So Long, March and Hello, April

Conrad Weiser Homestead's Spring Lecture takes place this Sunday (photo via Conrad Weiser Homestead Facebook page, March 30, 2022)

As we make the turn from March into April, there are lots of activities on the Trails of History. Please take a look and you may find something new to learn or experience this week. Several sites will transition to their spring schedules tomorrow, April 1. Old Economy Village had a little fun with that on Instagram. Enjoy!


Video description: Bouncy music plays as an overlaid image of a black-and-white cat moves through interior and exterior spaces at Old Economy Village. On-screen text says "When they tell you that you need to take promoting opening day seriously. Seriously. We open on April 1st."

Up Next

Today, 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).

Saturday, April 1

• The Great War Remembered (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-3 pm; PA Military Museum
• Join our living historians from the NGP (National Guard of PA) History Project at an outdoor encampment that explores life on the Western Front during World War I. The camp is open 10 am-3 pm both days. Regular admission charged for museum exhibits and lectures (Great War Remembered program info).

• A Bird's Eye View (in-person); 10 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore T.M. Fowler’s views of Pennsylvania. Take a deeper look at the cities and towns that forged our industrial state. Test your skills and see if you can sketch your own bird’s-eye view. Included in regular admission (TM Fowler program info).

• April Fool's Tour (in-person); Noon and 3:30 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Join staff for a tour that includes fun stories - some of them may even be true. Tours at noon and 3:30 pm. Admission charged. Reservations required; call 215/946-0400 (April Fool's Tour info).

• Rails & Ales 2023 (in-person); 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).

Sunday, April 2

• Easter Egg Hunt (in-person); 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).

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Blacksmiths, joyners, and spinners will demonstrate their 17th-century skills and be eager to talk with visitors about their importance. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades program info).

• Spring Lecture (in-person); 2-3 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Speaker Linda Manwiller will present "Pennsylvania German Easter Traditions," an illustrated lecture exploring the history and legacy of such traditions as Easter baskets, Easter eggs, and the Easter bunny. The program is free and open to the public (Spring Lecture info).

Tuesday, April 4

• 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 (April 4 Sensory Hours tickets).

Wednesday, April 5

• Travel Pennsylvania's Superhighway (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the museum's PA Turnpike exhibit to learn about innovations that were used to create this superhighway. Test your math skills as you travel the road. Included in regular admission (PA Turnpike program info).

Friday, April 7

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Listen to a reading of Spring After Spring by Stephanie Roth and explore the story of Rachel Carson, create a spring drawing, and look for signs of spring in the galleries. For ages 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (StoryTime info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• The Lost Decade: Mining at Cornwall in the 1920s (hybrid); Tuesday, Apr. 11, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Mike Weber will provide information about a transitional period in the history of the Cornwall Mines in the early 20th century. The 1920s represented a pivotal period in the continued development of the Cornwall Mines. The presentation will explore these developments and provide highlights from the Cornwall Mines and community. Attend in person at Freeman Hall, Cornwall Manor Retirement Community or via Zoom (register for Zoom lecture).

• 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).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Apr. 18, 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 (April 18 Sensory Hours tickets).

• Archives Without Tears Q&A (virtual); Thursday, Apr. 20, 10-11 am; PA State Archives
• Do you have questions about practical ways to preserve and/or make available the historical records in your care? Whether you are a curious individual collecting and caring for family or community materials, a local government employee tasked with records storage, a volunteer at a local historical society, the director of a large institution, or anyone in-between, we invite all to bring questions for Pennsylvania State Archives archivists to answer. It may be helpful (but is not required) to first check out the brief AWOT Key Concepts videos that are freely available on PHMC's YouTube channel, @PATrailsofHistory (Archives Without Tears registration).

• 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

• 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

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

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

Trailheads to Be First Blog on Mars

Spring has sprung at Conrad Weiser Homestead, which will be open from noon to 4 this Sunday, April 3 (photo via CWH Facebook page)

As of this weekend, all Trails of History sites have reopened for the season, so it must really be spring! Schedules vary, so please be sure to check websites before heading out for a visit. Guided tours are generally on a set schedule, so it's helpful to know what to expect. Enjoy!

Over the past month, we asked you to vote for Erie Maritime Museum in USA Today's Top 10 History Museums poll. The results were announced last week (after my posting deadline), and Erie came in at number 7! Thank you to everyone who voted. Congratulations to the staff and volunteers who make it a great place to visit.

