Back to School!

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum posted this image to mark the beginning of the school year (photo via LVV&FM Facebook page)

Even those of us who have not had a first day of school in a veeerrry long time (ahem!) get a certain nostalgia at the beginning of a new school year. Or is it just me? Recently, I was cleaning out a pantry cupboard and found some brand new colored pencils and crayons, and let me tell you, I got a little bit of a thrill. To everyone experiencing back-to-school first hand, whether as a student, teacher, or family member, I will echo Landis Valley's graphic and wish you a great year. For those not experiencing it first hand, I will wish you a new box of crayons for that sensory throwback moment.

In other scheduling news, please note that most Trails of History sites will be closed on Monday, September 4, for Labor Day. And breaking news is that most will be closing early this afternoon (Friday, Sept. 1) as well, but will be open their regular hours on Saturday and Sunday. The list below has events coming up this weekend and in the week ahead, plus others a bit further out that require or provide advance ticketing. I hope you find something you'll enjoy.

Up Next

Today, September 1

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab for a reading of We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. Learn more about the Tyrannosaurus rex and create your own T-rex to take home. For kids age 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime).

• History Storytime (in-person); 11 am-Noon; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The first Friday of each month will feature a different history topic with a related craft activity. Designed for preschool and kindergarten ages (Boone Homestead Storytime info).

Sunday, September 3

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Our blacksmiths, joyners, and spinners will be eager to talk to you about their work and its importance during Penn's time. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades program info).

• Concert (in-person); 5-7 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• The Broken Spokes (Chris La Rose and Doug Madenford) will present a concert of Americana music (including PA Dutch material) mixed with humor and storytelling. Admission and parking are free; donations are welcome(The Broken Spokes concert info).

Tuesday, September 5

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Sept. 5 Sensory Hours).

Friday, September 8

• Mountain Craft Days (in-person); Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 am-5 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Traditional crafts, country food, music, and children's activities in a beautiful woodland setting. Events run 10 am-5 pm each day. General admission, $9; children 6 to 17, $5 (Mountain Craft Days info).

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab to learn about density - can you discover what will sink and what will float? For kids in grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so sign up at the front desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• 13th Annual Crush&Brew (in-person); Saturday, Sept. 9, 5-8 pm; Old Economy Village
• Old Economy hosts this Ambridge Historic District event that features wine and beer tastings, food trucks, tours of the Harmonist Wine Cellar, and live music. Ticket includes a $10 food voucher and admission to after parties at several local businesses. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door.

• Lagers & Lumberjacks (in-person); Saturday, Sept. 16, 4-7 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Semi-professional competitors will take on six timbersport events. Logyard Brewing will have samples and local food trucks will have tasty eats. Even try your hand at axe throwing. You must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event. Tickets are $12 in advance ($8 for designated driver) and $15 at the door ($10 for designated driver). Member discounts available (Lagers & Lumberjacks info and tickets). Rumor has it that tickets are going fast, so you might not want to wait.

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Sept. 19, 9-11 am, and Tuesday, Oct. 3, 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Oct. 3, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Sept. 19 Sensory Hours and tickets for Oct. 3 Sensory Hours).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Sept. 22, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join Amy Hammond, Fine Arts Curator and "Art of the State" Project Director at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, as she discusses the "Art of the State 2023" exhibit. Program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

• Garden Railways Tour (in-person); Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Tickets are on sale now for the 16th annual tour of garden railways located at five sites in Lancaster and York Counties. Cost is $10 for ages 6 and up. Tickets available via Eventbrite or at the Whistle Stop Shop at the museum.

• Workshops in Archaeology 2023 (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 am-5 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This year's theme is Discovering the Past: The Sciences of Archaeology. Sessions will feature experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C14 dating, GPR survey, geoarchaeology, and more. Please join us as we explore how these specialized analyses are conducted and how the results enhance our understanding of the environmental and human past. Early registration by Oct. 20 is $25; discounts available. Registration at the door is $35 (no discounts). Bagged lunches, available for $8.50, must be ordered by Oct. 20 (Workshops in Archaeology info and registration).

Labor Day Weekend

A rainbow in the sky above Conrad Weiser Homestead (photo David Sonnen via CWH Facebook page)

I hope your summer has been what you hoped it would be. Although it will still be "officially" summer until September 22, and although Daylight Saving Time runs into November, Labor Day always feels like a bookend to me. The days feel shorter - that is, mornings are darker - and it just seems like summer is done. (It's of course all much more complicated than that, as The State Museum explained earlier this week.)

There's still plenty to do on the Trails of History, whatever season it is or feels like. A word about Labor Day, September 5. Fort Pitt Museum and Pennsylvania Lumber Museum are open, but the other Trails of History sites will be closed. As you probably know, some sites are surrounded by parks and have dawn-to-dusk hours, so if you're looking for places to enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check us out.

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.

