What Are You Thankful For?

Please visit the PHMC Events Calendar for information on virtual events scheduled in the next month or so (I've highlighted a few below). The Trailheads Rec Room links to the right of your screen have examples of online offerings available whenever you are.

For some reason, thankfulness makes me think of rainbows (photo AKF)

Over the next week, many of us will be preparing for Thanksgiving, in one way or another. My guess is that the experience will be different this year, as we adjust our plans to the times (as we've done for the past 8 months). Some families who normally travel - won't. Groups gathering for Friendsgiving celebrations will be smaller or via Zoom. Some chairs will be empty because of COVID itself (or the many other ways we lose friends and family over the course of a year). Whatever 2020 brings to your Thanksgiving holiday, I hope that you will be able to find a rainbow somewhere and that you have things you can be thankful for.

I am thankful, as always, for my husband, my mom, my brother and his family, my in-laws (adding a niece-in-law this year via a wedding most of us watched on Facebook), and my friends. I am thankful for my colleagues at PHMC who have risen beautifully to the challenges of maintaining our historic buildings and landscapes and providing the people of Pennsylvania and the world with connections to our history, collections, and educational opportunities. I'm thankful for front-line workers everywhere who risk their health and safety to provide essential services. I'm thankful for poll watchers and vote counters and everyone else who works to make sure that democracy has a fighting chance in the midst of a pandemic. And I'm thankful for Trailheads readers.

What's on Your Menu?

The State Museum of Pennsylvania shared info about the wild turkey on their Facebook page

When you hear that distinctive gobble, gobble sound, you know that a turkey is nearby. Turkeys are found throughout...

Posted by The State Museum of Pennsylvania on Monday, November 16, 2020

And for dessert, Pennsbury Manor shared an old pumpkin pie recipe in this Facebook post

What spices do you expect in a pumpkin pie? This 1658 recipe for “Pumpion Pye” is one of the first recipes for pumpkin...

Posted by Pennsbury Manor on Saturday, October 31, 2020

Upcoming Events (virtual unless otherwise noted)

Today, Nov. 20

• State Museum of Pennsylvania, Artists Conversations, noon (link to register)
• Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Virtual Trivia Night, 7-9 pm (link to register)
• Bushy Run Battlefield, Colonial Cocktail Hour, 7:30-8:30 pm (link to register)

Saturday, Nov. 21

• Pennsylvania Military Museum, Sail to Steam Lecture Series, 2-3 pm (details and link to register)

Sunday, Nov. 22

• Pennsbury Manor, deadline to order Holly Nights at Home kits for pick-up on Nov. 29 at the site (link for ordering) - the event will take place on Facebook Dec. 3-4

A Little of This, A Little of That

The September program page provides info through the end of the month. Be sure to check it for events this weekend.

Commemorations

Battle of Lake Erie commemoration, Sept. 10, 2019 (via Facebook)

Earlier this week, sites on the Trails of History held commemorations for battles during the War of 1812 and the American Revolution. On Tuesday evening, staff and volunteers from the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara, along with members of the public, gathered to remember the Battle of Lake Erie, fought on Sept. 10, 1813, near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Members of Ship's Company in period dress provided a color guard for the event (you can read more and see additional photos on the Facebook page).

On Wednesday, Brandywine Battlefield Park commemorated the Battle of Brandywine, Sept. 11, 1777. Throughout the day, the site's Facebook page posted info about what was happening in the battle at that time in 1777. In the evening, a ceremony was held to remember the battle as well as the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Rev War military and civilian reenactors (including General Washington with back to camera) gathered Wednesday evening at Brandywine Battlefield Park (photo Charlie Fox)

Activities on the Trails of History

This happy pup was one of 140 (or so) attending the inaugural Paws in the Park event at Bushy Run Battlefield (via Facebook)

Last weekend, Bushy Run Battlefield tried out a new program, "Paws in the Park," designed to appeal to the many dogs and their walkers who visit the site. Roughly 300 people and 140 dogs attended, taking part in a variety of activities, such as making dog treats, dog tags, and dog collar bows; a photo booth; games and a battlefield scavenger hunt; and a caricature artist doing people and pup portraits. The site also put together a small exhibit, "Dogs in Colonial America: History and Art of Dogs in the 18th Century," which museum staffer Michael Tusay describes as a discussion of "evolving societal views of dogs and their primary roles in the 18th century"; the exhibit features the work of artist George Stubbs. For many more adorable pictures of puppers and their people who attended the event, visit Bushy Run's Facebook page.

