lawn info).

Thursday, May 19

• STEAM on the Rails (in-person), 10 am-1 pm, Railroad Museum of PA
• School group students in grades K-6 will explore activity stations, including interactive behind-the-scenes tours, a live steam demo, hands-on art activities, and engaging presentations about historic railroading jobs. Admission charged. Deadline for registration is May 17 (STEAM on the Rails info and tickets).

Friday, May 20

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Dr. Walter Meshaka, senior curator of zoology and botany, will talk about native and exotic species of paper wasps found in downtown Harrisburg, The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Actor and historian Keith Henley will portray inventor William Chester Ruth during a living history program next weekend. Tickets are still available at the link below (photo via LVM Facebook event page)

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• William Chester Ruth Living History Tours (in-person), Saturday, May 21, 9:30 am-3:30 pm, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Tours are based on the life and work of local inventor William Chester Ruth, who was born in 1882 in Chester County; his father had been enslaved in South Carolina and his mother was a free woman of color. Ruth will be portrayed by actor Keith Henley of American Historical Theater. Landis Valley museum educator Tim Essig will portray museum co-founder Henry Landis. Tour times are 9:30, 12:30, and 3; advance tickets are required (William Chester Ruth Tour info and tickets)

• Trails of History Run (in-person), Sunday, May 22, 7:30 am-?, Daniel Boone Homestead
• This event includes a 5K, 10K, and 1/2-mile fun run. There will be awards for 5K and 10K races, plus special awards for the best-dressed representation of the 1770s era. Advance registration is required (DBH trail runs info). Training runs for new runners start at 10:30 am every Sunday at the DeTurk House (near the front entrance gate off of Daniel Boone Rd).

• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of Englad Car Show, Saturday, June 4, 10 am-4 pm, Hope Lodge
• Family fun includes food (for purchase), classic British cars and motorcycles, and live music. Those age 21+ with photo ID can also enjoy craft beer from Round Guys Brewing (for purchase). Admission for age 13 and up is $10 per person; tickets available in advance (Event info and tickets).

• Log Birling Clinic (in-person), Saturday, June 11, 1-3 pm, PA Lumber Museum
• Join museum staff to learn how to stay on top of a rolling log while your opponent falls off. Registration is required (Clinic info and registration).

• Drake Well Marathon and Half (in-person and virtual), Sunday, August 14, 7 am-?, Drake Well Museum & Park
• This race is a Boston Marathon qualifier, and there are in-person and virtual options. Online registration ends August 8 (Registration info for all categories).

Summer Camps on the Trails of History (in-person and virtual)

I'll add to this as I get more info.

• Bushy Run Battlefield
• Summer History Day Camp; Ages 6-11; June 20-22

• Drake Well Museum & Park
• Discovery Days Camp; Ages 8-12; July 7, 14, 21, & 28

• Joseph Priestley House
• Summer History Camp; Grades 1-6; July 27-29

• Pennsbury Manor
• Colonial Camp; Ages 6-8; July 11-15
• Time Travelers Camp; Ages 9-12; July 18-22

• Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
• History Camp; Ages 10-18; August 6-7

• Railroad Museum of PA
• Behind the Scenes of Railroading Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; June 28-30
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 9-10; July 12-15
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 11-12; July 26-29
• A Moveable Feast Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; Aug. 2-4

What's Up?

The August program page has a list of online events, including a couple of updates since last week's post. The September list will be available sometime next week. For online activities available 24/7, check out the Trailheads Rec Room (to the right of your screen).

View of (left to right) Bakery, Saal, and Saron at Ephrata Cloister (photo via Facebook)

The photo above shows a lovely scene at Ephrata Cloister. For a less familiar view of the site, check out the new drone's eye view video adorning the banner on Ephrata's homepage. It's well worth your time.

Graphic for Drake Day 2020 Virtual Lecture, August 27 at 7 pm

For the annual Drake Day event, commemorating the first successful well drilled for oil in 1859, curator Susan Beates will present an online lecture exploring the history of the Drake Well Museum and Park. The program is free and will be offered Thursday, August 27, at 7 pm EDT via Zoom, so you must register to get the link. Visit the Facebook event page for details and registration information.

Erie Maritime Museum entrance (from website)

Congratulations to the staff and volunteers at the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara for their recent Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Award for 2020. The award is based on an accumulation of reviews and ratings. Recipients are in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.

