Another Anniversary!

Celebrate the 275th anniversary of Hope Lodge by attending the British Car & Motorcycle Show on Saturday or the Ambler Symphony Concert on Wednesday (photo via Hope Lodge Facebook page)

Historic Hope Lodge is celebrating the 275th anniversary of the completion of the mansion (read about Hope Lodge's history). The Erie Maritime Museum just marked the 25th anniversary of the opening of the museum on Erie's waterfront. The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum has a temporary exhibit in honor of the 90th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps. And the Pennsylvania Military Museum has a temporary exhibit related to the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American War (covered by WJAC-TV). Gives you a little taste of the variety of the Pennsylvania Trails of History. Why not give us a visit?

Up Next

Friday, June 2

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in the Auditorium on the Ground Floor to learn about the symphony orchestra. The book Because by Mo Willems will be featured. Storytime participants will learn about the instruments that make up an orchestra and have a chance to play along with a few famous symphonic works. For kids age 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

• First Fridays (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Enjoy an evening of music, family games, tractor rides, and food trucks. Some covered seating is provided, but feel free to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Parking is $5 per car, but there is no admission fee (June First Fridays info).

• Art and Wine with Henry! (in-person); 7-9 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• An art show featuring regional artists. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Must be at least 21 years old to attend. Tickets are $25 (Art and Wine event tickets).

Saturday, June 3

• Horsham Day (in-person); 10 am-2 pm; Graeme Park
• Celebrate Horsham Day with free tours of the Keith House on the hour from 10 am to 2 pm (Horsham Day info).

• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of England Car Show (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• Enjoy food, live music and craft beers (age 21+ with valid ID) for a tour of one of the largest British motoring shows on the East Coast with over 250 classic British cars and motorcycles. This event will also feature tours of the Hope Lodge mansion and celebration of 275th anniversary. Admission is $10 (Hope Lodge event info and ticket link).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); 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. Tour begins at the museum, but there will be plenty of walking on the grounds, so please have appropriate footwear. This tour will not access the insides of the vehicles. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership (Exploring the Armor tickets).

Sunday, June 4

• Colonial Craft Day (in-person); 11 am-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• A variety of craftspeople will demonstrate 18th-century skills and some vendors will have items for sale. Guided tours of the site will also be available (Colonial Craft Day info).

• Historic Trades (in-person) 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Come and witness some of the trades and crafts that were done at Pennsbury Manor during the 17th Century. 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 info).

Wednesday, June 7

• Ambler Symphony Orchestra (in-person); 7-8:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• Under the musical direction of conductor Jack Moore, the Ambler Symphony will present an evening of music for all ages. Bring the family, chairs, and your picnic for an evening on the lawn. Tickets are $5 for ages 13 and up (free for members) and can be purchased at the door or in advance online (Eventbrite ticket link). Rain date is June 14.

Thursday, June 8

• Family Gallery Tour: Horse 2 Auto(in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Look back at the transition from horse-powered transportation to the automobile. Examine the similarities and struggles we face today as we look to transition from the internal combustion engine to a more energy efficient system. Included in regular admission (June 8 Family Gallery Tour info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, June 13, 3-5 pm and Tuesday, June 27, 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 June 13 Sensory Hours or June 27 Sensory Hours).

• The End of An Era: Reflecting on 236 Years of Mining at Cornwall (hybrid); Tuesday, June 13, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• This presentation by Mike Weber will take a retrospective look at the Cornwall Mines at the end of an era as we reflect on the legacy of more than two centuries of iron mining at Cornwall. Attend in-person at Freeman Hall (Cornwall Manor Retirement Community) or via Zoom (Cornwall lecture info and registration).

• PHMC's Framing History Series (in-person); Wednesday, June 14, 1:30-3:30; The State Museum of PA
• Join award-winning historian Tom Sugrue, author of Sweet Land of Liberty: The Forgotten Struggle for Civil Rights in the North, at 1:30 pm on June 14 at The State Museum of Pennsylvania as he discusses the Civil Rights Movement and the quest for racial equality in Pennsylvania. Tour The State Museum’s exhibit, A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration, following the presentation. Registration recommended but not required (register for Tom Sugrue lecture).

• Art in the Garden: Botanical Drawing Workshop (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Outdoor art for all skill levels. This guided drawing workshop will focus on plants in the kitchen garden. Materials provided. Registration required $35/non-members $30/members. Call 215/946-0400 to register (Art in the Garden workshop info).

• Brews at the Battlefield (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 5-8 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Taste beers from local and regional breweries, listen to music, and enjoy food from Burgers by Wildwich (separate purchase from event tickets). You must be at least age 21 to attend, and photo ID will be required at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance; designated driver tickets available (Brews at the Battlefield tickets).