Pennsbury Manor's Brew House was mentioned in an article on SouthFloridaReport.com timed for National Beer Lover's Day (Sept. 7). Your next chance to see Pennsbury's brewers in action is September 22 from 1 to 4 pm. On a related note, September is Pennsylvania Craft Beer Month.

A Touch of Humor

[Description: an embedded Facebook post from humor site The Onion showing a map of Pennsylvania and titled "Report: Some People Live in Pennsylvania" - link to Onion website is https://bit.ly/2kK7RWX]

500th Post!!

This is officially the 500th Trailheads post since we started back in August of 2009. On behalf of all who've posted, thanks for reading!

Last week's post included Trails of History events running through next Thursday (there have been a couple of updates) or you can check the August program page if you're planning further ahead.

"Heading Home" by Daven Anderson is one of the featured works in a new exhibit at Erie Maritime Museum (used with permission)

Linda Bolla of the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara (a frequent Trailheads contributor and guest blogger these past 9 years) sent an update on the two-gallery exhibition opening at Erie Maritime this weekend. The overall title for the project is A Celebration of Life and Work on Our Waterways. The museum's West Wing Gallery will feature "THE RIVERS: A Celebration of Life and Work on America’s Waterways," a series of watercolors by Daven Anderson, Managing Director of the American Society of Marine Artists and Executive Director of the Missouri Watercolor Society. Anderson is a U.S. Coast Guard Artist and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. As a complement to Anderson's work, the museum's Orientation Theater will display works by members of Erie's BLOOM Collaborative, which is dedicated to promoting better health through the arts. Anderson will present a gallery talk on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 2 pm, and there will be an opening reception from 1 to 2:30 pm on Sunday, Aug. 12 (more info). The exhibits continue through Oct. 27.

Phil, a member of the BLOOM Collaborative, works on a large-format painting of a dolphin

From Graeme Park's Facebook page: Last Friday Grover Silcox and his crew showed up to film an episode of "Let's Go!"--a show that highlights family-friendly things to do and places to go in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Friends of Graeme Park Vice President Jack Washington volunteered to be the on-camera spokesperson (see photo below) and show them around, while a whole crew of costumed reenactors including John and Carol Brunner, Steve Griffith, Mary Washington, Julie Thibeau, Germain Ledoux, Bill Sparke, Jim Miller, Michael Carver, and Ellen Idelson, were on-hand to add to the Colonial atmosphere and show some local children how to play colonial games. The episode premiered last night but if you're in the WLVT viewing area, you can catch it again tomorrow (8/11) at 5:30 pm or on Tuesday, Aug. 14, at 7.

Jack Washington, center, talks to camera crew for an episode of "Let's Go!" (via Graeme Park Facebook page)

Bushy Run Battlefield hosted its annual reenactment this past weekend. TribLive covered the event, and you can read all about it in their article. You can also see photos and video on Bushy Run's Facebook page. This weekend, the site is bringing back its popular tabletop gaming event (read more about that on the event page).

The Boys and Girls Club of Somerset recently visited Somerset Historical Center to see their lime kiln (built on site over the past few years) and learn about how the different uses of lime (no, not the kind in margaritas, the kind that comes from limestone). They shared some great photos on their Facebook page.

And finally, if you're planning to see The Meg this weekend (or ever), you might want to check out this article from PennLive. They talked to State Museum of PA paleontology and geology curator Dr. Steven Jasinski about megalodons to help separate fact from movie fiction (lots of good photos in this one).

Enjoy your weekend!

Past Meets Future

Event info for today, June 29, through Thurs., July 5 (including which sites are open on July 4), is below. Check the full July event listings for additional info.

Jessica Young talks 18th-century women's clothing with visitors to Bushy Run Battlefield (photo Bushy Run)

The most recent installment in Bushy Run Battlefield's new "History Speaks" series was Jessica Young's program on 18th-century clothing worn by Anglo-American settlers in western Pennsylvania (see photos above and below). Young walked the audience through details of clothing for men, women, and children and showed the process of donning the various pieces that make up authentic period dress (read more about Young's work in this Trib Live article). The next program is set for Sept. 19, when Dana Knezevich will present “The Making of Native American Clothing” at 7 pm (more info on the series is on Bushy Run's calendar of events).

Bushy Run's museum facilitator Michael Tusay took part in the program (photo Bushy Run)

A recent issue of Distillations magazine, a publication of the Science History Institute that also has online versions, featured an article by Michal Meyer about the friendship between Dr. Joseph Priestley and the famed potter Josiah Wedgwood. The two met in 1762 and remained friends for the rest of their lives, sharing many of the same views on religion, politics, and the abolition of slavery (read more in the online article). One of the article's illustrations is an undated Wedgwood cream-on-blue jasperware medallion with Priestley's profile.