Friday, September 2

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read Because of an Acorn by Lola and Adam Schaefer and make an acorn art project. For kids age 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (SMOP StoryTime info).

Saturday, September 3

• Community Yard Sale (in-person); 9 am-4 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Vendors will be set up near the museum entrance along U.S. Route 6 (Yard Sale info).

• Lafayette's Birthday (in-person); 12:30-1 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Come wish a happy birthday to the Marquis de Lafayette. Site is open 10 am-4 pm with a short celebration at 12:30. Included in regular admission (Lafayette's Birthday info).

Sunday, September 4

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Our historic trades demonstrators will be eager to talk as they showcase their skills. Don't miss the "Dreams of Freedom" quilt exhibit in the Crozier House. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades info).

Tuesday, September 6

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light and noise levels will be reduced, attendance will be lower, and there will be some quiet spaces in the galleries when you want a break. Several of the historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (Sensory Hours Sept. 6 tickets).

Wednesday, September 7

• Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about the history of amusement parks in PA and our state's role in many innovations, including the first roller coaster. For kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info).

Thursday, September 8

• PA Geography with the Giant Map (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Test your geography skills walking across PA on the giant map. Included in regular admission (Giant Map info).

• Virtual Ephrata Academy; 7-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• This month's Virtual Academy features the real Ephrata Academy and education in the Ephrata community. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Virtual Ephrata Academy info and registration).

Friday, September 9

• Mountain Craft Days (in-person); today through Sunday, 10 am-5 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• More than 125 craft booths and a dozen outdoor performance venues (not to mention food vendors) dot the grounds of the SHC for three days. Free on-site parking (or free shuttle if weather messes with the fields). Tickets are $9 for age 18 and up, $5 for age 6-17 (Mountain Craft Days info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us as we talk to Jeremy Banfield, Elk Biologist from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, to learn more about history of the elk reintroduction and the management of Pennsylvania’s current elk population. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• 12th Annual Crush & Brew (in-person); Sat., Sept. 10, 5-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• Wine & beer from local breweries, home brews, and more, as well as food trucks and live music. Event is presented in cooperation with the Ambridge Historic District. Tickets are $30, which includes tasting glass, a food voucher, and admission to the off-site afterparty (Crush & Brew info and tickets).

• Sensory Friendly Visit; Wed., Sept. 14, 10 am-3 pm, and Sun., Sept. 18, 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
• Background effects in the gallery will be turned off and the orientation film's volume will be reduced (captions always enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Please sign up for a timeslot in advance; you can pay when you arrive (visit PMM website and select your date and time).

• Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day; Sat., Sept. 17, hours vary; several Trails of History sites participating
• Download a ticket good for two admissions to a participating site - you can only choose one museum for Museum Day free tickets
• Ephrata Cloister
• PA Lumber Museum
• Railroad Museum of PA

• Colonial Tavern Night (in-person); Sat., Sept. 17, 6-9 pm; Hope Lodge
• An evening of local brews from Round Guys Brewery, food, music, and history to support the site and its programs. General admission is $60 per person; must be 21 or older to attend. Advance tickets are required (Eventbrite site for Tavern Night tickets).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Sept. 20, 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Reduced noise, light, and attendance plus quiet spaces when you want a break. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about several of the historic trains open for visitors. Advance tickets required (Sensory Hours Sept. 20 tickets).

• Fall Nature Walk (in-person); Sat., Sept. 24, 10 am-noon; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about the plants and animals of western PA on this naturalist-guided walk. Pre-registration is required, but you can pay for your tickets at the door (Nature Walk info and registration).

• Wine & Paint Night (in-person); Sat., Oct. 1, 5-7 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• General admission tickets include wine sampling and hors d'oeuvres (designated driver tickets available). Ten people can purchase tickets for a private art lesson. Others are welcome to bring their canvasses and paints and set up on the grounds to paint in the evening light. Advance tickets only; must be at least 21 to attend (Paint Night info and tickets).

• Pithole Lantern Tours (in-person); Sat., Oct. 1, 6:30-9:30 pm; Historic Pithole City
• Nighttime tours against the backdrop of the remaining elements of this historic oil boomtown. There are some steep hills and rugged terrain, so please dress accordingly. Advance tickets are required and may be purchased online or at the Museum Store at Drake Well Museum & Park (Lantern Tour online tickets).

What a Week

Please be sure to check the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (in-person and virtual). I've included highlights below. The Trailheads Rec Room pages to the right of your screen offer an array of online content generated by Trails of History sites. Also, if you're looking for a Covid vaccine provider, check out Vaccines.gov and enter your zip code.

Please note that staff and volunteers at Commonwealth of PA worksites, including the PA Trails of History, are wearing masks while indoors. Visitors are encouraged, though not required, to do so as well.