Centennial of the 19th Amendment

Tuesday, Aug. 18, was the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which says that the right to vote cannot be denied on the basis of sex. Last week's Trailheads included some links related to the centennial, including The State Museum of Pennsylvania's exhibit on the suffrage movement in Pennsylvania. Additional resources include the National Park Service's story map of historic places that are part of the suffrage story, the Institute of Museum and Library Service's blog post about how museums nationwide are marking the anniversary>/a>, and the National Museum of African American History & Culture's post about African American Suffragists.

And several posts from along the Pennsylvania Trails of History:

The #19thAmendment was ratified on Aug. 18, 1920, when Tennessee’s approval met the requirement that amendments be...

Posted by Drake Well Museum and Park on Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment! The story of women's suffrage is a story...

Posted by Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, August 18, 2020

The #19thAmendment was ratified on Aug. 18, 1920, when Tennessee’s approval met the requirement that amendments be...

Posted by Pennsylvania Trails of History on Tuesday, August 18, 2020

The Pennsylvania Trails of History, May 31-June 13

The Ring of Fire (shown here at 2012 event) will be part of the Arts on Fire Festival (via Facebook)

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
May 31: Charity Cask for a Cause—as is their habit on the last Friday of every month, Cooper's Seafood will be tapping a firkin (small keg/about 10 gallons) of real ale for a special charity happy hour. This month, the beneficiary is the Anthracite Heritage Museum & Scranton Iron Furnaces. Raffles and other fun will benefit the museum and its programs. The firkin is tapped promptly at 5 pm; event ends at 8 (or sooner).
June 7-9: Arts on Fire Festival—this popular annual event returns to the Scranton Iron Furnaces. From the Friday evening fundraiser to the free admission events with art, music, food trucks and more, this is a must-see festival (more details on the Facebook event page). ADDED sign up for immersive industrial arts workshops offered on June 9 at the event (more info with links on Facebook page).

Brandywine Battlefield
June 8: Georgius Rex Day—celebrate the birthday of King George III and learn about all things British in pre-Revolutionary Pennsylvania. Admission charged. Noon-4 pm.
June 9: Kid's Day—enjoy family-friendly activities on a Sunday afternoon. Admission charged for adults, but kids get in free. Noon-4 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
June 1: Bushy Run Ghost Tour—Bushy Run tour guides and members of a visiting paranormal group will work in teams to guide visitors on a night-time tour of the battlefield (more info on Facebook event page). Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children age 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult). No advance reservations required. 9 pm-3 am.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
June 1: Summer Hours Begin—during the summer, the site is open Wednesdays 10 am-4 pm, Saturdays 10 am-4 pm, and Sundays noon-4 pm. Guided tours will be available most days.
June 2: Colonial Craft Day and Forest Diplomacy—craft demonstrators will share the historical context, materials, and equipment of a variety of mid- to late-18th-century trades. Some demonstrators will also have items for sale. 11 am-4 pm. At 2 pm, there will be a presentation of an Edge of the Woods ceremony, an important part of 18th-century diplomacy among Native American nations and between Native Americans and Europeans.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
June 11: Annual Dinner and Lecture—Dinner and program will be held at The Timbers in Mt. Gretna. Patrick Donmoyer will present "Powwowing in Pennsylvania," exploring traditional ritual healing practices. Tickets are $35 per person (more info, including how to make reservations (deadline is June 1), on website). 6:30 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
June 1: National Trails Day—the Titusville Area Trails Association will offer trail-themed, family-friendly activities and guided hikes based at the Jersey Bridge Trailhead at Drake Well Museum and Park (more info on Facebook). 10 am-3 pm.
June 8: Wildcatter Festival—help kick off the summer season at Historic Pithole City, the remains of a 19th-century oil boomtown (Pithole's visitor center is open weekends June-August). Planned activities include food, guided tours, living history demonstrations, and live music (please check website for directions). Admission will be charged. 10 am-4 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
June 1: Mariner’s Ball—enjoy live entertainment, silent and live auctions, food and drink, and fireworks. Visit the website for details on purchasing tickets (must be at least 21 years old to attend).

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt website for information on programs and events.