• OEV Music Weekend (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18, Noon-8 pm both days; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a wide array of bands at a beautiful historic site. Event is rain or shine (will move indoors if the weather is bad); bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. There will be a variety of food trucks onsite (separate purchase). Advance tickets only; choose one day or the whole weekend (OEV Music Weekend line-up and tickets).

• Brews & Bites (in-person); Saturday, June 24, 4-8 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• This event features local breweries, live music, food trucks, 17th-century brewing demonstrations and more, in a lovely setting along the Delaware River. Must be at least 21 years old to attend (photo ID required at the door). Tickets are limited; advance purchase recommended (Brews & Bites tickets).

• Acting Workshop (in-person); Saturday, July 15, 2-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Laurie McCants, co-founder of the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, will lead a two-part workshop for students age 8 to 12. Actors will choose a historical figure, research their life, write a script, and reenact them. Second session takes place July 22 (Acting Workshop info and registration).

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

• Bushy Run Battlefield (Bushy Run camp info)
• Colonial Life (grades 1-5), June 19-21, 10 am-3 pm - June 9 is last day to register

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

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

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

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

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

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28

New Things to See

This month marks the 90th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), part of what became know as The New Deal during the Great Depression. A new temporary exhibit at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum commemorates this event and supplements the CCC section of the museum's core exhibit, Choices and Challenges in Pennsylvania's Forests. Curator Josh Fox notes in a recent issue of the PA Lumber Museum Associates newsletter that Pennsylvania was home to the second CCC camp, ANF-1, which opened on April 24, 1933, in the Allegheny National Forest. Eventually, Fox writes, "Pennsylvania would have 153 CCC camps, second only to California, and almost 200,000 Pennsylvanians would serve as CCC enrollees." The program ended in 1942.

In addition to the permanent exhibit component on CCC, the Lumber Museum is home to a chestnut cabin built by CCC enrollees of the Dyer Farm CCC camp for a state park project and a CCC Legacy bronze statue of a CCC enrollee. Here are a couple of exhibit photos to entice you.

View from the permanent exhibit's CCC section into the temporary exhibit gallery (photo courtesy PA Lumber Museum)

Cases in the temporary exhibit feature artifacts and images donated since the permanent exhibit opened in 2015 (photo courtesy PA Lumber Museum)

Back in February I shared some information about an ice boat donated to the Erie Maritime Museum that was being readied for exhibit. Well, it's ready. Earlier this week, the museum held a reception to open the new exhibit, Snipe...to Black Ice, which refers to the boat's original name and the name it came into the museum with. Worth a visit, I think.

The ice boat is on display on the museum's mezzanine level (photo via Erie Maritime Museum's Facebook page)

Up Next

Saturday, April 29

• Behind the Scenes with the Heirloom Seed Project (in-person); 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).

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

• POSTPONED to May 6 - Art in the Garden (in-person); 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).

• Spring Nature Walk (in-person); 10 am-?; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about historical and modern uses for the wide variety of plant life that grows at Bushy Run. Bring some sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather. Tickets (available at the door) are $5, free for members (Spring Nature Walk info).

• Arbor Day Book Talk (in-person); 1-2 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• In honor of Arbor Day, Dolores Parsil will talk about her book, Lancaster's Good Man: John Piersol McCaskey, A Biography. Among other things, McCaskey organized the first Arbor Day celebration in Pennsylvania in 1884 (Arbor Day book talk info).

Sunday, April 30

• EVENT POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER, but site will be open Noon to 4 pm - A "Sense" of History (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• This living history event features activities to engage all the senses in learning about life in the Tulpehocken in the 18th century. All ages welcome (Sense of History program info).

• Animals at Pennsbury (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Meet the furry, fuzzy, and feathered inhabitants of Pennsbury and discover the important roles their 17th-century counterparts played in daily life. Included in regular admission (Animals at Pennsbury program info).

Tuesday, May 2

• 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 spaces in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (May 2 Sensory Hours tickets).

Friday, May 5

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read What Grandma Did by Erin Miller with illustrations by Randall Harmon, the story of a little girl who learns her grandmother was a pilot during World War II. Learn about the role the museum’s Piper aircraft played in training pilots and try creating your own plane. 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

• Presentation and Book Signing (hybrid); Wednesday, May 10, 11 am-Noon; Railroad Museum of PA
• J. Craig Thorpe will give a free presentation based on his book, Railroads, Art, and American Life: An Artist's Memoir. You can attend the presentation in person at the museum or virtually via Zoom. In-person attendees can also get copies of the book signed by the author. Admission will be charged to tour the museum's exhibits and can be purchased on the day at the admissions desk (register for the Zoom presentation).