The remnants of Hurricane Ida flooded the 28th Infantry Division Shrine at the PA Military Museum on Wed., Sept. 1 (PMM staff photo)

As I write this on Wednesday afternoon, heavy rain is falling in many parts of Pennsylvania and is expected to continue through tonight at least. Although the weather is expected to clear and be pretty lovely for the weekend, please be sure to check ahead with any Trails of History sites you plan to visit. They'll update their Facebook pages if there are weather-induced schedule changes. Likewise, if you're thinking of visiting on Labor Day (Sept. 6), please confirm that the site is open. Many sites are still on adjusted (from pre-Covid) schedules.

With that out of the way, here are a few bits and pieces I'd like to share. I hope you are safe and healthy and survived this week's weather unscathed. See you next week.

Members of Erie's Life Saving Service during a drill with their beach cart, supervised by a small black dog (posted for #InternationalDogDay)

The Erie Maritime Museum has "opened" a new virtual exhibit, "Surfmen of Erie, Pennsylvania," exploring the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Station in Erie. The exhibit features photos and archival materials from the Freeburg Collection, assembled by Anders Freeburg, who was assigned to the Erie station from 1904 to 1915.

Staff from the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation took a Trails of History road trip last week, visiting Daniel Boone Homestead, Cornwall Iron Furnace, Ephrata Cloister, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, and the Railroad Museum of PA over the course of a couple of days. They shared their trip via the PHF Facebook page. You can visit all those sites, too, and more with a PHF membership!

Before all the rain came, Ephrata posted video of a gray goose and a white goose feeding under an apple tree. I'm sure there are more specific names for them, that's all I've got. Please leave a comment if you know what they are. You can hear other birds calling on the video, but I don't want to guess what those are either. Here ends today's ornithology lesson.

Upcoming Events (virtual and in-person)

Today, September 3

• StoryTime (in-person): this month's book is "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt, The State Museum of PA, 10:30-11:30 am, designed for kids age 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission (StoryTime info)
• Artists Conversations (in-person & virtual): fine arts curator Amy Hammond will talk with several artists about how Covid-19 has affected their work, The State Museum of PA, 12:15-12:45 pm, included in regular admission or tune in via Zoom (info and Zoom registration).

Saturday, September 4

• Community Yard Sale (in-person): vendors will be located near the museum entrance along Route 6, PA Lumber Museum, 9 am-4 pm (Yard Sale info)

Sunday, September 5

• Online Benefit Auction (virtual): preview week today through Sept. 11, online bidding takes place Sept. 12-18, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (auction info)
• Historic Trades (in-person): demonstrators are eager to talk with you as they showcase their skills, Pennsbury Manor, 1-4 pm, included in regular admission (Pennsbury info)
• UPDATE 9/5/21 CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER Patriotic Concert (in-person): bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music (buildings will not be open), Conrad Weiser Homestead, 5-6 pm (concert info)

Wednesday, September 8

• Explore! (in-person): kids in grades 3 to 5 are invited to learn about the history of communication, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, included in regular admission (Explore info)

Thursday, September 9

• Curiosity Kids (in-person): learn how lanterns light up the night and make your own decoupage lantern, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, geared for kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission (Curiosity Kids info)
• Exhibit opens (in-person): "Witness to History: Col. Paul Evanko's 9/11 Field Notes," The State Museum of PA, today through January 2, 2022 during regular hours (exhibit info)
• JUST ADDED: Ephrata Virtual Academy: this month's program features Cornwall Iron Furnace, Ephrata Cloister, 7-8 pm (Ephrata link for Zoom registration)

Welcome to September

Be sure to check out the September program page for upcoming online programs. The Trailheads Rec Room (to the right of your screen) has samples of online offerings available anytime day or night.

Well, campers, this week got away from me, so today's post is even more random than usual. I hear some of you asking, "How is that possible?" Trust me, I have not yet reached my limits on randomness. Buckle up! Oh, and please celebrate responsibly on Labor Day. I know you will.

An Imperial Moth photographed at Daniel Boone Homestead (photo via Facebook)

In honor of National Wildlife Day, here's a nature photo taken at Daniel Boone Homestead (they regularly post on #WildlifeWednesdays). According to the info posted, this "imperial moth of the family Saturniidae is one of our largest and most spectacular moths with a wingspan reaching up to seven inches. As with most moths the adult imperial moth is largely nocturnal but can be spied resting on trees, rocks or vegetation during the daytime. This example was spotted in a grassy area near the North Picinic Area." Although the historic buildings and visitor center at the site are closed, outdoor areas at Daniel Boone Homestead (and other sites on the Trails of History) are open for visitors during posted hours.