Graeme Park
June 2: Antiques Appraisal with Locati, LLC—an appraiser from Locati, LLC (based in Maple Glen) will give a brief talk on the antiques market and then provide an assessment of items brought by attendees (details on website). Tickets are available on Eventbrite. 3-5 pm.

Hope Lodge
June 1: Ales and Petals/Cars and Motorcycles of England—two events in one! Set up your lawn chairs and picnic blankets in the gardens to enjoy food; live music; tastings of craft beers, wines and ciders (age 21 and older with valid ID); and classic British automobiles. This event will also feature tours of the mansion. 10 am-4 pm.
June 5: Ambler Symphony Concert—bring a chair or blanket, a picnic dinner or snack, and enjoy beautiful music on the lawn. Concert and parking are free, donations are accepted. 7-8 pm (rain date is June 12).
June 9: Site open—each Sunday through October, Hope Lodge is open for tours. Admission is charged. Site is open 1-4 pm with guided tours at 1:00 and 2:30.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
June 6: History Program—this day-long program will explore the life of African American inventor, machinist, and spiritual leader William Chester Ruth and place it in the context of Lancaster and Chester County history. Attendees will also view examples of Ruth's work in the Landis Valley collection. This is a free program (thanks to a grant from the H.F. Lenfest Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation), but registration is required (program flyer has details). A light lunch will be provided. (Read more in this article from Lancaster Online.) 10 am-2:30 pm.

Old Economy Village
June 2: Wedding Showcase—a wide variety of wedding vendors (including bakeries) will be on hand for this event. It's also a chance to see how the event spaces at OEV can be set up. Admission is free. Check out the Facebook event page for list of vendors and contact info for registration. 1-4 pm.
June 8: Broom-making Class—make a broom using traditional methods and antique equipment. Class is free, but space is limited (registration info). 10 am-4 pm.
June 8: Presentation—Steve Mihaly will present "Marketing the Presidency" and display pieces from his collection of campaign memorabilia, focusing on western PA (more info on website). 5:30-6:30 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
June 1: Monthly Book Club—this month's book is Paul Revere & the World He Lived In by Esther Forbes (published in 1942 and awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1943). Pennsbury's book club meets the first Saturday of every month (website has more info on how to sign up). 10-11 am.
June 2 and 9: Special Programming—June 2, Historic Trades Day—the blacksmith and the joyner will demonstrate the skills needed to make equipment for the estate; June 9, Living History Theater—“The Funeral of Phineas Pemberton.” Sunday programs included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
June 8: Conversations in History—the topic this month is "The Dark Night," exploring how changes in lighting changed our lives (more info on the website). 10-11 am.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
June 8: Youth and Family Field Day—this event is sponsored by the Black Forest Sportsman's Club and is geared for students between the ages of 10 and 16, accompanied by an adult. Qualified instructors will teach a variety of outdoor skills (more info on the museum website). Lunch and equipment will be provided. The event is free, but YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER by JUNE 6 (form and instructions).

Pennsylvania Military Museum
June 1-2, 8-9: Guided Tours—on weekends, the 1 pm guided tour is included in regular admission (normally an additional charge).
June 1: Exploring the Armor—a special guided tour of the tracked vehicles displayed on the museum grounds, including a chance to look inside the crew compartments. Cost is $15 ($5 for Friends of the PA Military Museum). Participation is limited, and the tour does sell out, so act fast by using the online registration form. 2 pm.
June 2: Friends’ Lecture Series—speaker is Rep. Sam Hayes Jr., presenting "General Westmoreland Saved My Life". Donations encouraged. 2-3 pm.

Pennsylvania State Archives
June 11 and 26: Archives Without Tears—this popular workshop presented by State Archives staff will be offered twice this summer - at Bradford County Historical Society on June 11 and at The Hershey Story Museum on June 26. Details about the workshop agenda and instructions for registering with the host organizations are available via the PA Museums website.