• Herb & Garden Faire (in-person); Friday and Saturday, May 12-13, 9 am-5 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• The Faire, featuring plants from Landis Valley Museum’s Heirloom Seed Project, will also offer heirlooms, natives, and other hard-to-find varieties to purchase from vendors spread out over the historic village area of the site. The 2023 Herb & Garden Faire is the 35th year of this high-profile regional event. Food and drink will be available onsite. Tickets are available at the door or in advance online (Herb & Garden Faire online tickets).

• Mother's Day Breakfast and Cake Walk (in-person); Sunday, May 14, 10 am-Noon; Graeme Park
• Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day breakfast in the large event tent at Graeme Park! After your meal, enjoy a tour of the Keith House or participate in our cake walk (separate $10 ticket to be sold on site) to win a cake to take home with you. Tickets must be purchased in advance (tickets for Mother's Day breakfast).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, May 16, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spaces in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (May 16 Sensory Hours tickets).

• Brews at the Battlefield (in-person); Saturday, June 17, 5-8 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Taste beers from local and regional breweries, listen to music, and enjoy food from Burgers by Wildwich (separate purchase from event tickets). You must be at least age 21 to attend, and photo ID will be required at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance; designated driver tickets available (Brews at the Battlefield tickets).

• OEV Music Weekend (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18, Noon-8 pm both days; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a wide array of bands at a beautiful historic site. Event is rain or shine (will move indoors if the weather is bad); bring chairs and blankets for outdoor seating. There will be a variety of food trucks onsite (separate purchase). Advance tickets only; choose one day or the whole weekend (OEV Music Weekend line-up and tickets).

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

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

• Bushy Run Battlefield (Bushy Run camp info)
• Colonial Life (grades 1-5), June 19-21, 10 am-3 pm

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

• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (LVVFM camp info)
• A Child's Life in the Civil War (ages 5-11), July 18-21, 9 am-12:30 pm

• Old Economy Village (OEV camp info)
• July 17-21, Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm
• July 24-28, Summer Art Camp (ages 6-12), 9 am-Noon, and Summer History Camp (ages 6-12), 12:30-3:30 pm

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

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

• Railroad Museum of PA (RMP camp info)
• Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 9-10), July 11-14
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Summer Day Camp (ages 11-12), July 25-28

Changes are Coming

The July program page is up and running; it has info on virtual programs scheduled for this month. We'll try to keep it updated to reflect site reopening plans. You'll also find links to each site's Facebook page to check out online offerings. Trailheads Rec Room (to the right of your screen) has pages for various online offerings. New this week is the Collections Gallery, with Facebook posts related to objects, photos, and documents in our collections - there's also a link to PHMC's online collections portal.

This herb garden at Conrad Weiser Homestead says "summer" to me (via Facebook)

So here's what I know. As of July 3, all Pennsylvania counties are in the "green zone." Lots of things are opening up, some are pausing, and some are closing again because COVID-19 hasn't released its grip. Our Trails of History sites are busily working on plans and guidelines and changes to keep everyone safe. UPDATE 7/7/20: reopening Trails of History sites has been delayed . We plan to start reopening sites the week of July 20; please stay tuned to PHMC's website and social media channels (such as Facebook). Individual site schedules will vary (many with reduced hours), so you'll need to be sure to check with your favorite site to see what's up.

The Charcoal Barn (Visitor Center) and Connecting Shed at Cornwall Iron Furnace on a stunning summer day (via Facebook)

It's Fourth of July weekend, and we still need to be careful out there. Most (all?) big events and festivities are off the calendar. Despite the fact that Trails of History sites have not yet reopened, many have grounds that are open to the public during posted hours. We ask that you follow all posted guidelines and practice social distancing (from people you don't live with - or maybe from them too, amiright?). If you have a picnic or bring pets along, please bag your/their trash and take it with you. As long as everyone looks out for each other, our sites are great places to enjoy some relaxing time in the summer weather. (If you visit the grounds at Hope Lodge, they've made their cell phone tour available on their Facebook page, so you can still learn a little history while you're there.)

The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum had to cancel their popular Bark Peelers' Festival this year, but they've produced short videos with some of their usual demonstrators to bring some of the festival to you. Curious about how a shingle mill works? You can watch a demo from home. Stay tuned to the museum's video page on Facebook for more. (You might also enjoy this Trailheads post about the event in 2018, when the museum dedicated Bob and Dottie Webber's cabin.)

If fishing is your sport, Saturday is your lucky day. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has declared July 4 a "Fish-for-Free Day" on Pennsylvania waterways. No fishing license is required, but all other fishing regulations apply (visit the Fish and Boat website for details).