Trenches alongside the Frederick Rapp House at Old Economy Village for the installation of pipelines as part of a large preservation project (photo via Facebook)

Major building and collections preservation projects continue on the Trails of History. At Old Economy Village (see above) the work includes pipeline installation at the Frederick Rapp House and a new roof on the Feast Hall (visit Old Economy's Facebook page for additional photos of the ongoing work. At Cornwall Iron Furnace (see below) a stationary steam engine is undergoing needed restoration work. According to Cornwall's Facebook page, the work includes "cleaning the engine, fabrication and installation of missing oil cups, and repairs to the masonry and wooden base." The engine dates from the late 1850s but has had some modifications over the years. (You can hear site administrator Mike Emery talk about preservation and Cornwall history on a recent edition of the Practical Preservation Podcast.)

1850s steam engine at Cornwall Iron Furnace, prepped for restoration (photo via Facebook)

Exhibit of artifacts related to the U.S. Army Signal Corps' use of pigeons to carry messages (photo via Facebook)

The staff at the Pennsylvania Military Museum have been using Facebook and their blog to share all kinds of interesting artifacts and stories from the collection. With a new season upon us, they're looking for input on what their readers might be interested in. They've posted on Facebook with room in the comments to suggest ideas or ask questions.

Labor Day Weekend is Here

The info below will take you through Sept. 5 and show you which sites are scheduled to be open on Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day. The full September program page does the rest.

Visit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum on Sunday, Sept. 1, to see works painted on site (details below)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Brandywine Battlefield
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Sept. 1: Ringgold Band Concert—bring your lawn chairs and find your spot for a rousing end-of-summer performance (learn more about the Ringgold Band). If you're a veteran, please arrive early and sign in so that your name can be read at intermission (more info on the Facebook event page). 5 pm.

Worker photo via Cornwall Iron Furnace Facebook page

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Drake Well Museum
Aug. 31: Something More Saturday—the last Saturday of each month, Drake Well offers something extra with regular admission. Today, it's guided tours of the outdoor exhibits at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Site open 10 am-3 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Ephrata Cloister
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.
UPDATE Sept. 4: Site closed 9 am-1 pm—due to a scheduled power outage, the museum and ship will be closed to the public Wednesday morning, Sept. 4. Check the Erie Maritime Museum Facebook page for updates and changes.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on this month's programs and events. The museum will be open on Labor Day.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Sept. 1: Plein Air Sunday: A Celebration of Traditional Craft—visit the Yellow Barn and the Millstone Grove to see and buy the work of artists and craftspeople; featured will be artwork created en plein air (in the outdoors) at Landis Valley (see Facebook event for details and updates). Tour the museum grounds and enjoy lively music and children's art activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. This event is in partnership with the PA Guild of Craftsmen. Noon-5 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Pennsbury Manor
Sept. 1: Sunday programming—meet the joyners, smiths, and spinners to learn about their work. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Via PA Lumber Museum Facebook page

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Aug. 30: Entry deadline—today is the last day to enter the "Hooked on Science Art Contest," part of northcentral PA's Hometown Science Series and Festival. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
Aug. 31: Community Yard Sale—this takes place at the Route 6 entrance to the museum. If you're interested in reserving a space, call Bob at 814/435-2652.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Via Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Facebook page

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of shows.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Archaeology at Kipona Fest—staff and volunteers from the museum's Section of Archaeology will be on Harrisburg's City Island during the annual Labor Day weekend festival (details on the museum website).

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for information on programs and events. The site will be open on Labor Day.

PA Trails of History Events, August 23-September 5

This week's post wraps up the month of August and gives you a taste of September, including sites scheduled to open on Sept. 2 for Labor Day. The full September program page will be is now available next week.

Erie Maritime Museum, U.S. Brig Niagara, and Lettie G. Howard host Tall Ships Erie 2019 through Sunday, Aug. 25 - see listing below for details (photo AKF)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Brandywine Battlefield
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Aug. 24: Bushy Run Market—it's the 4th Saturday of the month, so that means a variety of vendors will be on site for your shopping enjoyment (more info on the website). Free for visitors and vendors. 8 am-noon.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Sept. 1: Ringgold Band Concert—bring your lawn chairs and find your spot for a rousing end-of-summer performance (learn more about the Ringgold Band). 5 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Aug. 28: Sawmill Operation Days—subject to staff availability, there will be demonstrations of the site’s water-powered sawmill at 11 am and 2 pm.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History's "Spinosaurus Encounter" shown here at 2017 Drake Day event

