Mid-Summer Snapshots

Ranunculus (buttercups) blooming in the logging camp at Pennsylvania Lumber Museum (photo via PLM Facebook page)

Here in the northern hemisphere, we've just passed the mid-point of summer (meteorologically speaking), and the gardens and landscapes on the Trails of History are in peak form. Sites have been posting photos, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites from the past week or so. Please check out the calendar below for programs but also remember that you don't need a special program to enjoy our sites. Pick one that's close to you and pay them a visit. I hope you have a great week.

Sunflowers in the garden at Graeme Park with the stone barn (visitor center) in the background (photo via GP Facebook page)

Ephrata Cloister's traditional German four-square garden with vegetables in the center beds and herbs around the fence line (photo via EC's Facebook page)

View of the barn (left) and blacksmith shop from inside the Boone House at Daniel Boone Homestead. A project to apply UV-filtering film to the Boone House windows was recently completed by PHMC staff (photo via DBH Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, July 21

• It's ALIVE! (or maybe not): Living and Non-Living Things (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Younger visitors are invited to explore living and non-living things and the properties that something needs to exhibit to be alive. Included in regular admission (Living & Non-Living Things program info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Geology Hall (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Get hands-on with the rocks and minerals of Pennsylvania. Learn about Pennsylvania’s landforms and resources. Meet on the 3rd Floor Balcony for this presentation. Included in regular admission (July 21 Geology Hall tour info).

Saturday, July 22

• Life Under the Canopy: The Vietnam War (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• 2023 closes the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Join museum staff and living history volunteers in our final event of the anniversary. Immerse yourself in the controversial conflict that defined the second half of the twentieth century; walk through a military camp and experience life on the front in Southeast Asia. Explore how conflict often falls on the shoulders of youth, changing the lives and perspectives of many young Americans in the 1960s and 1970s. Encampment is open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Regular admission rates apply to tour the Museum Gallery (Vietnam War program info).

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Hear a reading of Birds by Kevin Henkes, learn about the many colors of birds, and paint with bird feathers. For ages 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (State Museum StoryTime info).

• Explore PA Industry with the Giant Map (in-person); 1:30-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Travel across the Giant Map of Pennsylvania to discover the industries that shaped our state. Included in regular admission (PA industry program info).

Sunday, July 23

• Beer Brewing & Garden Highlights (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Explore and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the recipes and plants that fed the early residents of Pennsbury. Included in regular admission (Brewing & Gardens program info).

• Discovering Dioramas (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Observe how the art in the Mammal Hall dioramas blends light, color, and sculptural elements to capture a moment in time and connect with Pennsylvania mammals and wild places. Discover close looking and use your new knowledge and creativity to design your own paper diorama! Included in regular admission (Dioramas program info).

Tuesday, July 25

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's workshop is about preserving produce. Geared for ages 12 and up. Registration required - $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Call 215/946-0400 (July Garden Workshop info).

Wednesday, July 26

• State Symbol: Fossil (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• On December 5, 1988, the fossil of an extinct arthropod, Phacops rana, was chosen to represent the state of Pennsylvania. Now re-classified as the species Eldredgeops rana, this trilobite once dwelled in the water that covered Pennsylvania during the Cambrian period. Learn more about this fossil and make a “fossil” to take home. Included in regular admission (State Fossil program info).

• Giant Map of Pennsylvania (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Challenge your knowledge of the geography of Pennsylvania while exploring the giant map of the state. Included in regular admission (Giant map program info).

• Music on the Lawn (in-person); 7-8:30 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Rolf Sturm and Jenna Mammina will present an evening of jazz music on the lawn of the Joseph Priestley House (Music on the Lawn program info).

Thursday, July 27

• What's Cooking (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Visit the Summer Kitchen in Village Square to discover cooking in the early 1900s, featuring innovative items from the industrial revolution. Test your skills with hands-on tools and take home some period recipes. Included in regular admission (Summer Kitchen program info).

• Highlights Tour (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Pennsylvania is the only state named for both its people and the place, “Penn’s Woods.” Discover how this relationship of people and place shows throughout the history, art, and science of the Commonwealth with a tour of featured exhibits on each floor. Included in regular admission (Highlights Tour info).

Friday, July 28

• A Place for All Tour (in-person); 11:30 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover three stories of integration in Pennsylvania during the Civil Right movement. Hear the stories of the men and women whose courageous steps helped change our state. Included in regular admission (A Place for All Tour info).

• Returning the Wild to the Wilderness (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Thomas Keller, Furbearer Biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will share the history of wildlife loss within the Commonwealth, the legacy of rewilding, and the possibility of returning the American marten to the forests of the state. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Returning the Wild program info and registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Aug. 8, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Aug. 22, 9-11 am; 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. Advance tickets required (tickets for Aug. 8 Sensory Hours and tickets for Aug. 22 Sensory Hours).

• The Colemans and Martic Forge (hybrid); Tuesday, Aug. 8, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Jim Polczynski will present a program centered on the ownership of Martic Forge by three generations of the Coleman family (who also owned Cornwall Iron Furnace). You can attend the program in person at Freeman Hall, Cornwall Manor Retirement Community, or virtually via Zoom (Martic Forge lecture info and registration).