Somerset Historical Center
June 2: Photo contest—entries from non-members of the Laurel Highlands Photography Club will be accepted today between noon and 3 pm (rules page 1 and rules page 2 on LHPC's Facebook page). Entries will be on exhibit at SHC June 12-30 during regular hours.
June 7: First Friday Food Fest—come down and enjoy a casual dinner, selected from a variety of local food trucks and vendors (details on Facebook event page). There will be live music and tractor-drawn hay rides. This is a new event that will take place the first Friday of July and August as well. Admission is free; $2 per vehicle for parking. 5-8 pm.
June 8: Family Fun 5K Run/Walk—SHC has a groomed trail that runs through woods and meadows, circling back around to the main site; once around is 5K (but you can take more than one lap). There's no admission charge, and maps are available. This event will also be offered the first Saturday of July and August. 8 am-noon.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please check the website for schedule and descriptions of planetarium shows.
June 4: Documentary Preview—see a preview of a new documentary series, "College Behind Bars," by Peabody Award winner Lynn Novick. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion, emceed by WITF's Scott LaMar, on the role of education in Pennsylvania's prisons (details and panelists on the website). The program is free, but reservations are required (link to contact WITF to RSVP). June 7: StoryTime—this month's book is What a Treasure by Jane and Will Hillenbrand. Listen to the story and play a game to dig for treasure. This program is designed for ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Included in regular admission. 10:30 am.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing Historic Park events page for info on events and programs.

February Roundup

If you're a planner, be sure to check out the list of Trails of History sites that will be open on Charter Day, March 11. The full March program page should be up next week (which is a good thing, since March starts next week.)

A week with a Monday holiday plus two days of training and meetings equals...say it with me...a Trailheads roundup!

Garden at Eckley Miners' Village (photo by AKF)

The folks at Eckley Miners' Village have installed a new lobby exhibit to supplement their long-term orientation exhibit. You can view the new exhibit, which focuses on daily life in the Village, in the Visitor Center during regular operating hours.


The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum posted about the role of African Americans in the Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1942). Like the U.S. Army on which its structure was modeled, the CCC was racially segregated. It is estimated that roughly 10 percent of the 194,500 men who served at CCC camps in Pennsylvania were African American. You can read a much more detailed account in the post below (or find it on the museum's Facebook page).

Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead President David Sonnen (via Facebook)

Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead board members David Sonnen (above) and Lynn Otto (who I'm guessing took this photo) recently sat down with Jo Mercer of Y102 IHeart Radio in Reading. They were guests on Mercer's "Roundtable" program to talk about the upcoming season at the Homestead, which will reopen on Charter Day.


Okay, this isn't Trails of History as such, but he's still our only Pennsylvania President. The Library of Congress has announced that the papers of Lancaster's own James Buchanan (@POTUS15) and Harriet Lane Johnston, who served as her uncle's official White House hostess, have been digitized and are now available online.

This weekend...

Interior exhibit at Drake Well Museum and Park (via Facebook)

Tomorrow, Feb. 24, Drake Well Museum and Park offers this month's "Something More Saturday," which provides family-friendly activities in addition to the regular exhibits (see above). The theme is Games, so you know it will be fun. All activities are included in regular admission. The program runs 10 am-3 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum has a half dozen workshops and programs on their "Winter Learning for Adults" schedule for tomorrow (Feb. 24). Space is still available, as far as I can tell from the website. You'll find the details and online registration on the website. Hurry!

February 28 is the last day to view the Anthracite Heritage Museum's African American History Month exhibit, "Granville C. Smith: African-American Business and Community Leader." The exhibit documents Mr. Smith's career in Scranton over a 34-year period as owner-operator of the G.W. Brown Company and influential member of numerous community organizations. The temporary exhibit is located in the museum lobby and is free of charge; regular admission rates apply to view the rest of the exhibits.

On this Day in History - February 23

• 1868 - W.E.B. DuBois is born. DuBois wrote his first major book, The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study, in 1899 while teaching at the University of Pennsylvania; it was the first sociological case study of an African American community.
• 1910 - The first radio contest takes place in Philadelphia. This national contest involved wireless telegraphers in "tests of speed and accuracy in receiving and transmitting American Morse telegraphic code signals via radio."
• 1954 - Children at Arsenal Elementary School, Pittsburgh, are the first to receive Dr. Jonas Salk's polio vaccine.

Lift Every Voice and Sing

The February program page has info on upcoming events. Most Trails of History sites will be closed on Monday (Feb. 19) for Presidents Day, with the exception of (as far as I know) Fort Pitt Museum and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

Also, if you'd like a copy of PHMC's 2016-17 Annual Report (and why wouldn't you?), it is available online.