Drake Well Museum
Aug. 24: Drake Day—this year's theme, "Let's Rock," explores the origins of oil with a rock climbing wall and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History's "Spinosaurus Encounter!" (more info on Facebook event page). Admission charged. Noon-4 pm.
Aug. 24-25, 31: Historic Pithole Open—the visitor center will be open, so enjoy the orientation film and the excellent diorama that shows the town in its heyday. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.
Aug. 31: Something More Saturday—the last Saturday of each month, Drake Well offers something extra with regular admission. Today, it's guided tours. 10 am-3 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Aug. 24: Back to School at Eckley—explore the village, visit the buildings, and take part in hands-on activities and a scavenger hunt as you go. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Ephrata Cloister
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Thursday-Saturday through Aug. 31: Experience History – Rolling Cart Series—the new rolling cart program presents maritime-themed activities for visitors or all ages. Find out what’s in a sailor’s seabag, learn about the busy life of a lighthouse keeper, build your own warship and more! Included with Museum admission. Stay tuned to Erie Maritime Museum’s social media accounts (such as Facebook) for more information and weekly schedules.
Through Aug. 25: Tall Ships® Erie—this is a huge event with 14 ships, sailing excursions, entertainment, and more. Find details (on the website or the Facebook event page. You may also want to check out some advice before visiting. Schedule varies by day.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.
UPDATE Sept. 4: Site closed 9 am-1 pm—due to a scheduled power outage, the museum and ship will be closed to the public Wednesday morning, Sept. 4. Check the Erie Maritime Museum Facebook page for updates and changes.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on this month's programs and events. The museum will be open on Labor Day.

Hope Lodge
Aug. 25, Sept. 1: Site open—enjoy the grounds and take a guided tour of the mansion. Admission charged. 1-4 pm (tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm). UPDATE: Site will be closed on Sept. 1.

Painted wood graining is one of two workshops coming up this weekend at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (photo via Facebook)

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Aug. 24: Workshop—Landis Valley offers a variety of craft workshops for adults throughout the year. See the list and find out how to register on the website. Costs and times vary.
Sept. 1: Plein Air Sunday: A Celebration of Traditional Craft—visit the Yellow Barn and the Millstone Grove to see and buy the work of artists and craftspeople; featured will be artwork created en plein air (in the outdoors) at Landis Valley (see Facebook event for details and updates). Tour the museum grounds and enjoy lively music and children's art activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. This event is in partnership with the PA Guild of Craftsmen. Noon-5 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Pennsbury Manor
Aug. 25, Sept. 1: Sunday programming—8/25, Beer Brewing and Garden Highlights. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Aug. 30: Entry deadline—today is the last day to enter the "Hooked on Science Art Contest," part of northcentral PA's Hometown Science Series and Festival. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
Aug. 31: Community Yard Sale—this takes place at the Route 6 entrance to the museum. If you're interested in reserving a space, call Bob at 814/435-2652.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Art of the State 2019 runs through Sept. 8 at The State Museum of Pennsylvania (photo via Facebook)

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of shows.
Aug. 23: Summer Fridays (last one of the year)—general admission is "pay as you wish" on Fridays, 9 am to 5 pm. Curiosity Connection will have free timed tickets available. Art docents will be on hand in the Art of the State exhibit from 11 am to 1 pm. Regular fees apply for planetarium shows. From 12:15 to 12:45 pm, a Learn at Lunchtime program will be offered (check website for specifics).
Aug. 23: Stroller Tour—parents and caregivers of very young children (age 0-18 months or so) are invited to join curator Amy Hammond for a half-hour tour of the Art of the State exhibit. Strollers and front carriers are welcome, and no one will flinch if babies cry or get fussy while the adults talk about art. Included in general admission. 10:30-11 am.
UPDATE Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Archaeology at Kipona Fest—staff and volunteers from the museum's Section of Archaeology will be on Harrisburg's City Island during the annual Labor Day weekend festival (details on the museum website).

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for information on programs and events. The site will be open on Labor Day.

Catching Up

Please see last week's post for info on events coming up this weekend. If you're planning further ahead, the September program page has what you need.

Before I launch us into a selection of items that have come across my screen recently, I wanted to share some info related to the recent devastating fire at the National Museum of Brazil. Among the many responses coming from the spectrum that is the international museum community, the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums reposted a note from the Council of Museum Anthropology's Facebook page. If you (or someone you know) has ever visited the museum in Rio and took any photos (the irony here should not escape any of us), there is an initiative to create a visual archive of visitor photos. You can email photos to: thg.museo@gmail.com, lusantosmuseo@gmail.com, or isabelasfrreitas@gmail.com.

Looking Back at Labor Day

"A View of Ewen Breaker..." in South Pittston, PA, circa 1911 (photo by Lewis W. Hine, in collection of Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01127)

An article in the Washington Post on Sept. 2 featured photographer Lewis Wickes Hine and the impact of his work on ending industrial child labor in the 20th century (read article online). Hine photographed work settings in various parts of the U.S., including the anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania. Many of his photos can be found in the National Child Labor Committee collection at the Library of Congress. Learn more about breaker boys, coal miners, and mining communities by visiting the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Eckley Miners' Village on the PA Trails of History.

The Daily Antiquarian posted a history of Labor Day on their Facebook page and featured photos from several Trails of History sites, including Old Economy Village and Ephrata Cloister. It's a reminder that while some of our sites are focused on industrial labor (see industrial heritage trail), all of our sites interpret work in some form, be it domestic (see program at Conrad Weiser Homestead below), agricultural, or scientific, to name a few.