• Captain Vicary and Life in Beaver County (in-person); Wednesday, Aug. 16, 6-7:30 pm; Old Economy Village
• Brenda Applegate, executive director of the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation, will present a program based on the journal of Captain Vicary, a transplanted Philadelphia sea captain who settled in Beaver County as a gentleman farmer. The program will provide glimpses into everyday life in the county as well as Vicary's interactions with the Harmonists. The program is free, but registration is required (Captain Vicary lecture info and registration).

• The "Dead" of Summer (in-person); Saturday, Aug. 19, 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• Experience a reenactment of an early 20th-century seance focused on the period when many had lost loved ones to the 1918 flu pandemic or World War I and were susceptible to this form of entertainment. Tickets are limited and will be available online (Dead of Summer info and tickets).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); Saturday, Aug. 26, 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a private history tour of the outside tracked vehicles and discuss the history of armored vehicles with a preeminent local historian. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership. Please note that we will not be accessing the inside of the tracked vehicles, but we will walk outside on the grounds, so please dress for the weather with appropriate footwear (Exploring the Armor registration).

Summer Camp Programs (camps are in-person)

• Brandywine Battlefield Park (Brandywine camp info)
• Step Into the Past Week (grades 5-6), July 25-28, 9 am-2 pm

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

• Joseph Priestley House (Priestley House camp info)
• Summer History Camp (grades 1-6), July 26-28, 9 am-Noon

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

• PA Lumber Museum (Lumber Museum camp info)
• History Camp (ages 10-18), August 4-5, 9 am-2 pm

ICYMI: St. Patrick's Day on the Trails of History

Since this blog posts on Fridays (and is usually compiled by Wednesday), I wasn't able to share any of the St. Patrick's Day content that was posted by sites on the PA Trails of History. So in case you missed it, here are some of my favorites. Please don't forget to scroll down to see a list of upcoming events.



Image description: Front page of the March 17, 1936, edition of The Moore's Run Bugler, newsletter from CCC Camp S-134. A detailed line drawing of St. Patrick with flowing robe, bishop's miter, and crook takes up most of the page. There are snakes at St. Pat's feet and a castle in the background. The word "Bugler" is at the top of the page and "Saint Patricks Number" in script runs down the left side (PA Lumber Museum Facebook post). For a taste of PA Lumber Museum humor, see the March 17, 2021, entry in the curator's blog series "What chainsaw did that movie use?" featuring the 1995 horror film, Leprechaun 3.


Image description: Curator's Corner post shows the front of a St. Patrick's Day birthday card with shamrocks across the top and a poem that reads "Your Birthday is on St. Patrick's Day. Not only St. Patrick is honored, This day when honor is due, But we celebrate Somebody's birthday, A very nice somebody - you." The text of the post notes that "Got on Mar. 17, 1925" is written in pencil on the back (Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum Facebook post).


Image description: An 18th-century portrait of William West, third owner of Hope Lodge, who was born in County Sligo, Ireland. He is dressed in a dark suit with breeches, a waistcoat, and jacket; the cuffs and collar of a white shirt show at his wrist and neck. His hair is powdered or he is wearing a powdered wig. A young girl with brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gown stands at his knee (Hope Lodge Facebook post).


Image description: A 19th-century cream-colored pearlware teapot with three rows of green shamrocks painted on the side. The shape of the handle resembles an Irish harp. Text notes that the teapot was found, almost complete, in a trash pit excavated at a site in Philadelphia (State Museum of PA Facebook post with link to "This Week in Pennsylvania Archaeology" blog post dated March 18, 2022).

Up Next

Today, March 24

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Mark Hand, director, and Matt Reis, deputy director, will provide an overview of Pennsylvania's GreenGov Program and its climate goals for state agencies. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (3/24 Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Saturday, March 25

• PA Fossils (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am and 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn more about the fossils found in Pennsylvania and make a "fossil" to take home. Included in regular admission (Fossil program info).

Wednesday, March 29

• Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Come explore and experiment with magnets and discover their history, uses, and how they work. For grades 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (Explore! info).

Thursday, March 30

• Winter History Class (virtual); 9 am-noon; Ephrata Cloister
• This is the final class for 2023. Today's presentations are "The Gift of a Coat, Not Just Any Coat" with site administrator Elizabeth Bertheaud and "The Curator's Favorite Things," with Kerry Mohn. If you didn't sign up for the full series, you can attend this session via Zoom only (register for March 30 session).

• Wisdom & Wine (in-person); 5:30-8 pm; Drake Well Museum & Park
• Joe Lichtinger and Steve Lencer will present "Stray Gas Migration Investigations in Northwest Pennsylvania." Admission charged. Doors open at 5:30 pm (wine tasting available from Brokenstraw Valley Winery); lecture begins at 6:30 pm (Wisdom & Wine info).

• Equality of Quaker Women in the Late 17th and Early 18th Century (virtual); 7-8 pm; Hope Lodge
• Sarah Rudich will present a brief glimpse into what roles and responsibilities Quaker women had in their communities. From primary source documentation, letters, journals, and meeting records, we will get a high-level peek into this early established equality movement. The event is free; please reserve your spot to receive the link (Equality of Quaker Women lecture info and registration).