New picnic grove taking shape at Historic Hope Lodge (photo Hope Lodge)

Thanks to the folks at Hope Lodge for this update:

A generous donation from two Friends of Hope Lodge members and a local Boy Scout Eagle project combined to give Hope Lodge a new picnic grove. Four new picnic tables and landscaping have transformed a weedy area behind the greenhouse into an attractive and functional picnic area. Hope Lodge has lacked picnic tables for some time and this new grove will give visitors an opportunity to enjoy the site a little longer which we hope will increase participation for tours and other events. We’re very happy to have them and thank everyone who made it possible.

Tales from the School Group Front

Events on the Trails of History June 29-July 5

Anthracite Heritage Museum
July 4: Site open—check website for details.

Brandywine Battlefield
July 4: Site open—check website for details.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
July 1: Patriotic Concert in the Park—this annual event honors all military veterans. Admission and parking are free, contributions are gratefully accepted. Please bring chairs or picnic blankets. 1:30 pm. UPDATE: Due to forecast of high temperatures the concert is cancelled. The site will be open usual Sunday hours.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
July 4: Site open—check website for details.

Daniel Boone Homestead
June 30: Celebrating America's History—enjoy tours of the Boone Homestead, see blacksmithing and other demos, and support the Keystone Military Families Foodbank. Requested admission donation is 2 non-perishable food items per person over 5 (see Facebook event page for needed items). Regular admission fees apply to visit without donating food items. 10 am-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum
June 30: Something More Saturday—this month's focus is the Mobile Energy Education Training Unit (MEET-U). There will also be blacksmithing demonstrations. Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.
June 30 and July 1: Historic Pithole open. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.
July 4: Drake Well open—check website for details.

Eckley Miners’ Village
July 4: Site open—check website for details.

Ephrata Cloister
July 4: Site open—check website for details.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
July 4: Friends and Family Day—hands-on activities for the kids, free admission to the museum, and tours of the ship. 9 am-5 pm.

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

Graeme Park
July 4: Independence Day Living History Program—members of the Graeme family and some of their associates will explore arguments for and against independence during the course of the afternoon. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence, tours of the Keith House, and a musket firing demonstration (more details on the website). Admission charged. Noon-3 pm.

Hope Lodge
July 1: Site open—each Sunday through October, Hope Lodge is open for tours. Admission is charged. Site is open 12:30-4 pm with guided tours at 1:00 and 2:30.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
July 4: Site open—please check the website for details.

Pennsbury Manor
July 1: Special Sunday Programming—this week: meet the joyners, blacksmiths, and wool spinners. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
July 4: Site open—check website for details.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
June 30: Exhibit reception—the "Creative Makers of the Pennsylvania Wilds" art exhibit features more than 200 images of regional artisans and producers, members of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania, making their crafts in their creative spaces. (The exhibit opened on May 25 and runs through July 9.) The reception is scheduled for 3-5 pm.
July 4: Site open—check website for details.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
June 30: Guided Tour Special—the 1 pm guided tour is included in regular admission (normally an additional charge).
July 4: Kids Day—kids (of all ages) can try on uniforms from the museum's education collections and learn about soldier life. Have your photo taken behind the wheel of an authentic military Jeep. Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
July 1-8 (museum open July 4): Reading Railroad Days—offered in conjunction with the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society, this program features an enormous HO-scale model railroad and highlights Reading Company rolling stock in the Museum’s collection. Included in regular museum admission during regular hours.

Somerset Historical Center
June 30: Liquid Arts Festival—sample products from two local distilleries, a brewery, and a winery; visit the food trucks; and listen to live music, all to benefit the Historical Center. More details available on the Facebook event page. Must be 21 or older to attend. Cost is $5. 1-8 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please check the website for schedule and descriptions of planetarium shows.
June 29: Summer Fridays and Learn at Lunchtime—admission today is "Pay as you will." From 10 am to 3 pm, entrance to Curiosity Connection will be by timed tickets (numbers are limited). Regular fees apply for the Planetarium. Learn at Lunchtime program offered 12:15-12:45 pm: Black Bears. Museum is open 9 am-5 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for a complete listing of upcoming programs and events.

So Long, May - Hello, June

Please check the June program listings for all of your event needs. So much to choose from.

Another month has come and gone. That long, cold spring gave way to whatever you call the season we're having now - "sort-of-but-not-really-summer"? School visits spiked. As always, there were programs and events on the Trails of History that engaged the public. Here are a few highlights that you might have missed.