Pictures, pictures, pictures

The October 2018 issue of Early American Life has a beautiful photo of the Walter's Mill Covered Bridge at Somerset Historical Center by Ron Bruner (see it here on Facebook). This weekend (Sept. 7-9) you can see it in person and enjoy a vast array of craft demonstrations, entertainment, and regional foods at SHC's annual Mountain Craft Days festival (info here).

Old Economy Village plays a leading role in a new video from Beaver County Tourism that promotes the Ambridge Historic District (see below).

Staff of the Pennsylvania Military Museum hosted history classes from Penn State Altoona this summer, providing an insider's tour (literally) of a Sherman tank as well as hands-on experience with artifacts from the museum's collection (article from PSU Altoona website includes more details and photos of the visit).

Photographer Curt Weinhold, who works closely with the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, posted a night sky image taken from the logging camp exhibit on the museum grounds. Potter County, where the museum is located, is known for its dark skies, and Curt is well-known for his night sky photography.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum

This year's "Ice Cream Sunday" event at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum (Sept. 2) was expanded into a fine art and fine craft event (with ice cream) through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. There are loads of beautiful photos on LVM's Facebook page and Jennifer MacNeill Photography shared a gorgeous bunch more. Enjoy (you'll have to supply your own ice cream)!

On the Trails of History, Sept. 1-13

Many PA Trails of History sites will be open on Monday, Sept. 3, for Labor Day (noted below). The full listing of September programs is available.

View of the Saal (meetinghouse) from upper floor of the Sisters' House at Ephrata Cloister (photo AKF)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Sept. 1: Museum Night at the Ballpark—watch the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders take on the Pawtucket Red Sox, remember The Office (maybe get a bobblehead), and help support the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces. More info is on the museum website. Game time is 7:05 pm.
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.

Brandywine Battlefield
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.
Sept. 9: Afternoon Lecture Series—check the website for details.
Sept. 11: Remembrance Day—the annual ceremony commemorating the Battle of Brandywine, Sept. 11, 1777, and the events of Sept. 11, 2001, will be held. Event is free. 6-7 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Sept. 8: General Meeting and Lecture—Serena Pape will present a program on West Overton Village, birthplace of Henry Clay Frick, exploring the history of the site as well as its current museum and other activities. Cost is $5 (free for members). 1 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
UPDATE Sept. 1-2: Site open and Patriotic Concert—the site will be open Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Also on Sunday, the rescheduled Ringgold Band concert (free of charge) will take place at 5 pm.
Sept. 9: Living History Sunday—historical reenactors help bring the site and its history to life; today's theme is women's domestic activities. Guided tours offered. Noon-4 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.

Drake Well Museum and Park
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.

Eckley Miners' Village
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.

Ephrata Cloister
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.
Sept. 6: Student Historians Informational Meeting—students aged 14 and up and their parents are invited to learn more about Ephrata Cloister's Student Historian program. This after-school club (meets Thursdays 3:30-5 pm) invites young people to gain community service experience while engaging in a variety of activities at the historic site. Register for the informational meeting by calling 717/733-6600.
Sept. 8: Ephrata Cloister Upstairs—a chance to view the upper floors of the 1743 Sisters' House, which are generally not open to visitors. Stairs are narrow and steep and may not be suitable for all visitors. Tickets are limited and advance registrations are encouraged; call the site at 717/733-6600. Cost per person is regular admission plus $15. 10 am-3 pm.
Sept. 10-11: Closed for maintenance—the site is schedule to be closed for maintenance on Monday, Sept. 10. Sept. 11 is the rain date for the maintenance project. If you plan to visit on the 11th, please call ahead (717/733-6600) to make sure they are open.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.
Sept. 10: Commemoration of the Battle of Lake Erie—to mark the 205th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, a wreath laying ceremony and remarks will take place on the Outdoor Plaza of the Erie Maritime Museum. This year also is the 30th anniversary of the launch of the current incarnation of the U.S. Brig Niagara. Event is free and open to the public. 5:30 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please check the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on programs and events this month.

Graeme Park
Sept. 5: Life in William Penn's Woods—take a guided walk of the grounds to learn about the plants and trees there now and in the Graemes' time. Leashed dogs are welcome. Cost is $2 per person. 6-7 pm.

Hope Lodge
Sept. 9: Site open—enjoy the grounds and take a guided tour of the mansion. Admission charged. 1-4 pm (tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm). NOTE: site is closed for tours on Sun., Sept. 2.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
September 2: Ice Cream Sunday—enjoy a "Celebration of Fine Art & Fine Craft" with the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. The event is the culmination of a competition among artists and features judging of plein air artworks produced outdoors throughout the summer at the museum. Juried artists and craftspeople will also exhibit their pieces in the grove while lively music will play in the Firehouse. Free ice cream and wagon rides round out the event. (More details on the website.) Included in regular admission (free for members). Noon-5 pm.
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.