Up Next

Today, April 1

• StoryTime (in-person), 10:30-11:30 am, The State Museum of PA
• Read Ten Seeds by Ruth Brown and plant a seed to take home and watch it grow. For kids age 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (StoryTime info)

Saturday, April 2

• Pysanky Egg Decorating Workshop (in-person), 9 am-4 pm, Somerset Historical Center
• This is a beginner-level class teaching the basic skills of Ukrainian decorated eggs. Open to anyone age 12 and up (age 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult). As of Wednesday, there appeared to still be tickets available. Cost is $45, which includes materials (Pysanky workshop info and registration)

• National Water Dance Art Preview (in-person), 10 am-noon, Erie Maritime Museum
• Posters and infographics by Mercyhurst Univ. artists spotlighting plastics pollution and threats to the world's coral reefs will be on display in the Orientation Theater. This is a preview for the National Water Dance event on April 23 (EMM info).

• The Great War Remembered: World War I (in-person), 10:00 am-3 pm Saturday and Sunday, PA Military Museum
• Lectures and temporary exhibits mark the 104th anniversary of American combat troops in France and the end of WWI. Included in regular admission (Great War info). At noon on Saturday, author Tom Schalata will present "The Bloody Bucket," detailing his grandfather's service in the 28th Division. On Sunday at 1 pm, Robert Potter will present "Discovering WWI: From Boalsburg to France and Back," based on his travels in rural regions of France. The lectures are free (donations welcome); seating is first come, first served.

Wednesday, April 6

• Explore! (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Learn about PA industries using T.M. Fowler's bird's-eye views of industrial towns. For kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info).

Thursday, April 7

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Museum educators will be in the gallery with hands-on fossils of plants and animals from the Carboniferous Period to the present. Included in regular admission (Gallery Tour info).

Friday, April 8

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Bert Myers from the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection will talk about PA's successful peregrine falcon reintroduction efforts. The program is free; register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Somerset Historical Center's Coopering School for 2022 is fully booked, but there is a waiting list for 2023, or in the event of cancellations this year (Coopering School info and waiting list).
• Rails and Ales: enjoy an evening of craft beer among the museum's historic trains at the Railroad Museum of PA, April 9, 5:30-9 pm; must be 21 or older to attend; variety of ticket options (VIP tickets are sold out), including designated driver tickets (Rails and Ales tickets)
• Tickets are on sale now for Bushy Run Battlefield's Art and Wine with Henry! event on Saturday, April 23. Enjoy some history and view the work of local artists (Art and Wine info and tickets).
• On Wednesday, April 27, Graeme Park will host a lunch and learn program, "Forgotten Heroes - Women and the Fight for the Right to Vote." The program includes continental breakfast, a lecture, and a buffet lunch; tours of the Keith House will be available after lunch. Tickets are $35; reservations are required (Forgotten Heroes info and tickets).
• On Saturday, May 2, Old Economy Village will host "Unlock Your History," a program on researching your family history and deciphering clues in old documents. Cost is $15, which includes lunch (Unlock Your History info and registration).
• 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

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).

On the Trails of History, April 19-May 2

This post will take you through the end of the month. Look for the complete May program page to be posted by April 30 (fingers crossed). Site closings for Easter on April 21 are listed below; the info is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Anthracite Heritage Museum
April 21: Museum closed for Easter
May 1: Deadline to RSVP for Spring Tea—this year's spring tea, set for May 4 at 1 pm, is "An Immigration Celebration," exploring the role of immigrants in the Scranton area's past, present, and future. The event is geared for visitors age 12 and older. Suggested donation of $20 per person (more details). This event sold out lasst year, so don't wait!

Brandywine Battlefield Park
April 21: Museum closed for Easter
April 23: Revolutionary Dining Series—author Christian Di Spigna will present "Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution's Last Hero" at The Gables at Chadds Ford. Cost is $50 per person and includes dinner, dessert, and the program (cash bar available). More info and online ticketing is available on the website. 6 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
April 21: Site closed for Easter

Conrad Weiser Homestead
April 21: Site closed for Easter
April 28: Making Sense of History—check out the Facebook Event page for more details on this multi-sensory program. Noon-4 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
April 21: Site closed for Easter

Daniel Boone Homestead
April 21: Site closed for Easter
April 27: Sheep and Fiber Day—the Homestead sheep will be sheared and artisans will demonstrate various steps of the textile production process (more info on Facebook event page). Vendors will be on hand with items made from alpaca and sheep's wool. Food will be available for purchase throughout the day. Cost is $7 for ages 13 and up, free for Friends members and kids age 12 and under. 10 am-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
April 21: Site closed for Easter
April 27: Something More Saturday—it's Engine Start Up Day, as the Olin engine that runs the Central Powers exhibit gets restarted for the 2018 visitation season. Blacksmith demonstrations will also be on the schedule. Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.