Friday, March 31

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Fine arts curator Amy Hammond will be in conversation with 2022 Art of the State Purchase Award winner Matthew Coté. This virtual program is free, but you must register to receive the link (3/31 Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

• Easter Egg Hunt (in-person); Sunday, Apr. 2, Noon-3 pm; Old Economy Village
• Children age 10 and under are invited to hunt for Easter eggs in the village and visit with the Easter Bunny. The event is free, but you must register in advance (Egg Hunt info and registration).

• The Little Saw Mill Run Railroad (in-person); Wednesday, Apr. 12, 6-7:30pm; Old Economy Village
• David Aitken will present a talk based on his book, The Little Saw Mill Run Railroad - Its Life & Legacy, including an exploration of the Harmony Society's role in the company. The program is free, but seating is limited (Saw Mill Run Railroad program registration).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Saturday, Apr. 15, Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Friederike Baer, associate professor of history at Penn State Abingdon, will present "Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War," exploring the estimated 30,000 German soldiers hired to fight for the British. Tickets are $20 (Rev Speaker Series tickets).

• Lunch & Learn (in-person); Wednesday, Apr. 26, 10 am-2 pm; Graeme Park
• Author C.J. McGroarty will discuss her novel, Clara in a Time of War, which is set on a Chester County farm in 1777. The program also includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and tours of the Keith House. Tickets are $35 (Lunch & Learn program info and tickets).

• Behind the Scenes with the Heirloom Seed Project (in-person); Saturday, Apr. 29, 9 am and 1 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Heirloom Seed Project staff and volunteers will offer a glimpse into preparations for the annual Herb & Garden Faire and lead a tour of gardens on the site. Two tour times: 9 am or 1 pm. The tour is two hours of walking around the museum grounds, rain or shine; please dress for the weather with comfortable footwear. Tickets are $40, $35 for members (Heirloom Seed Project tour tickets).

• Art in the Garden (in-person); Saturday, Apr. 29, 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Take a tour of Pennsbury's gardens and grounds, then settle into your favorite spot and paint. All skill levels welcome; materials provided. Cost is $35, $30 for members. Registration required (Pennsbury Manor contact info).

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

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

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

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

Winter Sets In

Civilian Conservation Corps statue in front of a relocated cabin built by CCC members in Potter County (photo via PA Lumber Museum Facebook page)

We have lots of winter-themed and seasonal programs in the coming week. Please take a look at the listings to find something that you'd enjoy, either outdoors or indoors.

I am sad to share this post from Ephrata Cloister, but I'd also like to pay tribute to our colleague Michael Showalter, museum educator, who passed away January 15. Michael was a consummate educator, utterly devoted to telling Ephrata's stories to the public and to helping others share those stories as well. I never saw him happier than when he was connecting modern people to the historic people at Ephrata, sometimes through first-person interpretation, but often through well-crafted presentations in virtual classes, the site's popular Lantern Tour programs, or the annual Winter History Class. I am fortunate to have worked with him for so many years. We will all miss him.


[Image description: Screenshot of Jan. 25 Ephrata Cloister Facebook post with photo of Michael Showalter, a smiling man with brown hair and glasses, wearing the white robe used to interpret the celibate members of the Ephrata community. Text reads: "Today we say our final farewells to our colleague, friend, and mentor, Ephrata's Museum Educator, Michael Showalter. It's hard to come to terms with his sudden departure from this earth and the institutional and historical memory that is no longer available to us simply for the asking. Rest In Peace, Michael."]

Up Next

Saturday, January 28

• Winter in the Lumber Camp (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Outdoor fun in the snow (weather permitting) with sledding, snow men, and snow art activities. Try your hand at cross-country skis, snowshoes, and ice skates (conditions permitting) with the help of equipment provided by PA DCNR and volunteer instructors. At 1pm Jeremy Banfield, elk biologist for the PA Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section, will provide an engaging overview of the Commonwealth’s elk management program (Winter in the Lumber Camp info).

• Seed to Bread (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am and 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the exhibits in the Transportation & Industry gallery and learn how seeds can become flour to make bread. Take home some historic recipes to try. Included in regular admission (Seed to Bread info).

Tuesday, January 31

• Tour of the GP30 (virtual); 10-10:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• This interactive virtual program is geared to grades K-6 and will provide a behind-the-scenes view of spaces inside the locomotive. Admission is by donation (GP30 Tour info and tickets).

Thursday, February 2

• Winter History Class (in-person & virtual); 9 am-noon; Ephrata Cloister
• This 9-week winter course kicks off today and runs every Thursday through March 30. If you sign up for the full series, you can choose in-person or Zoom attendance. Single sessions will be available via Zoom only (Winter History Class registration options).

Friday, February 3

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Hear a reading of Over and Under in the Snow by Kate Messner to discover what is happening under the snow and create a winter landscape. For ages 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Feb. 7, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Feb. 21, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Noise, light, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be quiet spaces for breaks. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (Feb. 7 Sensory Hours or Feb. 21 Sensory Hours).

• Virtual Programs; Railroad Museum of PA
• Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7-8 pm - Train Tour: Mad for Consolidations (general audience)
• Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10-10:30 am - Simple Machines and the Railroad (Grades K-6)
• Tuesday, Feb. 28, 10-10:30 am - Train Tour: The H6SB (Grades K-6)

• Winter Academy (virtual); Thursday, Feb. 9, 6:30-7:30 pm; Drake Well Museum & Park
• Photographer and retired biology teacher Jeffrey Hall will present a virtual program, "Birds of Venango County," sharing facts and stories about the birds we all know, highlighting some of the birds that are "specialties" of Venango County, and introducing some of the rare birds that visit the county only occasionally (Winter Academy 2/9 info and registration).