Old Economy Village
Sept. 13: Lecture—Jeffrey Snedden, freelance writer and historical researcher, will present a talk on life in Beaver County during World War I. Visitors will also have a chance to see OEV's exhibit on World War I. Free and open to the public. 7 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
Sept. 2 & 9: Special programming—Sept. 2, Historic Trades Day features joyners, blacksmiths, and spinners; Sept. 9, Living History Theater presents "New Colony, New Rules."Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Sept. 1: Community Yard Sale—bargain hunters traveling Route 6 will find vendors in the parking lot of the museum on Saturday. Interested vendors may contact the museum at 814/435-2652 to reserve a spot ($10 donation). 10 am-4 pm.
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Sept. 3: Labor Day—open regular hours, 10 am-5 pm. Guided tours at 11 am and 1 pm.
Sept. 8-9: Then & Now Living History Bivouac—explore a range of military uniforms and equipment from the 18th century to the present during this military timeline program. Battle dress uniform show and weapons demos at 1 pm each day. 10 am-4 pm. UPDATE 9/8: due to impending weather, the program is cancelled for 9/9.
Sept. 9: Friends' Lecture Series—Colonel Lewis Watt will present "Experiences of a Test Pilot." 2-3 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 3: Labor Day—site open, check website for hours.
Sept. 8-9: Railroad Heritage Days—explore the rich history of railroading through presentations, model train layouts, art and photography, and more. Included in regular admission. Sat., 9 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-5 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Sept. 7-9: Mountain Craft Days—since 1970, this event has brought together artisans and craftspeople of all types, and now includes children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, and great food (visit SHC's Facebook page for previews of all kinds of activities). Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for kids 6-17 (Friday school tours are $3 per student). 10 am-5 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please check the Planetarium page for program schedule.
Sept. 1-3: Archaeology at Kipona—staff from the museum's Section of Archaeology will be on Harrisburg's City Island to talk about excavations on the island. 10 am-6 pm each day.
Sept. 5-12: Mammal Hall closed—due to construction, Mammal Hall will be closed for a week. Later this month the museum will celebrate Mammal Hall's 50th birthday with a slew of activities (see calendar of events).
Sept. 5-25 (weekdays only): Archaeology at Fort Hunter—Section of Archaeology staff and volunteers will be at Fort Hunter (north of Harrisburg) for this season's excavations (more info on the website). The public is invited to stop by between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm on weekdays.
Sept. 7: StoryTime—this month's focus is spiders! Gather in Ecology Hall to read Walter's Wonderful Web by Tim Hopgood, play a fun spider web game, and make a spider web craft to take home. Designed for kids 3-5 years old with an adult. Included in general admission. 10-11 am.
Sept. 7 & 9: Art of the State activities—on Sept. 7, visit the Art of the State exhibit during a Learn at Lunchtime event; museum docents will provide tours of the exhibit starting at 12:15 pm. Included in general admission. On Sept. 9 (the last day of the Art of the State exhibit), the museum will participate in Harrisburg's Gallery Walk, which means general admission is free; an Artist Conversation program will be offered at 2 pm.
Sept. 13: Nature Lab program—learn about Pennsylvania Wild Canines, such as coyotes, red and gray foxes, and timber wolves. Designed for visitors age 7 and up. Included in general admission. 11:30 am.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit Washington Crossing's Calendar of Events page for info on park and historical programming.

Goodbye August, Hello September

The September program page has the info you need to plan your weekend. If you'll be on the Trails of History on Monday, please check the list of sites scheduled to be open for Labor Day.

We're not quite to fall yet, but we'll be there soon (Fall 2016 tree at Bushy Run Battlefield)

There's been lots of activity at Pennsbury Manor recently, judging from their Facebook page. They adopted two lambs and are currently accepting votes via Facebook on names for the pair (either "Sage and Lavender" or "Admiral and Lady"). They are also raising funds online to help pay for veterinary care for the lambs and other animals at Pennsbury (you can help by visiting their Crowdrise page). I also saw on Facebook that Pennsbury, in conjunction with its brewing program, offered a workshop last Sunday on making your own bitters (see photo below). The workshop sold out, but more are planned. Pennsbury's volunteer newsletter noted that the site has partnered with Waste Management to create a garden outside the gate to support several species of pollinators. Citizen scientists from the Pennsbury staff and volunteer corps are participating in an effort to monitor the monarch butterflies, bees, and other species over the summer; the efforts will continue through late October.

"Bitters, Blubs, and Brews" workshop at Pennsbury Manor Aug. 27 (via Facebook)

In other programming highlights, Eckley Miners' Village drew a crowd of 480 people on a Friday for a free day earlier this month. Thanks to funding from the Buncher Foundation they were able to offer transportation to the site from Hazleton in addition to waiving ticket fees that day. You can read more about it in an article from the Standard Speaker.