Eckley Miners' Village
April 21: Site closed for Easter

Ephrata Cloister
April 21: Site closed for Easter

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
April 19: Easter Egg-stravaganza—this Little Mates Kids Club event will include a visit with the Easter Bunny. Cost is $5 per person, free for members of the Little Mates Kids Club. 10 am-noon.
April 21: Museum closed for Easter

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

Graeme Park
April 21: Site closed for Easter
April 24: Lunch and Learn—"Hannah Penn" is the topic, and the speaker is Doug Miller, site administrator at Pennsbury Manor. Pre-registration is required (Details on program and link to registration form). 10:30 am-1:30 pm.

Hope Lodge
April 21: Site closed for Easter
April 28: Site open—guided tours are at 1:00 and 2:30 pm. Admission charged. 1-4 pm.

Joseph Priestley House
April 21: Site closed for Easter

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Multiple Dates: Craft and Trade Classes for Adults—visit the Landis Valley website for the full list; times and fees vary.
April 21: Site closed for Easter

Old Economy Village
April 21: Site closed for Easter
April 27: Saturday Spotlight Programs—a variety of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on learning will be presented. Costs and details vary, so check the website for more information.

Pennsbury Manor
April 20: Paths Less Traveled—enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Manor House, visiting areas not generally open to the public. This is a Members-Only Event, but it's never too late to join. Reservations are required; call 215/946-0400. 10 am-4 pm.
April 21: Site closed for Easter
April 28: Sunday Programming—this week's focus is Beer Brewing and Garden Highlights. Included in regular admission. Programming runs 1-4 pm, site open noon-5 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
April 21: Site closed for Easter
May 2: Potter County Envirothon—local high school students test their knowledge of ecology, conservation, and the care and management of our natural world during this annual event presented in cooperation with the Potter County Conservation District. 9 am.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
April 21: Museum closed for Easter
April 27-28: The Great War Remembered—this weekend remembers World War I with lectures, film, and a living history encampment that demonstrates life on the Western Front. Saturday lectures at 10:30, 1:30, and 3:30. Sunday film at 1:30 (check the website for details and updates). 10 am-4 pm each day.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
April 21: Museum closed for Easter
April 25: Wine & Paint Night—we'll supply the art materials, light snacks, and the subject (a world-class locomotive). You supply your beverage of choice and the desire to learn to paint. Artist Michelle Verdegem will lead the class, which will take place among the trains (more info on Facebook event). Class is limited to 20 adults (purchase tickets online through Eventbrite). 6:30-8 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
April 21: Museum closed for Easter
April 26-28: Cottage Craft Coopering—learn the traditional skills of the cooper, using hand-tools to make your own maple sugar keeler (bucket). Workshop teachers include people who have been coopering for many years and learned from the best. More info and registration details on the website.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Planetarium Schedule—visit the website for a complete schedule of planetarium shows.
April 21: Museum closed for Easter

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the website for information on hours and programs.

Veterans Day 2018

Schedules for November 11, Veterans Day, are listed below. For info on other events, please see the November program page or last week's post, which listed Trails of History events for Nov. 2-15.

Through December 31, the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation (PHF) and The State Museum of Pennsylvania are excited to offer a "Buy One Get One Free" membership offer. Renew, rejoin, or join, and you can gift a free membership of equal or lesser value to a friend, family member, or co-worker. Memberships included in this offer are Heritage, Individual, and Family (visit PHF website for details or to purchase online). All categories of membership include free regular admission to sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History. (Please note, the gift membership must be for individuals or families who have never held a membership with PHF or The State Museum previously.)

Post updated 11/9/2018, 8:40 am and 1:00 pm.

Handwritten on back of photo: "Yellow Smoke Chenille Rocket - official signal for ending war for 28th Division - 11 am 11/11/18. Gen. Hay touched off rocket. Sweeney, Hagerling [?] & Dawson [?] in background." (PA State Archives, MG-156 Edward Martin Papers (Box 1, Vol 1, Folder 1)

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of fighting in World War I. The armistice that went into effect at 11 am on Nov. 11, 1918, is celebrated as the end of the war, with Armistice Day becoming a national holiday in many countries in 1919. In the U.S., Armistice Day became Veterans Day in 1954, a day to honor all veterans of military service. Because of this year's centennial, many Veterans Day activities will be focused on the armistice and the World War I era (see below for Trails of History activities). The United States World War One Centennial Commission is encouraging individuals and organizations across the country to participate in the Bells of Peace initiative, tolling bells at 11 am local time on Sunday, Nov. 11. They've even developed a smartphone app that people can use to participate virtually (more info on the centennial commission website).