Whitemarsh Art Center (WAC) fundraiser at Hope Lodge, May 19 (photo Friends of Hope Lodge)

Thanks to the Friends of Hope Lodge (FoHL) for the photo above and an update:

FoHL hosted the Whitemarsh Art Center (WAC) gala fundraiser “Hundred for Hundred” on May 19th. WAC’s leaders raffled over 50 original pieces of art. Over 300 people attended the event, which featured wine and cheese, music by guitarist Baird Standish, and tours of the 18th-century mansion and property. WAC executive director Corinne Dieterle expressed her gratitude to the FoHL for their support in making the event so successful.

Congratulations to all on a successful community collaboration! Hope Lodge was also recently featured in Zach Brown's "The Montco Explorer" blog (read Brown's write-up of Hope Lodge on the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board's website. And visit the June program listings for info on Hope Lodge events coming up this weekend.

Annual spring nature walk at Bushy Run Battlefield (photo BRBHS)

Bushy Run Battlefield opened its 2018 programming season with a wide range of activities organized by the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society, including the Spring Nature Walk on May 12 (pictured above and in the Spring Nature Walk photo album on Facebook). Also on the schedule were the kickoff of the site's new History Speaks Series on May 16 (next installment is June 20) and the annual Spring Tea on May 19, which sold out well in advance. This past weekend saw the premiere of the new Bushy Run Market featuring local vendors, entertainment, and concessions on the grounds (set to continue the 4th Saturday of the month through the fall. Visit Bushy Run's website to keep up with this summer's events.

Weathervane courtesy of the collection of @LandisValley. See "#AmericanFolkArt: An Enduring Legacy", on display, pre-security, in the International Terminal. https://t.co/fcyWpg2hGV pic.twitter.com/vhAjQ2ogBg

— SFO Museum (@SFOMuseum) May 24, 2018

A weathervane from the collections at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum (see above) is featured in a folk art exhibit at San Francisco International Airport's SFO Museum; the exhibit continues through the middle of July. In other Lancaster County news, Ephrata Cloister's Student Historian program was featured in an article that focused on their work with site staff to document and transcribe gravestones of some of the community's earliest members.

Sean Connery on the set of The Molly Maguires, filmed in part at what is now Eckley Miners' Village in 1968 (via Facebook)

There's lots of activity going on at Eckley Miners' Village this summer, much of it focused on the 50th anniversary of filming of The Molly Maguires in and around Eckley in 1968. This year's Patch Town Days event (June 23-24) will be focused on the film, with reenacted scenes, a mustache contest (see photo above for inspiration), and much more (details on Eckley's website). Publicity around the filming of The Molly Maguires and interest generated by the movie's release were significant factors in the development and preservation of Eckley Miners' Village as a state historic site. Students Dan Kimbrough's class at Misericordia University produced a documentary about the history of the site, interviewing numerous volunteers (doc is available on YouTube). An article in the Scranton Times-Tribune provided background information on the May 25 Google Doodle featuring James Wong Howe, who was the cinematographer for The Molly Maguires. Howe was born Wong Tung Jim in China in 1899 and moved to the U.S. at the age of 5. He was denied citizenship under the Chinese Exclusion Act, finally winning an appeal in 1943. Laws prohibiting interracial marriage meant that he and poet Sanora Babb could not be legally married until 1949. Howe's work received ten Academy Award nominations; he won Oscars for The Rose Tattoo and Hud. According to a biography of Howe on the IMDb website, working on The Molly Maguires, his next-to-last film, was one of his favorite assignments.

Activity photos from PA Lumber Museum's 2017 Youth and Family Field Day (via Facebook)

One last note on something coming up next weekend. The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, in conjunction with the Black Forest Sportsman's Club, has a Youth and Family Field Day scheduled for June 9. The event is free, but you must register by June 7. Pre-registrations have been a bit slow, so if you're planning to go, please contact the site ASAP. Program details and a registration form are on their website.

The Future is Here

Please be sure to check out the May program page for events this weekend and the rest of the month.

PA Lumber Museum hosted the Potter County Conservation District's 2018 Envirothon on Thursday. High school students tested their knowledge on a variety of environmental science topics. The winning team goes on to the state level contest. (See PLM's Facebook page for more info. UPDATE: see a photo of the winning team, from Coudersport, getting their awards.)

A number of items (including the photo above) drifted across my screen in the last couple of weeks that focused my attention on the "younger generation." Or generations, I guess I should say. So I thought I'd highlight some activities involving high school and college students. I'm sure there are other stories out there - feel free to share in the comments.