Some of you may be planning to watch the filmed production of Hamilton that is streaming on Disney+ as of July 3. I know I am. (If you enjoy a side order of commentary with your viewing, Historians at the Movies (follow #HATM) and the cast and crew of Hamilton (#Hamilfilm) are hosting a Twitter Watch Party starting at 7 pm EDT on July 3.) I wrote about my late-to-the-party encounter with the musical's cast album back in July of 2016. That post seems like a very long time ago, but I think it holds up.

"So, I spent the 4th of July listening to the album and totally get what the big deal is (my opinion, your mileage may vary). It was a fitting reminder of the heroic and yet complicated, messy, sometimes ugly, origins of our democracy and the importance of helping our visitors understand that life was not "simpler back then." And that we are all part of the continuum of history. "Hamilton," for all of its cultural phenomenon-ness, is also an object lesson: when history is presented as a compelling story, with an eye and ear to the intended audience, people respond. We can't create blockbuster musicals at our sites, but our staff and volunteers strive all the time to forge emotional and intellectual connections between the present and the past and to shed light on the human strengths and weaknesses we share with our collective ancestors. It's frustrating work sometimes (most of the time?), but it matters."

I hope you have a chance to spend time with family and friends in ways that keep you all healthy. I think all of us can take some time to reflect on our history and how it shapes our present. It's a moment and a movement for living up to what we can be. Together.

Women's History Month

Please check the March program page for info on events this weekend, including Charter Day (Sunday, March 11). Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour by 2 am Sunday (that is, the ones that don't do it themselves, cackling away like an Amazon Echo).

Floyd Schoonover, holding Mayme Schoonover, and Myrtle Sinsabaugh Schoonover
(PA Lumber Museum, 80.1.32, Bowers & Rawson Collection)

We're part way through Women's History Month, and yesterday (March 8) was International Women's Day, so this seems like a good time to take a look at women's history on and around the Trails of History (of course, anytime is a good time to look at all kinds of history). What follows is a series of "snapshots," not a comprehensive list of women's history as interpreted at our sites.

While the history of the lumber industry in Pennsylvania has been dominated by men, the exhibits at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum do include women and their role in logging and in the conservation movement. Efforts to add more women's history are ongoing (such as this story posted on Facebook). The photo above shows a logging camp foreman or jobber with his wife and daughter; women were present in the camps with their families and sometimes as cooks. The photo below shows a boarding house in Leetonia, one of the lumber towns featured in the museum's core exhibit.

Seymour Whitney's boarding house, Leetonia (Tioga County), 1893
(PA Lumber Museum, 76.25.3, Wilferd E. Whitney Collection)

In addition to interpreting the lives and work of anthracite coal miners, the Anthracite Heritage Museum also explores the textile industry, which employed women in lace factories and as garment workers.

Textile machinery on exhibit at Anthracite Heritage Museum (from website)

Pennsbury Manor's interpretation includes the lives of Gulielma Springett Penn (1644-1694) and Hannah Callowhill Penn (1671-1726), including their roles in supporting and sustaining William Penn's Holy Experiment (read more about Hannah and see a portrait in Pennsbury's International Women's Day Facebook post). The work of other women at Pennsbury, both enslaved, indentured, and free, is also an important part of the programming and exhibits at the site.

The skills and knowledge of open hearth cooking and baking are researched and interpreted at Pennsbury Manor (from Facebook)

Military reenactment and timeline programs at the Pennsylvania Military Museum include the evolving roles of women in the military. New interpretive exhibits currently in development will highlight the experiences of individuals in all branches of the military throughout the course of Pennsylvania history and include women serving on the home front and in conflict zones.

Interpretation at PA Military Museum's "Vietnam Revisited" program includes the role of women as medical personnel (via Facebook)

In related news...

Curious as to how many PHMC Historical Markers feature women or issues related to women's history? I was too, so I did a quick search and downloaded a list. Check it out.

The New York Times announced a project to publish obituaries for notable women whose passing was ignored in its pages at the time of their deaths. The first 15 obituaries in the "Overlooked" project include Ida B. Wells, Ada Lovelace, and Emily Warren Roebling (read all 15 and learn more about the project, including how to nominate a woman for inclusion).

National History Day has posted a preview of a larger project, "Women in American History," which provides resources for teachers to integrate women's history into their classes and encourage students to examine primary sources from colonial America to the present. Materials are available to download.

In honor of Women's History Month, Governor Tom Wolf's Facebook page features a video highlighting women who have made significant contributions to Pennsylvania and beyond (view the video).

On This Day in History - March 9

In keeping with this week's women's history focus (but I managed to get baseball in too)...