As you know, February is Black History Month. This provides an opportunity to focus particular attention on African American history and, I think and hope, a reminder that our history as Americans has always been multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-faceted. We need to hear and tell all of these stories to gain a fuller understanding of who we are as a nation, as a state, as local communities, and as families. Here are some highlights from the PHMC's Trails of History.

Granville C. Smith, Scranton business leader (via Anthracite Heritage Museum)

The Anthracite Heritage Museum has organized an exhibit entitled "Granville C. Smith: African-American Business and Community Leader," which explores Mr. Smith's business, social, and philanthropic involvements and his legacy in the community (read much more on the Facebook entry for the exhibit). The exhibit will be in place all month in the museum lobby; entry to view the Granville Smith exhibit is free (admission rates apply to visit the rest of the exhibits).

The State Museum of Pennsylvania's Black History Month exhibit, "Trailblazers: Notable African Americans in Pennsylvania History," is now a permanent feature in the East Wing of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. The exhibit features a broad array of men and women who have played significant roles in the Commonwealth's business, political, educational, and social realms. Virginia P. Florence (above), 1903-1991, was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. Mrs. Florence was the first African American woman to receive professional training in librarianship, enrolling at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Library School in 1922. Her library career began at the New York Public Library and included work as a high school librarian in Brooklyn, NY, and Richmond, VA. (You'll find an album of Pennsylvania Trailblazers on the PA Trails of History Facebook page.)

Each year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson, sets an annual theme for Black History Month. 2018's theme, set to coincide with the centennial of the end of World War I, is "African Americans in Times of War."

Last weekend, Tyler Gum, director of the Pennsylvania Military Museum offered a lecture program, "They Fought Equally: USCT in the Civil War." The program highlighted the 11 Pennsylvania regiments of the United States Colored Troops, including their training at Camp William Penn (see historical marker above). One of the Pennsylvanians featured in the presentation was 1st Sergeant Alexander Kelly, Company F, 6th U.S. Colored Troops. Sgt. Kelly, born in 1840 in Saltsburg, Indiana County, was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions taken on Sept. 29, 1864, at Chaffin's Farm, Virginia. The medal citation reads: "Gallantly seized the colors, which had fallen near the enemy's lines, raised them and rallied the men at a time of confusion and in a place of the greatest danger." (You can read more about Sgt. Kelly, pictured below in post-war life, on the PA Civil War 150 website.)

Alexander Kelly (1840-1907) served with 6th USCT and was awarded the Medal of Honor

On Tuesday of this week (Feb. 13), I had the opportunity to attend a multi-agency event centered on the 2018 Black History Month theme, "African Americans in Times of War." The organizing committee for the program included Janee Corbin of The State Museum of Pennsylvania, and the program took place in the museum auditorium. Other agencies represented were the Governor's Advisory Commission for African American Affairs, Office of Administration, Dept. of Community & Economic Development, Dept. of Health, Dept. of Human Services, Dept. of Labor & Industry, Public Utility Commission, and the PA State Library. The program started with the Harrisburg School District's Naval Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NJROTC) Color Guard presenting the colors and the assembled speakers and audience singing the National Anthem. Governor Wolf appeared via pre-recorded remarks and representatives from the organizing agencies spoke on various aspects of the theme. Two members of the NJROTC talked about their interest in military service, followed by Brigadier General David E. Wood, Director of the Joint Staff for the Pennsylvania National Guard, and Colonel Korvin "Kory" Auch, Special Advisor on Veterans Programs to the Secretary of Administration.

Col. Auch introduced the keynote speaker, Chief Master Sergeant Trae R. King, United States Air Force, Retired, who now serves in a civilian capacity as Chief, Force Support Readiness Policy for the Air Force. She spoke briefly but movingly about her experiences in the military and about the ongoing work of securing civil rights for all Americans. The program, which I found both educational and inspiring, concluded with James Weldon Johnson's "Lift Every Voice and Sing," performed by the Earth Tones (a multi-agency chorus) and the audience. My thanks to all who organized and presented at this event.

On This Day in History - February 16

In honor of the cadets from Harrisburg High School who participated in this week's program at The State Museum...

• 1944 - the first group of African American U.S. Navy enlisted men began training as officers at Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois; in March, 12 were commissioned ensigns and one was made a warrant officer