• Artists Conversation (virtual); Friday, Feb. 10, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join fine arts curator Amy Hammond as she talks with artist Matthew Cote about his work "Full Circle," recipient of the Art of the State 2022 Purchase Award. The program will be presented via Zoom; please register to receive the link (Artists Conversation info and registration).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Feb. 17, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Brant Portner, environmental education specialist with the PA Game Commission, will talk about the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, a popular spot for birds and bird watchers. The program is free and will be offered via Zoom; please register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

• The Harmonist Connection: Gardens (virtual); Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7-8 pm; Old Economy Village
• The latest in a series of virtual programs sponsored by Harmony Society sites in Pennsylvania and Indiana. Tonight, Kent Schuette from Historic New Harmony (IN) and Joe Pulgini from Old Economy Village will talk about the work both carry out to maintain modern gardens that draw on the traditions of the Harmonists. Free and offered via Zoom (Harmonist Connection info and registration).

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

• Colonial Camp Week (in-person); Monday-Friday, July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Campers 6 to 8 years old will spend the week exploring the entire site with a talented team of living history experts. Sessions run 9 am-4 pm each day; before- and after-care are available for an additional fee (registration info).

Independence Day Weekend

Two-man saw demonstration from PA Lumber Museum's Bark Peelers' Festival (2018 photo by AKF)

If you can make your way to the northern tier of PA on Saturday or Sunday, you'll be able to enjoy the first Bark Peelers' Festival since 2019. They'll be demonstrating the sawmill on Saturday, along with lots of lumber heritage skills and activities both days. Bark Peelers' will mark its 50th year next summer and is almost as old as the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum itself. The event was originally called Bark Peelers' Convention, the name used for gatherings of woodhicks on or around the 4th of July to celebrate the end of logging season. It's a great way to spend some time outdoors - the weather app on my phone says it will be in the upper 70s to low 80s.

The list below includes other Trails of History events and activities this weekend, including food trucks at Somerset Historical Center, a patriotic concert at Conrad Weiser Homestead, and 18th-century trades and craft demonstrations at Brandywine Battlefield Park. Something for everyone.

With July 4th falling on a Monday, most Trails of History sites will not be open. If you're looking for a museum visit that day, you can visit the Lumber Museum and the Pennsylvania Military Museum. Additionally, Fort Pitt Museum and Graeme Park will be open and have planned special events for the holiday (see listings below). However you choose to spend the holiday, I hope it's safe, happy, and at least a little historical.

Up Next*

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

Today, July 1

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith, learn truths and legends about the Founding Fathers, and try writing with a quill pen. For kids age 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (State Museum StoryTime info).

• Bertolet Sawmill Run (in-person); 11 am and 2 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The Bertolet Sawmill is one of the oldest working water-powered vertical blade sawmills in PA. Today is a rare chance to see it in operation (Sawmill run info).

• First Fridays (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Food trucks and live music on a summer evening. Some covered seating is provided, but feel free to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is free with parking fee of $5 per vehicle (First Friday info).

Saturday, July 2

• Bark Peelers' Festival (in-person); 9 am-5 pm Saturday and Sunday; PA Lumber Museum
• This event honors and celebrates PA's lumbering heritage. Woodhick skill demos and contests, live music, food vendors, and more. Admission charged (Bark Peelers' Festival details).

• July 4th Weekend Kickoff (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Visit the 18th century with tours and blacksmithing, carpentry, and papermaking demos (Brandywine info).

• Extended Evening Hours (in-person); 4-7 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• The site will stay open later to make the most of cooler evening temps and summer light. Guided tours at 4, 5, and 6; the Museum Store will also be open. Regular admission charged (Ephrata info).

Sunday, July 3

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

• Patriotic Concert (in-person); 5-6 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• The Ringgold Band will present an outdoor concert on site. Admission and parking are free. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Rain date is Sept. 4 at 3 pm (Weiser concert info).

Monday, July 4

• Independence Day Celebration (in-person); 11:30 am-2:30 pm; Graeme Park
• The site opens at 11:30 am; feel free to bring a lunch to enjoy on the grounds. At noon, hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence and test your 4th of July trivia knowledge. The Keith House will open for tours when the festivities wrap up (approx. 12:30) and will be open until 2:30. Did I mention the free scoop of ice cream? The event is free; donations are welcome (Graeme Park Independence Day info).

• Fourth at the Fort (in-person); 1-4 pm; Fort Pitt Museum
• There will be a flag-raising at 1 pm, followed by outdoor living history demos throughout the afternoon. The outdoor event is free; regular admission rates apply to visit the museum's indoor exhibits (4th at the Fort info).

Tuesday, July 5

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's topic is compost; topics change each week. For ages 12 and up. Cost is $20 and registration is required (July 5 Garden Workshop info and registration).

Wednesday, July 6

• Reading Railroad Days (in-person); 10 am-4 pm, Wednesday thru Saturday; Railroad Museum of PA
• Reading Railroad Days continues July 6-9; learn about one of PA's most important railroads. Included in regular admission (Reading Days info).

• Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about Earth's land formations and discover how geologists study rocks and minerals. For kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info).

Thursday, July 7

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Listen to a story with the gardener and stay to explore the grounds. Suggested ages are 4-8, but all are welcome. Admission is $3, which is a grounds pass ticket; additional fees apply for Manor House tours (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Museum educators will share hands-on fossils to help visitors learn about life on Earth from the Carboniferous Period to the present. Included in regular admission (Gallery Tour info).

Friday, July 8

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Dr. Robyn Underwood from Penn State Cooperative Extension will talk about the biology and behavior of honey bees. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); Wednesday, July 13, 10 am-3 pm; Sunday, July 17, 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
• Exhibit noises in the gallery will be turned off and the volume on the orienation video will be lowered (captions always enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Please register for a timeslot in advance; you can pay when you arrive (July 13 visit or July 17 visit).

• PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase; Thursday, July 14, 7-8 pm
• This month's theme is Crime & Punishment. Five panelists will present objects/stories, then the audience gets to vote on their favorite or the one they think best relates to the theme. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Virtual Showcase registration).

• Hidden Sounds Musical Program (in-person); Saturday, July 16, 2-4 pm; Old Economy Village
• In partnership with the Harmony Museum, OEV presents a look at Harmonist music and examples recorded by Grammy-winning cellist Eugene Friesen in the Harmonist wine cellar in Harmony, PA. The program is free, but space is limited (Hidden Sounds info and registration).

• The Dead of Summer (in-person); Saturday, July 16, 6-8 pm; Graeme Park
• This program includes a reenactment of an early 20th-century spiritualist seance and a discussion of the history of such entertainments. Tickets are $20 per person; limit of 20 people each for 6 pm and 7:30 pm programs (Dead of Summer info and tickets).

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

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

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

• Joseph Priestley House (updated info)
• Annual History Camp; Grades 1-5; July 27-29

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

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

• Railroad Museum of PA
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 9-10; July 12-15
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 11-12; July 26-29
• A Moveable Feast Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; Aug. 2-4

Winding Down April

Photo via Conrad Weiser Homestead Facebook page

Well, it's almost the end of April, so I'm just going to wrap the month by sharing a few photos from Trails of History programs. As is often the case, Pennsylvania's weather is making us play guessing games, but outdoor events are definitely ramping up. Last weekend, Conrad Weiser Homestead hosted "A Sense of History," where visitors were encouraged to use their senses to learn more about life in 18th-century Berks County. The photo above shows a variety of herbs that visitors could experience by touch, smell, and sight. This Sunday, May 1, from noon to 4 pm, they'll host a living history event focused on trade goods (see details below). If you're in the area, it's a beautiful place to spend some outdoor time.

Photo via PA Lumber Museum Facebook page

Last weekend was the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum's annual spring antique show and sawmill demo. You can't run a sawmill without logs, so they also had folks on hand to show how logs get moved around. There was a loader with a forklift, but also some horses who help with log skidding. The picture above is from Saturday; on Wednesday, it was snowing lightly. You just never know.

Photo via Ephrata Cloister Facebook page

It's prom season already? Yes, it is. It's become something of a local tradition in Ephrata to take prom pictures at Ephrata Cloister, another of our Trails of History beauties. While history is why our sites are preserved, our communities value us for lots of different reasons. Helping people make lasting memories is important, too.

Photo via Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum Facebook page

We started with herbs, we'll end with herbs. After a two-year hiatus, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum's Herb & Garden Faire is back next weekend. You can support the Heirloom Seed Project by purchasing plants such as those pictured above. A wide variety of vendors will have plants and garden-related stuff, plus there will be food trucks and stands. If you're closer to western PA, Old Economy Village's Garden Mart is also a great source of heirloom varieties and garden beauty. See below for details of both events.

Onward to May!

Up Next

Sunday, May 1

• Living History Sunday (in-person) noon-4 pm, Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Enjoy an afternoon in the park and learn about life 18th-century trade goods exchanged by Native Americans and European settlers. Donations welcome (Weiser Homestead info).

Monday, May 2

• Unlock Your History (in-person), 9 am-4 pm, Old Economy Village
• Learn how to preserve, decipher, and research your family history documents. Offered in association with the Heinz History Center. Cost is $15, which includes a box lunch (Unlock Your History info and registration).

Tuesday, May 3

• Sensory Hours, 3-5 pm, Railroad Museum of PA
• Light and sound levels will be lowered and several historic trains will be open with staff on-hand to answer questions. Cost is $7 per person; please register in advance (Sensory Hours info and registration).

Friday, May 6

• Herb & Garden Faire (in-person), 9 am-5 pm Friday and Saturday, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Shop for plants from the Heirloom Seed Project and other garden-related vendors. Event runs 9 am-5 pm both days. Several community food trucks and vendors will be on-site as well. Advance tickets are available online (Herb & Garden Faire info & tickets).

• JUST ADDED - Stargazing at the Homestead (in-person), 8 pm-?, Daniel Boone Homestead
• Join members of the Berks County Amateur Astronomical Society to view planets and constellations. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and to bring their own telescopes, flashlights, and chairs (Stargazing info).