• 1976 - 1st female cadets accepted at West Point Military Academy
• 1979 - Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn orders teams to provide equal access to female reporters
• 1990 - Dr. Antonia Novello sworn in as first Hispanic and first female Surgeon General

Not Unlucky At All

Check the October program page for info on upcoming events!

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

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

Bushy Run Battlefield (via Facebook)

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

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

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

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

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

Looking ahead...

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

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

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

Now That You Mention It

The October program page has info on upcoming events on the Trails of History (this weekend's highlights below). Please note that most sites will be closed on Monday, Oct. 9, for Columbus Day, but Drake Well Museum and Park, Fort Pitt Museum, and the Railroad Museum of PA will be open (to the best of my knowledge, it's always a good idea to check ahead to make sure).

If you missed last Friday's guest post from Rachel Yerger about a collection of military medals from World War I, you can still find it here, "The Extraordinary Heroism of Ordinary People."

I spend a fair amount of time keeping up with the social media posts that Trails of History sites put out so that I know what they're doing and can help spread the word. But I also try to pay attention to the times when other people's social media accounts mention a Trails of History site. This past week or so, I noticed several mentions (I'm sure there were more) so I'm sharing.

Historic Hope Lodge, Montgomery County (from Facebook)

The "Historic Trades & Skills of Colonial Williamsburg" page on Facebook posts all kinds of stuff about the various shops throughout the historic area. Lately the Joinery folks have been posting photos of noteworthy colonial era historic houses that are not part of Colonial Williamsburg. In late September, they included our own Hope Lodge, showcasing its Georgian symmetry, the history of ownership, and its side-by-side interpretation of the 18th century and the 20th Century Colonial Revival era.

The current issue of Mountain Home magazine includes an article on the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum as a wedding and meeting venue. The writer interviewed staff of the museum as well as the first couple to hold a wedding there, in August 2015, shortly after the renovated museum visitor center was dedicated. One of the goals of the renovation and expansion was to create more space for community meetings and events in an area where rental facilities are fairly scarce.

Earlier this week, PennLive posted a story highlighting "35 of the Best PA Small Towns." The blurb for Coudersport, Potter County, included mention of the PA Lumber Museum (which sits between Galeton and Coudersport on Route 6), and the note about Somerset included the Somerset Historical Center. Thanks, PennLive, for recognizing the importance of local museums to making small towns distinctive and visit-worthy.

This weekend (including today)...
Drake Well Museum and Park
Oct. 7: Lantern Tours at Pithole—explore the remains of a 19th-century oil boomtown and learn about the colorful characters who lived there during its brief existence (see article in the Titusville Herald). This is an all-weather event and takes place primarily outdoors, so please dress accordingly. Tickets are $10, and space is limited (more info and online ticketing). Tours set out from the visitor center at 10-minute intervals from 6:30 to 9:30 pm; as of yesterday, the 6:30, 7, 7:30, and 8 pm tour times are sold out. Advance ticket sales will be cut off at 3 pm today (10/6).

Ephrata Cloister
Oct. 6-7: Apple Dumpling Sales—enjoy a delicious PA Dutch tradition and support the Back to the Cloister Fund (which helps to return original furnishings and objects to the site). Dumplings, from Aschenbach's Bakery, are $4 each and are referred to as "meal-sized." There is no admission charge to buy apple dumplings (regular admission applies if you want to tour the site). Free local delivery can be arranged for advance orders of 20 or more; call 717/733-6600. Fri., 9:30 am-4 pm, Sat., 9:30 am until sold out.
Oct. 8: Day of Music—the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform in the Saal at 2, 3, and 4 pm. Included in regular admission, site is open noon-5 pm (guided tours will be available).

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Oct. 7-8: Harvest Days—a classic special event and a great way to celebrate the coming of fall. Loads of demonstrations and activities for the whole family in a beautiful setting. New this year, a maze cut into a field of sorghum (see video). (Details in this article from LancasterOnline.com.) Admission: adults, $12; seniors, $10; age 6-11, $8; free parking. 11 am-5 pm.