Interns and apprentices will be starting their summers on the Trails of History soon. Some applied through the PHMC's Keystone Summer Internship or Summer Apprenticeship programs. Some interns applied to their host sites directly or through their schools. Depending on their assignment and interests, they will learn construction and restoration skills, care and management of object and archival collections, interpretation of historic sites, management of historic preservation programs, and much more. I hope that you'll hear from some of them through guest blog posts on Trailheads (I'll be recruiting heavily once they get started). It's always a pleasure to see new faces and learn about their career plans. (If you're a former PHMC intern, give us a shout in the comments to let us know what you're up to - I know some of you are right here at PHMC.)

My Google Alerts clued me in to a story about the Sewickley Herald's 2018 Emerging Citizen, Katie Rostek, a senior at Quaker Valley High School, near Ambridge. Among many other activities, Katie is a member of Old Economy Village's Young Harmonist group, which learns about the history of the community and shares it with the public. According to the article, she plans to double major in political science and secondary education at Penn State. Congratulations to Katie and to all of our younger volunteers who are graduating high school and moving on to the next chapter in their lives.

Bushy Run volunteers on Charter Day 2018 celebrate funds raised (via Facebook)

When we talked about Charter Day programming back in March, I think I mentioned that Bushy Run Battlefield was open on Charter Day for the first time in a while due to the efforts of a local high school student working on her senior project at Penn-Trafford High School. Emily Liska (second from left in the above photo) coordinated activities for Charter Day and organized a marketing campaign (with a GoFundMe component) to help raise awareness of Bushy Run in the local community. She helped raise more than $1,000 to support activities at the site. Emily will be giving a presentation at the high school next week to share what she learned. Thank you, Emily, for your efforts.

I recently learned about an interesting new project through the Eckley Miners' Village volunteer newsletter. This semester, students in Prof. Dan Kimbrough's video class (Misericordia University's Dept. of Mass Communication and Design) have been working on a documentary about the history of Eckley and its impact on the region. As part of the production, they interviewed a number of volunteers and others at the village to gain their insights. Students screened their work yesterday for an audience that included folks from Eckley. Word has it that the documentary will be made available online. I'll share a link if and when I'm able to do so.

Mercyhurst University Dancers perform on the Erie Maritime Museum floor, the wind in our sails!  L-R, Emily Black, Caitlin Cummings and Olivia Duke (photo by Ashlyn Duke Photography, used with permission)

This final item comes from Linda Bolla at Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara, who regular readers will recognize as our most prolific guest blogger. Last month, the museum hosted Erie's participation in a project called National Water Dance, "an artist-driven collective of dancers and educators confronting critical water issues facing the United States." With its proximity to Lake Erie, the museum was the perfect venue for this multi-media event led by a group from the Mercyhurst University Departments of Dance and Chemistry.

Doug Lodge performs in the museum lobby, dragging the weight of one week’s single use plastic bottles, as collected by students from Harborcreek Youth Services. (photo by Ashlyn Duke Photography, used with permission)

Linda writes:

Because winds were high and temps were unseasonably low on April 14th, the Erie event did not commence next to the water at 4:00 p.m., as it did simultaneously at other waterways throughout our nation. An indoor start did not diminish anyone’s enthusiasm! The Erie event is unique in its scope: in addition to dance, the museum hosted live jazz, sculpture, poetry and infographs created by Mercyhurst students, along with a multitude of partners from the community. Poetry and art remain on exhibit until May 4th. [editor's note: that's today!]

Highlights from the finale mainstage performance included choreography by Elizabeth Hite, who will graduate this term. Undercurrents is her Senior Capstone thesis project. When interviewed about her work, Elizabeth cited her concerns about the environment as inspiration for this piece, and noted the challenges of representing the beauty of water and the threat to it.

Undercurrents, performed by (1st row, l – r) Jenna Swartz, Emily Black, Sophia Thorman, Caitlyn Cummings, (2nd row, l – r) Olivia Duke, Hannah Schayes, Rachel Rhodanz, Katarina Flores. (photo by Ashlyn Duke Photography, used with permission)

STEM Learning in Erie and More

Please check out the March program page for info on this weekend's activities on the Trails of History.

Many thanks to frequent guest blogger Linda Bolla, of the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara, for the following info and photos:

Erie Maritime Museum recently debuted its first traveling STEM exhibit. Using this series of simple machines, a student can both feel and measure the mechanical advantage gained with the addition of pulleys. The Museum’s design elements are unique – students lift 12-pound cannon balls using a rig constructed with a maritime feel: proper ship’s blocks and hempex lines secured to a rail of belaying pins.