Saturday, May 7

• Garden Mart (in-person), 9 am-1 pm, Old Economy Village
• Heirloom varieties of plants raised in OEV's greenhouse will be for sale, along with other plants and garden-related items. Admission is free all weekend (Garden Mart info).

• Spring Gas Up (in-person), 9 am-3 pm, Drake Well Museum & Park
• The museum hosts the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society, with displays of antique engines, farm and oil equipment, cars, trucks, and models. Included in regular admision; Hydetown Fire Dept. Auxiliary will have food and beverages for sale (Spring Gas Up info).

• Spring Nature Walk (in-person), 10 am-noon, Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about the flora and fauna of western PA and explore the grounds. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Pre-registration is required, but you can pay when you arrive (Spring Nature Walk info and tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• The Pennsylvania Military Museum will offer a Sensory Friendly Visit day on Wednesday, May 11, from 10 am to 3 pm. Background sound effects in the gallery will be turned off and the volume on the orientation video will be reduced (captions always enabled). Please register in advance; standard admission rates apply and you can pay when you arrive (Sensory Friendly visit info).
• The next PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11, at 7 pm. Staff from five Trails of History sites will present objects on the theme "Health & Medical Devices" and then the audience will vote on their favorite or the one they thought best illustrated the theme. The program is free; register to receive the Zoom link (Collections Showcase registration).
• Railroad Museum of PA's STEAM on the Rails educational experience takes place May 19 from 10 am to 1 pm. The program is for school group students in grades K-6 and features learning stations throughout the Museum - interactive behind-the-scenes tours, a live steam demo, hands-on art activities, and presentations on historic railroading jobs. Ticket sales end May 17 (STEAM on the Rails info and tickets).
• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum will offer living history tours on Saturday, May 21, based on the life and work of local inventor William Chester Ruth. Ruth was born in 1882 in Chester County; his father had been enslaved in South Carolina and his mother was a free woman of color. Ruth will be portrayed by actor Keith Henley of American Historical Theater. Tour times are 9:30, 12:30, and 3; advance tickets are required (William Chester Ruth Tour info and tickets)
• On May 22, Daniel Boone Homestead will host the Trails of History Run, which includes a 5K, 10K, and 1/2-mile fun run. There will be awards for 5K and 10K races, plus special awards for the best-dressed representation of the 1770s era. Advance registration is required (DBH trail runs info). Training runs for new runners start at 10:30 am every Sunday at the DeTurk House (near the front entrance gate off of Daniel Boone Rd).
• Drake Well Marathon, August 14 - this race is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Registration for a variety of categories is now open.

Summer Camps & Activities on the Trails of History

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

• Bushy Run Battlefield
• Summer History Club; activity boxes for Ages 8-12 (pick-up to use at home with an accompanying YouTube video); June 19, July 10 & 24, Aug. 7

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

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

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

Halloween and More

Please be sure to check the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (in-person and virtual). I've included highlights for the coming week 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.

Bonfires and storytelling were part of the fun at the PA Lumber Museum last weekend (photo via PLM Facebook)

The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum was one of the Trails of History sites hosting Halloween events in the past couple of weeks (see more photos from their event). Curator Josh Fox also wrote a blog post this year entitled "What Chainsaw Did that Movie Use?" to provide some history for horror movie lovers. There are still opportunities for Halloween fun on the Trails of History, so be sure to check the listings below.

As we move from October into November, it's important to know that some Trails of History sites are adjusting their hours or outdoor offerings for the winter season. I always say it's a good idea to check ahead before visiting, but this time I really mean it. [Scary Halloween voice] You've been warned [end Scary Halloween voice].

Halloween isn't the only thing happening on the Trails, of course. Earlier this month, U.S. Brig Niagara sailed from Erie to Cleveland for some long-awaited maintenance and inspection at the Great Lakes Shipyard. If you aren't following Erie Maritime Museum on Facebook you may have missed the updates on the work. But here's a cool time lapse video of the ship being raised out of the water.



On October 16, the Anthracite Heritage Museum hosted an iron pour at the Scranton Iron Furnaces. Artist Brian Glaze melted iron using a cupola furnace and with the help of volunteers poured the molten iron into sand molds for visitors.


Speaking of molten iron, Cornwall Iron Furnace presented (also on October 16) a Civil War living history event with the Detachment, US Engineers, who interpreted the work of 19th-century military engineers.

This Week's Events (virtual and in-person)

Today, Oct. 29

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual): curator Robert Hill will chat with historian Leroy Hopkins, Jr. about his father's WWII service, The State Museum of PA, 12:15-12:45 pm (Learn at Lunchtime info and Zoom registration)
• Haunted Lantern Tours (in-person): your guide will take you through the shadowy rooms and halls of the Keith House, Graeme Park, tickets still available (as of 10/26) for 7:45, 8, and 8:45 tours, tickets must be purchased in advance prior to 6 pm (Lantern Tours info and ticket link)