Old Economy Village
Oct. 7-8: Erntedankfest - A Harvest Festival—celebrate the fall harvest as artisans throughout the village cook, bake, and demonstrate their craft skills. Music, food, and family activities make this a great tradition. Included in regular admission. Sat., 10 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
October 8: Sunday programming—this week, Living History Theater presents the wedding of John Sotcher and Mary Lofty, William Penn’s steward and housekeeper, following 17th-century Quaker customs. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Oct 7-8: Annual Fall Antique and Collectible Show—this event features dozens of vendors and supports the programs of the Lumber Museum. Other activities include sawmill operation (Saturday only), birch still and blacksmithing demos, and food for purchase in the community room. $5 admission ($3 for kids) includes the show and all museum exhibits and activities. 10 am-5 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Oct. 7: Keeping It Clean: A History of Arms & Cleaning Techniques—learn about the history of a variety of military weapons, their use, and appropriate care. Donation requested. Noon-3 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Oct. 6: Last Day - Archaeology at Fort Hunter—this season's excavations by State Museum archaeology team wrap up today. You can drop by between 10 am and 3 pm to see what's up.
Oct. 6: StoryTime—today's program, designed for kids age 3-5 with an adult, takes place in Ecology Hall to learn about squirrels. The book is Frisky Brisky Hippity Hop, by Alexina B. White. Included in general admission. 10-11 am.

A June Roundup on the Trails of History

The June program page has info on upcoming events and programs. I've highlighted some of this weekend's offerings below.

See more about Art of the State on the State Museum Facebook page

The State Museum of PA, in conjunction with Jump Street (a Harrisburg-based arts organization), has opened the 50th Art of the State Exhibit, which will run through Sept. 10. At the opening reception for the exhibit, prize winners were announced in five categories of artwork (photos of prize winners and scenes from the reception), selected from entries submitted by artists around the state (photo gallery of all finalists included in exhibit).

Sunday, June 11, marked the 90th anniversary of the Lindbergh Special run. On June 11, 1927, the Pennsylvania Railroad's locomotive No. 460 raced an airplane from Washington, DC, to New York City. Both were carrying newsreel footage of a ceremony honoring Charles Lindbergh's successful nonstop solo flight from New York to Paris (completed on May 21, 1927). The race was to see which mode of transport could get the footage to theaters in New York first. The plane, even then, covered the distance faster, but the train carried its own darkroom, so the film was developed (look it up) en route and was ready for showing when the train arrived in NYC. The footage carried by plane still had to be developed when it reached the city. The 460 is now part of the permanent collection of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, where it is on display in Rolling Stock Hall following a multi-year restoration project. It is destined to be on display in the Museum's new Roundhouse exhibit building, when it is completed. You can read much more about the project on the museum's website or in the Spring 2016 issue of Pennsylvania Heritage magazine. UPDATE: the museum has posted a short video from the dedication of No. 460 after it was restored.

Fly casting instruction at PA Lumber Museum Youth and Family Field Day (more photos on Facebook)

Last weekend, the PA Lumber Museum held a Youth and Family Field Day where participants learned outdoor skills related to life in the lumber region. While much of the museum's exhibitry and programming is focused on the history of lumbering, another focus is preserving a balance among economic development, environmental protection, and recreational use of the forests and other natural areas. The activity stations for the field day were staffed by instructors from the museum and other local organizations. Site administrator Josh Roth reports that the instructors were pleased with how engaged the kids were and everyone seemed to have a great time learning new stuff and enjoying the outdoors (it was National Get Outdoors Day, by the way). One parent emailed on Monday to report that her son had enjoyed the day very much and was planning to return to the event next year (a sentiment expressed by a number of attendees. "He loved all the classes but seemed to pick up on Fly Fishing. We got home and he wanted to order a fly pole right away but I remember that his papa had a pole. I went digging and cleaned it all up for him. He practiced with that pole until 9:30 pm and then the next day went fishing! He didn't catch anything but it didn't matter to him, he loves it! Thanks Again!!!" I think you can consider that a rave review.

Eckley Archaeology Project 2017 has begun (via Facebook)

For the third summer (I think), a team from the University of Maryland is holding an archaeology field school on site at Eckley Miners' Village. This year's crew, made up of students, faculty members, and volunteers, started above ground by documenting extant outbuildings. Site administrator Bode Morin reports that the team found 160 outbuildings still standing. Eckley shares info about the field school on its Facebook page, but the Eckley Archaeology Project also has its own Facebook page and a blog detailing their work.

June 19 to 25 is #MuseumWeek, an international social media event showcasing museums, their collections, and the people who love them. The event started on Twitter but has expanded to include other platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Sina (in China). The overall focus this year is Women in Culture (#WomenMW), and each day has a different hashtag (6/19 - #foodMW; 6/20 - #sportsMW; 6/21 - #musicMW; 6/22 - #storiesMW; 6/23 - #booksMW; 6/24 - #travelsMW; 6/25 - #heritageMW). We always have some participation from sites on the Trails of History, so be sure to follow your favorite site. As you'll see below, Old Economy Village is out in front, previewing their links to some of the hashtags.



Other posts of interest...