EMM Intern Brett Eckstrom teaches a lesson in mechanical advantage

The exhibit was designed to be easily portable, constructed and rigged by Museum volunteer docents, who also field tested it at Penn State Behrend’s Family STEM Night last month. Lesson plans and an assembly/safety manual were drafted by Museum Intern Brett Eckstrom, a PSU Behrend History Major in his junior year. Brett will also train museum docents to deliver the lesson this term.

EMM STEM team proudly debuts their hands-on exhibit (l to r, Ed Bolla, Brett Eckstrom, Rich Hall; not shown, Chris Laird and Linda Bolla)

In Other News...

So after mostly dodging the past several nor'easters, central PA got socked on the second day of spring. While other parts of the state have been hit with some of the earlier storms (and this one as well), Storm Toby was the Harrisburg area's first really serious brush with snow this winter. Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum posted some lovely after-storm photos (see below and visit their Facebook page for more).

Yellow Barn, Erisman House, and Tavern at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum (via FB)

As a suggested means of whiling away a snow day, Landis Valley also posted a chocolate cake recipe from the Landis Valley Cookbook (p. 86) and media assistant Shayla Carey posted her video of preparing the cake. Don't watch it if you're hungry!

Bushy Run Battlefield posted a time-lapse video of staff and volunteers changing the period uniform on a mannequin in the visitor center exhibit (watch below or on YouTube). Bushy Run had a very successful Charter Day, but is not actually open for the 2018 season until Wednesday, April 18. In the meantime, they are getting ready for visitors.

On this Day in History - March 23

STEM edition:

• 1857 - Elisha Otis installed the first modern passenger elevator in a public building.
• 1903 - The Wright brothers obtained an airplane patent.
• 1965 - America's first two-person space flight took off from Cape Kennedy with astronauts Virgil I. Grissom and John W. Young aboard. The craft was the Gemini 3.

That Reminds Me of a Story

Please be sure to check the March program page if you're looking for things to do this weekend on the Trails of History.

Handknit socks by Ruth M. Davis, American Red Cross volunteer in WWII
(PA Military Museum, MM99.18.2A-E)

Last week's post in honor of Women's History Month, prompted staff at the Pennsylvania Military Museum to remind me of one of my favorite stories. I mentioned in last week's post that we are working on new exhibits at the Military Museum that will include the evolving roles of women in the military. The exhibits will also explore the home front - the wartime roles of civilians and families in Pennsylvania as well as Pennsylvania industries.

Ruth McDaniel Davis was newly married when her husband went off to fight in World War II. She went to work for the USO and volunteered for the American Red Cross. Like many women and girls on the home front, she knitted hats, gloves, and socks for soldiers (I remember my grandmother talking about knitting socks during World War I). In the 1990s, while helping Ruth pack up her house, her son found a bag with knitting instructions, needles and yarn, one completed sock, and one still on double-pointed needles (see photo above). He asked his mother why she didn't finish the second sock--she replied, "The war ended." She put the socks aside and went about the business of post-war life. The socks, yarn, needles, and instructions are now part of the Military Museum collections and are exhibited periodically.

Ruth M. Davis, circa World War II (PA Military Museum, MM99.18)

Charter Day Recap

As you probably know, every year on the second Sunday in March, sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History mark the Commonwealth's birthday and celebrate the 1681 Charter that granted William Penn the land that became Pennsylvania. At The State Museum of Pennsylvania, the four-page original Charter goes on display for about a week and then returns to its special place in the Pennsylvania State Archives (see video of the Charter being brought out for exhibit). (The rest of the year, visitors to see a high-quality photographic reproduction of the Charter.) This year's "guest documents" were four Indian deeds by which land was given to William Penn and his heirs.

At Pennsbury Manor, 2018 marks the 300th anniversary of William Penn's death and staff will be particularly focused on Penn's legacy. For Charter Day, Pennsbury displayed a 1682 manuscript of "The Great Law," Pennsylvania's first governing document (read more in this Courier Times article.) The six-page manuscript will be on display through Tuesday, March 20, so there's time to stop by this weekend.

Two of six pages of William Penn's Great Law on exhibit at Pennsbury Manor for Charter Day 2018 (via FB)

Most sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History were open free of charge on March 11 for Charter Day. You can find photos on Facebook of activities at Bushy Run Battlefield, Conrad Weiser Homestead, Ephrata Cloister, Hope Lodge, and Joseph Priestley House (I'll add others as I find them or visit your favorite site on Facebook to check).