Saturday, Oct. 30

• Workshops in Archaeology (virtual): this year's focus is "Hidden Stories: Uncovering African American History Through Archaeology and Community Engagement," The State Museum of PA, 9 am - 4:30 pm (Workshop info and registration)
• Jack-o-Lantern Contest (in-person): drop off your entry this afternoon between 2 and 5 pm and the grounds will be open 5-9, Joseph Priestley House (contest details)
• Old Economy Village After Dark (in-person): several historic buildings will be open and attendees may bring hand-held ghost hunting equipment and cameras (nor large equipment), 6:30-9:30 pm, as of 10/26 there are about 30 tickets remaining, tickets must be purchased in advance (OEV After Dark info and tickets)
• Historic Cemetery Tour (in-person): historical figures from the past will greet you at Northumberland's Riverview Cemetery, Joseph Priestley House, tours begin every 15 minutes from 7 to 8 pm, tickets available at JPH today noon-4 pm or by calling 570/473-9474 (Cemetery Tour info)

Sunday, Oct. 31

• STEM Halloween activities (in-person): kids in grades K-5 can explore STEM from 3 to 5 pm and the grounds will be open from 1 to 8 pm, Joseph Priestley House (JPH info)

Wednesday, Nov. 3

• Explore! (in-person): learn about the history of deer in PA and their changing population, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, for kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission (Explore! info)

Thursday, Nov. 4

• Curiosity Kids (in-person): learn how artists use line to create art and explore the 2021 Art of the State Exhibition, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, for kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission, space is limited to sign up at the Ground Floor Information Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info)

On Sale Now

• Wreaths & Greens Workshops: Pennsbury Manor will offer this workshop twice on Saturday, Nov. 27, 10 am-noon and 1-3 pm. Make a festive wreath to take home and learn some tips for caring for evergreens in your yard. Cost is $35 ($31.50 for members) and pre-registration is required (Wreath workshop details).
• Gingerbread Cookie Kits: Railroad Museum of PA is accepting orders for train-shaped gingerbread cookies. Choose 12 cookies per box (plain) or 6 cookies per box with vanilla icing bag and sprinkles for $20. Orders must be picked up at the museum on either Dec. 4 (10 am-3 pm) or Dec. 11 (10 am-3 pm). Deadline for orders is Nov. 29 (RMP cookie flyer for details).
• Christmas with the Conductor: kids ages 3 and older will get to board one of the Railroad Museum of PA's historic railroad cars to hear a classic holiday story. Other activities are also part of the program. The program is offered Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 with three storytimes each day. The $10 program fee is in addition to museum admission. Deadline for registrations is Nov. 29, but space is limited and this program usually sells out quickly (Christmas with Conductor info and tickets).

A Little of This, A Little of That

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.

Join us July 20 at 7 pm EDT for the next Virtual Collections Showcase (registration link)

What are summer Fridays for if not for some random fun? I'm here to share some items than showed up in my timeline over the past week. You never know what you'll find on the Trails of History.

The folks at Ephrata Cloister took part in last Friday's #CuratorBattle that featured museum objects that look like celebrities. Who wore it better?


The Erie Maritime Museum has quite a few ship models, but here's one that allows a view below decks to the crew quarters and galley.



Cornwall Iron Furnace was recently visited by a group of Studebaker enthusiasts. The site is a popular destination for car clubs since it's close to Hershey and the Antique Automobile Museum.



I've really been loving Pennsbury Manor's garden posts this summer. It's not quite like being there, but it's not bad.



The Lumber Heritage Region of PA shared the PA Lumber Museum's photo scavenger hunt this week. All of the items on the hunt can be found even when the buildings and exhibits are closed or by remembering a visit or even checking out their Facebook timeline (download the scavenger hunt). Of course, you can also visit when they're open!

Upcoming Events (in-person and virtual)

Today, July 16

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), program director Bradley Smith will share new research on several prominent artifact legends in the collection, The State Museum of PA, 12:15-12:45 pm (link for Zoom registration)

Saturday, July 17

• StoryTime (in-person), read "Big Bad Bubble" by Adam Rubin with illustrations by Daniel Solirieri and blow some bubbles, The State Museum of PA, 10:30-11:30 am, included in regular admission (sign up at ground floor info desk)
• Agent Orange & Napalm (virtual), Ronald Lenox will present a program on Vietnam War chemical warfare, PA Military Museum, 2-3 pm (PMM link for registration)

Tuesday, July 20

• What's in a theme? PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase (virtual), this month's theme is Travel & Destinations, 7-8 pm (Facebook link for registration)

Wednesday, July 21

• Explore! (in-person), visit Nature Lab to learn about butterflies and moths of PA, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, included in regular admission (Explore! info)

Thursday, July 22

• Curiosity Kids (in-person), learn about living and non-living things, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, included in regular admission (Curiosity Kids info)

History in Many Forms

Please be sure to check the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (still mostly virtual). The Trailheads Rec Room pages to the right of your screen offer an array of online content generated by Trails of History sites.

Milk thistle from Pennsbury Manor's garden posted for National Pollinator Week (photo via Pennsbury Facebook page)

History is all around us. People talk about it all the time, sometimes heatedly. It shapes who we are today, as individuals and as a society. And there are lots of ways to learn and encounter new information, no matter your age. A number of items came across my screen recently that I'd like to share for those of you out there who may want to engage with the past.

Obviously, an in-person visit to one of our Trails of History sites is a great way to explore (find the list of all on PHMC's website). And sure, other museums besides PHMC's can be a good thing too (PA Museums has a good online directory). But as we've learned over the past year, virtual history offerings can expand your access to stories and places that you can't visit in person.