Drake Well Museum added a geology and paleontology component to their annual Drake Day celebration, marking the anniversary of Col. Drake's successful oil well. They shared photos on Facebook (including the one below).

Is that a dinosaur at Drake Well? (via Facebook)

Ephrata Cloister is looking for singers interested in adding their voices to the Ephrata Cloister Chorus, now in its 58th year. Founded in 1959, the chorus has performed selections from the 1,000 hymns and chorales composed by Conrad Beissel and others in the Ephrata community during the 1700s. In concerts across the eastern U.S. and in Europe, the group has also presented a variety of other classical and contemporary songs, including music from other early American religious communities and traditions. New singers of all vocal parts are invited to attend rehearsal on Sept. 5 or Sept. 12 to meet the director, Martin Hinkley, and get a sampling of this season's musical selections. If you'd like to take part, please call Ephrata Cloister at 717/733-6600 for additional information.

A few other items of interest...

• a recent article in The Telegraph describes a changing exhibit, "Priestley and Patronage," at Bowood House, the site of Dr. Joseph Priestley's "discovery" of oxygen (the article also provides a look at the history of the estate and its current development)
• the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center's upcoming genealogy conference will feature current and former PHMC staff as speakers: museum educators Michael Showalter (Ephrata Cloister) and Michael Emery (Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum) and former SHPO staff member Jerry Clouse
• if you're looking for opportunities to explore archival collections and help make them more accessible to others, the National Archives has an entire page of "Citizen Archivist" missions
• on a related note, due (at least in part) to the popularity of Hamilton: An American Musical, the Library of Congress has digitized its collection of Alexander Hamilton's papers so that more people can have access

Last Eclipse Post Until 2024

The August program page has info on events this weekend and next week (highlights below). The September page is available if you want to plan ahead (there's also a list of sites scheduled to open on Labor Day).

An intrepid photographer at Landis Valley managed to get this shot of the eclipse thru cloud cover (via Facebook)

So, eclipse fever is fading, but I think most of us will agree that it lived up to the hype. That's saying something in our full-of-hype lives. I was intrigued by the posts I saw on Facebook and Twitter with historical accounts of eclipses past and fascinated by the photos from friends and strangers along the path of totality or the path of partiality. It was fun to build my own pinhole projector out of a cereal box (thanks NASA and State Museum Planetarium for the instructions). It worked fairly well, too, with a little trial and error. It was even more fun to look through the eclipse glasses that the boss bought to share with staff. We passed them around among our office staff and then other agency staff and even just other folks out on the Keystone Building and Museum plaza. A shared experience and then back to work.

If you still have eclipse glasses and won't be using them again in the near future, Gizmodo reports that you can donate them to Astronomers Without Borders for reuse by kids in developing countries to view eclipses in 2019. Or you can donate money for them to buy new glasses, but they're using this opportunity to create a stockpile (read more about it).

Here are a couple more eclipse-related photos you may not have seen (or scroll down to see Trails of History events coming up this weekend).

Partial eclipse casts crescent shadows in Erie (photo by Linda Bolla)
Fun fact: Erie will be in the path of totality for the next solar eclipse visible in the US, in April 2024!

The floor of the Commonwealth Keystone Building atrium at max coverage (photo by AKF)

This weekend...
Drake Well Museum
Aug. 26: Something More Saturday—Today's event is "Drake Day - Let's Rock," commemorating the birth of the modern oil industry. Learn about fossils and rocks from paleontologists and geologists; you can even try the climbing wall. Admission charged. Noon-4 pm. (PLEASE NOTE: Historic Pithole will be closed on Saturday so that volunteers can be at Drake Well for Drake Day; Pithole will be open on Sunday.)

Old Economy Village
Aug. 26: Spotlight Saturday—glimpse life and work in the 19th century through demonstrations and tours - this week is woodworking and children's games. Included in regular admission, so please start at the Visitor Center. 11 am-4 pm (site open 10 am-5 pm).

Pennsbury Manor
Aug. 27: Meet Our Lambs—Pennsbury adopted two lambs earlier this month and they are now ready for their debut. You can admire their adorableness and vote on names for them (more info on Facebook). Plus lots of other stuff to see and do, as always. Included in regular admission. 12:30-5 pm.
Aug. 27: Bitters, Blubs & Brewing—visit with the gardeners and stop by the brew house to see what's up. Visitors age 21 and older who pre-register and pay the $20 fee can learn to make their own bitters Call 215/946-0400 to register. 2-4 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Aug. 25: Free Summer Friday and Learn at Lunchtime—general admission is free, 9 am to 5 pm (regular fees apply for the Planetarium). Curiosity Connection will have free timed tickets available. Today's Learn at Lunchtime is a special tour of the "Pennsylvania at War" exhibit, 12:15-12:45 pm.