Bushy Run Battlefield was open on Charter Day for the first time in a number of years thanks to dedicated volunteers and a highly organized high school intern. More than 400 people enjoyed museum and battlefield tours as well as (depending on their ages and interests) children's activities and samples from Bushy Run Winery (photo Bushy Run Battlefield)

Change of Seasons

The October program page has info on events coming up this weekend and beyond.

Despite recent weather that has alternated between fall and summer, there are actually a few signs of impending winter on the Trails of History. As we move into late fall, we see evidence of the passing year as some sites prepare for cold weather and/or reduced hours.

The Olin engine at Drake Well Museum and Park powers oil field equipment on the museum grounds. It will start its long winter's nap on Oct. 23. (photo Drake Well Museum)

At Drake Well Museum and Park, the oil field machinery on the grounds operates from late spring to late fall. This coming Sunday, Oct. 22, is the last day of the year that the Replica (of Col. Drake's oil derrick) and the Olin engine will be running. The site remains open throughout the year, so there's plenty to see. Weather permitting, Engine Start-Up is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2018.

It is also worth noting that some sites are closed to the public during the winter, except by appointment or for special events. Bushy Run Battlefield wraps up its regular visitation season on Sunday, Oct. 29, although there are a couple of special events planned in November and December. Joseph Priestley House will finish its 2017 season on Sunday, Nov. 19, and remain closed (with the exception of their Twelfth Night program in January) until Charter Day (March 11, 2018). There will be some other winter closings that kick in after the new year, but we'll update you on that later.

Frequent guest blogger Linda Bolla from the Erie Maritime Museum sent along this update about the U.S. Brig Niagara's preparations for winter:

Niagara crew using block and tackle to lower the fore topgallant mast (photo L. Bolla)

"Looking back on the past two weeks, Niagara rigging down for the winter offers some interesting contrasts. On one hand, we’ve had many opportunities to witness work being done as it might have been 200 years ago, using muscle and mechanical advantage (see above). Upper masts were sent down with the aid of the capstan, and block and tackle. Less than two weeks later, that same capstan, along with anchors, deck boxes and the main mast, was removed using a modern heavy crane (below)."

Crane used to remove main mast (photo Marcus Masternak)

"All work stopped, however, as U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Charles Bays was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in a brief ceremony onboard Niagara on October 6th." (photo L Bolla)

Not Unlucky At All

Check the October program page for info on upcoming events!

So, this is the first Friday the 13th we've had since January - some years we have more, but this year, just the two. And not another one until April. So, could be worse, I guess. Easy for me to say.

Fall programming is continuing apace and sites are sharing photos and info, so I've selected some to pass along.

Bushy Run Battlefield (via Facebook)

Bushy Run Battlefield's museum facilitator reports: "Our Fall Nature Walk [Sept. 30] was a large success with about 30 adults and children joining our volunteers Bob Learzaf and Dave Browning for a walk through the woods and trails. Bob and Dave took them on a two-hour walk and identified many of the native plants we have at Bushy Run." The sold-out Fall Tea last weekend featured a talk on colonial herbal practices by Lori Lazar of Hedge Witch Apothecary (photos on FB). And due to high demand, the Haunted History Hayride on Oct. 21 has already sold out for this year. Although the site closes Oct. 29 for regular visitation (reopening in the spring), there are still two special events on the schedule (check Facebook page for details).

The indomitable Bill Stumpf (top) as Charles Leonard, Lee Deeter and Gavin Griffin (bottom) as teamsters at Historic Pithole City's Lantern Tours (photos from Drake Well Museum)

I also heard from Sarah Goodman and Sheri Hamilton at Drake Well Museum with an update on last weekend's Lantern Tour event at Historic Pithole City. Sarah reports that more than "500 visitors encountered different petroleum history characters and listened to their colorful stories about Historic Pithole City. The evening was amazing with the Harvest Moon rising over the grounds and illuminating the spirits. Visitors also enjoyed listening to period music and seasonal refreshments while awaiting their tour." Sheri added: "Everyone enjoyed themselves, even the staff!" Congrats on another great program.

Wildflowers and fall foliage at PA Lumber Museum (via Facebook)

The Fall Antiques and Collectibles Show at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum last weekend drew enthusiastic shoppers as well as folks who wanted to see the sawmill in action and explore the history of logging and forestry. The museum and grounds are also a wonderful venue for taking in the colors of autumn. (More photos on the museum's Facebook page.) This Sunday, the PA Lumber Museum Associates (PALMA) will hold their annual meeting and enjoy a program looking back at the history of the museum.

Looking ahead...