Starting in December 2020, PHMC's Virtual Collections Showcase has brought a monthly exploration of a central theme through objects and images from a selection of Trails of History sites. I'm always impressed with the variety of stories site staff convey through these objects and fascinated by their different interpretations of each theme. If you're curious about the breadth and depth of PHMC's collections and the expertise of our staff, the showcase programs, I highly recommend the showcase programs. Our next event is July 20 at 7 pm with a theme of travel and destinations (watch this space for the Zoom link when it's available). We record each program, so you can check out the Collections Showcase playlist (with edited captions) on PHMC's YouTube channel.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania has two virtual day camps coming up in July and August designed for children ages 9 to 12. Campers will experience virtual tours of historic railroad equipment, participate in activities with instructors online and at home, engage in live discussions and interactions with railroad professionals, and collaborate with each other to solve challenges. Each camp will have three one-hour sessions, scheduled for Tuesday mornings at 10 am. The cost is $75 per camper; sessions will be offered via Zoom with activity kits sent to each camper's address. "Barons and Builders" camp will take place July 13, 20, and 27 (Barons & Builders registration link) and "Behind the Scenes of Railroading" camp is set for August 3, 10, and 17 (Behind the Scenes registration link).

I missed the first week of this, but there's still time to sign your family up for Bushy Run Battlefield's Summer History Club. Club participants will pick up a themed activity box at the site to enjoy at home and will receive a link for a YouTube video centered around that week's theme and activities. Upcoming dates are July 10, July 24, and August 7. The cost is $5 per session; pre-registration and payment are required. For more information and a registration form, visit Bushy Run's Summer History Club page.

When the Pennsylvania Military Museum updated the website this spring, they archived their blog posts and organized them according to topic. You can access posts by conflict/time period, as well as themes of arms and weaponry, Medal of Honor, innovation and interest, leadership and strategy, and women's history. The posts cover a wide range of stories, and many focus on artifacts in the museum's collection. You'll find the blog archive on PMM's website.

Photo of unidentified lumber camp, possibly near Corbett, Potter County, PA, 1890s (photo from PA Lumber Museum collection, LM2019.4.1)

The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania (LHR) recently released a draft report on research into diversity in the lumber industry, forestry, and communities in the region. PHMC's Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is an important venue in the region for sharing history and culture with visitors and residents. Research focused particularly on uncovering documentation of the roles and work of women and people of color. I'm still working through the report and am finding it quite interesting. It's available on LHR's website.

Next month, the State Library of Pennsylvania will launch a new lunchtime program series in collaboration with PHMC. Each "PA History: Read It, See It" program will feature a virtual visit to a Trails of History site along with suggestions for related books available from public libraries and/or examples of rare and historic books from the vaults of the State Library's Rare Collections Library. Sessions will be offered free of charge via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month from noon to 1 pm. First up is Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum on Thursday, July 15, at noon (State Library link to register).

Picture This!

Last week's post listed events through next Thursday (May 16) and the full May program page will take you to the end of the month.

Also, don't forget that next week (May 13-19) is @MuseumWeek, an international social media event with daily hashtags and a chance to share with museums worldwide.

You know what they say. I'm saving the thousand words and sharing these images of recent events and happenings on the Trails of History. Also, in what can best be called a "quirky" move, I've added a feature to the About Us section (to your right) called "PHMC Historical Marker Watch" where I can save Facebook posts, tweets, etc. that feature PHMC's blue and gold historical markers. I've noticed that lots of folks use those markers in images of other things to denote that the content is about history. So, to amuse myself if no one else, I decided to start gathering them in one place. There are only two entries on the page as of now, but I'll build as we go. Feel free to add your own examples in the comments. (UPDATE: It's not just me! Yay! Karen Galle, who oversees the PHMC Historical Marker program, pointed me to Laura Klotz's blog, "Marker Quest," that is focused on the markers.)

Photo provided by PA Lumber Museum

Earlier this week, while in the PA Wilds for various meetings, Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), stopped by the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum. Dunn (third from right in the photo above) had a chance to visit the Webber Cabin. The relocation of Bob and Dotty Webber's cabin to the museum grounds was made possible by the work and cooperation of many people, including staff from DCNR, PHMC, and the Lumber Museum (site administrator Josh Roth is second from left in the photo) as well as volunteers and board members from the PA Lumber Museum Associates (a Trailheads post from July 2018 has more info). The working relationship between DCNR and the Lumber Museum/PHMC has been extraordinarily productive and has involved all aspects of operations, from structures and trails to exhibits and public programs. Secretary Dunn and other DCNR staff also had a brief tour of the museum's award-winning core exhibit, "Choices and Challenges in Pennsylvania's Forests" (photo below).

Staff and volunteers from Cornwall Iron Furnace took a field trip to the Berks Heritage Center, Canal Museum, and the Gruber Wagon Works to check out how other industrial history sites tell their stories (via Facebook)

Civilian and military reenactors took part in the PA Military Museum's recent Civil War encampment event (more photos of the Civil War event and photos of the World War I event are available on Facebook)

I'll leave you with the following video about a recent project featuring music composed at the Ephrata Cloister. It's about 5 minutes long and well worth your time (you can also go directly to YouTube to watch it).