Bushy Run Battlefield
June 17: Community Picnic—enjoy live music, children's games, and battlefield tours. $4 fee includes museum admission and tours; there will be food trucks on site if you want to purchase food (or bring your own picnic). Noon-5 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
June 17: Evening on the Green—this program includes colonial crafts and games, and live music by the Celtic Martin Family (more details on Facebook). Admission for this rain or shine event is $20 per car (free for FDBH members with membership card). Overall event time is 5-9 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
June 18: Father’s Day—enjoy a day out with dad and explore a unique historic site. Dads get in free. Noon-5 pm.

Graeme Park
June 18: Living History Sunday—learn about "Fathers and Family in the 1700s," featuring Dr. Thomas Graeme. Interactive living history throughout the event with a brief talk at 2 pm. Noon-3 pm.

Hope Lodge
June 18: Site open—Hope Lodge will be open the third Sunday of each month through October, with guided tours offered at 1 and 2:30 pm. Admission is charged. Free admission today for dads, in honor of Father's Day. 1-4 pm.

Old Economy Village
June 17: Saturday Spotlight—Niceties and Necessities. Included in regular admission, so please start at the Visitor Center. 10 am-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
June 17: Brews & Bites at Pennsbury Manor—sample beers from Philadelphia-area craft brewers and enjoy food, musical entertainment, and demonstrations of historic beer brewing. The event page has info on ticket options; tickets are on sale now. Must be at least 21 to attend. 4-8 pm.
June 18: Sunday Programming—June 18: Open Hearth Cooking—the cooks will prepare 16th-, 17th-, and 18th-century recipes to explore how cooking techniques were evolving. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
June 18: 3rd Sunday Program—dads get free admission today in honor of Father's Day and this month's 3rd Sunday Program is a documentary about Gifford Pinchot, considered one of the fathers of American forestry. Museum is open 9 am-5 pm; documentary showing is at 1 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
June 17-18: Guided Tours—on June weekends, the 1 pm guided tour is included in regular admission (normally an additional charge).
June 17: Buzzcut Saturday—just what it sounds like. Start the summer with a traditional boot camp haircut. Donations accepted or free with museum admission. 10 am-3 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
June 16: Free Summer Friday—throughout the summer, museum admission will be free on Fridays. Learn at Lunchtime programming will also be offered (program details). Museum open 9 am-5 pm, lunchtime programming 12:15-12:45 pm.
June 18: Victorian Dance Ensemble—the performing troupe of the Civil War Dance Foundation will present demonstrations of period costume and dance. Museum admission is free. The museum is open noon-5 pm, dance demos at 1, 2, and 3 pm in Memorial Hall.

National Get Outdoors Day

The June program page has info on events and activities on the Trails of History through the end of the month.

Retired forester Stan Hess leads a wildflower walk on the PA Lumber Museum's Sustainable Forestry Trail, May 2017 (via Facebook)

Tomorrow, June 10, is National Get Outdoors Day. I know, it snuck up on me too. Always does. I read about it in the electronic newsletter of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation. I was reminded of a tourism study from last year (I think) that showed that people who like to do outdoor activities also seem to really like exploring history (going to historic sites, etc.).

And that made me think about how many sites on the PA Trails of History offer some of both to the public. Many of our sites have beautiful grounds and parkland that people enjoy just for the sake of being outdoors. They may not even think about the history nearby. And many of our sites are looking for ways to gently remind those folks about the work and investment (of public and private dollars) it takes to maintain the grounds and preserve the history. But I digress.

Increasingly, staff and volunteers at PHMC sites are working with colleagues at state parks, which are part of the PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), to provide the public with experiences that satisfy or nurture historical curiosity alongside an appreciation of nature and of sustainable ways to interact with nature. (You may know that in early 2016, Washington Crossing Historic Park formally moved from PHMC's portfolio to DCNR's although it remains part of the PA Trails of History.) Recently, two programs came across my radar that reflect the cooperation between the two agencies.

Spring at Eckley (via Facebook)

Last Thursday, as part of a program series geared to older adults and retirees, staff from Nescopeck State Park in Luzerne County teamed up with staff from Eckley Miners' Village. Attendees toured the village, learning about the history of anthracite mining, life in a patch town, and features of the natural landscape. Eckley has also been working to regularly interpret (through graphics panels on the grounds) natural features and the geology of coal, as well as attracting outdoor enthusiasts using the newly expanded Rails-to-Trails project connecting the village to Hazleton.

In late May, 73 students from Northern Potter Middle School visited the PA Lumber Museum. A Facebook post by the school district recounted that the students "toured the museum and the grounds and learned about lumber uses and the history of the lumber industry in Pennsylvania. They learned how foresters use different types of maps to make forestry decisions as well." Museum staff report that the students were really engaged and interested. The group then moved on to Lyman Run State Park, where they participated in hands-on activities to learn about logging methods and how loggers floated logs downstream. In addition, they assisted the museum with testing out a raft-building exercise for an upcoming summer camp program. (Photos of all of these activities are in the School District's Facebook post.)