PHMC and the Pennsylvania Historical Association have announced application details for the Scholars in Residence Program, which provides support for full-time research and study in the manuscript and state record collections maintained by the Pennsylvania State Archives. Residency programs are open to anyone researching Pennsylvania history, including academic scholars, public sector professionals, independent scholars, graduate students, educators, writers, filmmakers and others. Residencies may be scheduled for up to four weeks between June 15, 2018, and August 15, 2018. Stipends will be awarded. Please visit the PA State Archives Scholars in Residence page for complete details on how to apply. The deadline for applications is Feb. 15, with notifications going out in April.

This weekend marks the beginning of a 4-part "Vietnam Lecture Series" at the Pennsylvania Military Museum. Speakers will include historians and veterans, providing a variety of perspectives on the Vietnam War. All lectures take place from 2 to 4 pm in the museum auditorium. There is no charge for the lectures, although regular admission rates apply to visit the exhibits.

• Oct. 15: "Introduction" (description and speaker info)
• Oct. 22: "The Air War" (description and speaker info)
• Oct. 29: "Americans in Battle" (description and speaker info)
• Nov. 5: "POWs" (description and speaker info)

On and Off the Trails Again

Please visit the August programs page to find info about events on the Trails of History.

There is no discernible theme to this week's post (shocking), so don't try to find one. On the other hand - if you do try, and you do find one, feel free to let me know in the comments! Otherwise, enjoy the stroll and enjoy the weekend.

Last week, Joseph Priestley House hosted their annual Oxygen Day event commemorating Dr. Priestley's scientific work on the isolation of the gas we call oxygen (he called it "dephlogysticated air"). In addition, the Friends of Joseph Priestley House invited descendants of Joseph and Mary Priestley to visit, providing behind the scenes tour of the home and Priestley-related sights in and around Northumberland (read more on the JPH website). Reporter Suzanne Goldklang of WNEP-TV covered the event and spoke with some of the descendants, including a teenage boy whose family recently discovered their connection to the Priestley family. (If the embedded video below does not play, you can find it on WNEP's website.)

Graeme Park shared this photo of Erin Agnew and participants in hearth cooking class on Sunday, Aug. 6 (via Facebook)

The first of four hearth cooking classes, "Let Food Be Thy Medicine," was offered at Graeme Park this past Sunday (to see other photos visit Graeme Park's Facebook page). It's not too late to sign up for the remaining three (discounts offered for members and for multiple classes). Online registration is available.

Col. Henry Bouquet (right) talks with colonials (photo Bushy Run Battlefield)

Bushy Run Battlefield commemorated the Battle of Bushy Run (Aug. 5-6, 1763) last weekend with their annual two-day reenactment. So that visitors can get the full scope of the history in one day, they always reenact the action of August 5 on Saturday morning and August 6 in the afternoon (then repeat on Sunday). An epic effort by Bushy Run board, staff, and volunteers along with all the reenactors who take part presenting British, colonial, and Native American forces. Museum facilitator Colleen Madore shared some photos with me (one of them is above) and there are more photos and video on Bushy Run's Facebook page.

This year's participants in Boot Camp for Kids, PA Military Museum (via Facebook)

Last weekend was also the annual Boot Camp for Kids event at the Pennsylvania Military Museum, which provides boys and girls ages 8 to 13 with a taste of military training, teamwork, and rations, under the instruction of staff and volunteers with prior military experience. More photos are available on PMM's Facebook page. (I'm not sure I shared a link to images from last month's VIETNAM Revisited living history program, which you can also find on Facebook.)

First step in linen production: pull up the flax plants (via Landis Valley Facebook page) 

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum shared some photos of Heirloom Seed Project staff and volunteers pulling and bundling flax plants that are now ready to be turned into linen at Colonial Williamsburg (close ups of the bundles on FB).

If you get a chance, catch "2017 Eclipse Across America" at the State Museum Planetarium between now and August 20 for a good overview of how eclipses work and what to expect from the one coming up on Aug. 21. If you haven't already gotten eclipse viewing glasses from a reputable dealer, you may have to improvise (here in PA, we'll get a 75-80% partial eclipse, which requires eye protection the entire duration).

A few links from off the trails...

• 5 Times Kids Corrected Museums, via Mental Floss
• National Archives has a new digital catalog of "famous faces in the military" featuring military records and photos of "people of exceptional prominence"
• My favorite indie bookstore shared Open Culture's post (from last year) about the Univ. of Florida's Baldwin Library of Historical Children's Literature, now available digitized and free to read online
• and finally, Wednesday was #InternationalCatDay, and @MuseumWeek compiled some of the best tweets from museums and archives