In a different vein, The State Museum of PA's popular Story Time program moved outside last week to take advantage of some tree-shaded areas outside the museum.

It’s a great day to read outside – especially when you’re reading the #PAOneBook #DanielFindsAPoem! 📚☀️ @PAPromise @StateMuseumPA pic.twitter.com/Kcc1WEc7sq

— PA Dept of Education (@PADeptofEd) June 2, 2017

Outdoor special events planned for June 10 are listed below. There are many more opportunities to be outdoors on the Trails of History (check the June program listing for more info):

Fort Pitt Museum
Living History Series—today's focus is the Ft. Pitt Fife and Drum Corps. Noon-4 pm.

Old Economy Village
Saturday Spotlight—19th-century Foodways: Bread-baking and Cooking. Included in regular admission, so please start at the Visitor Center. 10 am-5 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Youth and Family Field Day—this event, which runs 9 am-4 pm, is geared for students between the ages of 10 and 16, accompanied by an adult family member. Qualified instructors will teach a variety of outdoor skills: Wildlife Identification, Turkey Lore/Calling, Archery, Pellet Shooting, Astronomy (observing the sun through a special telescope), Fly Casting, Trapping, and Tree Identification. Thanks to sponsorships, this event is free, but registration is required. Registration closed yesterday, so if you're interested you must call TODAY, June 9, to see if space is available.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Historical and Nature-related Programs—environmental educator Katie Scott will lead a river's edge bird-watching session, 8:30-9:30 am (meet at the visitor center), and staff from Bucks County Library (Yardley branch) will offer storytime and a nature activity for kids of all ages, 2:30-3:30 pm in the picnic area across from the visitor center (visit Washington Crossing's events page for more information.

Updated info - additional outdoor opportunities on the Trails of History:

Ephrata Cloister is participating in the Ephrata Public Library's "Get Outdoors" program, as one of the stops on the program's landmarks scavenger hunt. Kids and their families use a map to visit parks and other outdoor venues in and around Ephrata. Each stop has a post with a metal symbol on top that is used to make a rubbing on the map. Ephrata Cloister's post represents a post office. For more information visit the project website.

Summer Break and Other Odysseys

The June program page is now up and running.

Even for those of us who don't have kids in school and whose school days are long behind us (show of hands?), the end of the school year signals the beginning of summer. Plus it's now hurricane season, so that counts as summer as well, even though the solstice isn't until the 21st.

Summer is the busiest time of year for most sites on the Trails of History. You'll find lots of programs, summer camps, craft workshops. It's a great time to take advantage of outdoor activities at sites, exploring gardens and trails and enjoying numerous festivals. The June program page will get you started with this month's activities, but find your favorite site on social media to get a look at the whole summer.

The Trails of History participate in the Blue Star Museums program, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, providing free regular admission for active duty military and their families. Actually the Trails of History offer that deal all year, so if you know folks who qualify, please be sure to point them in our direction.

Family museum pass programs are available in several parts of the state. While details vary, families can check out a pass good for free general admission and hold onto it for a week. It's a great way for families to explore their local museums. At least one of our sites also noted that the pass had encouraged older visitors as well. Erie Maritime Museum passes are available through the Erie County Library System. Pennsylvania Lumber Museum passes can be found through the Potter-Tioga Library System and the S.W. Smith Library in Port Allegany. Ephrata Cloister, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, and the Railroad Museum of PA are all part of the Library System of Lancaster County Family Museum Pass program. Check it out!

While visiting our sites during the summer (or anytime), we love it when you share your photos. You can do so via sites' Facebook pages or Twitter feeds; some are on Instagram as well. There are often also local or regional opportunities, such as the summer 2017 Bucks County photo and video challenge, promoted here by Pennsbury Manor.


In other news...

Today, June 2, 11 am-4 pm, the Railroad Museum of PA is hosting a blood drive in cooperation with the Central PA Blood Bank (details). In addition to the feeling of doing good for others, donors will receive one free adult admission to the museum and a pair of ticket vouchers for a Lancaster Barnstormers home game during the current season. If you're in the central PA area but can't donate today, visit the blood bank's website for info on additional opportunities.

June 8 is the deadline to register for the Lumber Museum's free Youth and Family Field Day, scheduled for Saturday, June 10. You can find more info and registration details on the museum's Facebook page. Did I mention the event is free? But, you must pre-register.

Today through June 8, the Cinemark Tinseltown in Erie will run a promo for daysails on the U.S. Brig Niagara before all movie showings. Enjoy!