A couple of recent posts related to the Trails of History seem relevant here.

A recent article from the U.S. Army War College highlights Gen. Edward Sigerfoos of the 28th Division during World War I; a memorial to Sigerfoos can be found on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum. The Pennsylvania Military Museum has added some new items to its exhibit galleries temporarily:


And the Somerset Historical Center received a donation of a county resident's World War I Purple Heart:

Veterans Day, November 11

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Site open noon-4 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Site open noon-4 pm, with an Armistice Service at 2 pm (see Facebook event page for details).

Daniel Boone Homestead
Site open noon-4 pm; Paul Trainor will present "Soldiers in the French and Indian War" at 2 pm. Suggested donation of $2 per person for talk. Regular admission applies to visit the historic area.

Ephrata Cloister
Site open noon-5 pm. (Ephrata Cloister will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12.)

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
UPDATE: The museum is closed, but some staff and volunteers will be participating in DCNR's Veterans Appreciation Day at the U.S. Coast Guard station on Presque Isle State Park. At 11 am, they will participate in the Bells of Peace initiative using a small bell from the USS Wolverine (see info here).

Graeme Park
Site open noon-4 pm.

Joseph Priestley House
Site open 1-4 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Site open noon-5 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Museum open noon-5 pm. Admission is free for veterans and their families. At 2 pm, as part of the Friends' Lecture Series, Robert Franks will present "Welcome Home, Bro," based on his experiences as an Airborne Infantry Platoon Leader with the First Cavalry Division, serving in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 (details on the website).

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Museum open noon-5 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
At 11 am, the museum's Liberty Bell replica (outdoors on the North St. side) will be rung as part of the Bells of Peace initiative. At noon, the museum will open a new exhibit, Dressed for Service: Pennsylvanians in the Great War, featuring uniforms from World War I.

Trails of History Events, Nov. 2-15

The Whitemarsh Encampment at Hope Lodge is Nov. 3 (photo Hope Lodge/Al Pockek)

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am on Sunday, Nov. 4; be sure to turn clocks back an hour to adjust (show of hands (ha ha): does anyone have more than two clocks that still have to be reset by hand?)

Trails of History sites that plan to be open on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day are indicated below.

The full November program page is available if you want to plan ahead.

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Nov. 12: Photo Contest Deadline—"all things anthracite" are fair game for this photo contest. To complement an exhibit on photography in the anthracite region, the museum is inviting photographers to submit their photos of life in the area (info and rules on the website).

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site open noon-4 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Nov. 4: Fall Lecture—John Moore will present "The Murder of Jack Armstrong" and explore the possible roles of Shikellamy and Conrad Weiser. Free admission; donations greatly appreciated. Site is open noon-4 pm; the lecture is at 2 pm.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site will be open noon-4 pm, with a remembrance service at 2 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Nov. 13: Friends Lecture Series—this is the last lecture for 2018. David Hargrove will present "John Singleton Mosby: The Gray Ghost," exploring the Civil War through the career of this well-known Confederate cavalry commander (more info on the website). Lectures are held in Freeman Hall Auditorium at the Cornwall Manor Retirement Community, across the road from the furnace site (map and directions). Lecture is free, donations are accepted. 7 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Nov. 3: Boone Birthday Program—celebrate Daniel Boone's birthday and learn about his family. Birthday program starts at 1 pm, with cake and ice cream to follow. Included in regular admission.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site is open noon-4 pm, and Paul Trainor will present "Soldiers in the French and Indian War" at 2 pm. Suggested donation of $2 per person for talk. Regular admission applies to visit the historic area.

Ephrata Cloister
Nov. 8: Tickets for Christmas at the Cloister—as of today, the general public can purchase tickets ($6 per person) for this limited-seating event (scheduled for Dec. 10 and 11). Details are on the website.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site will be open noon-5 pm. Ephrata Cloister will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12.

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

Graeme Park
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site open noon-4 pm.

Hope Lodge
Nov. 3: Whitemarsh Encampment Reenactment—this long-standing event commemorates the Nov. 2-Dec. 11, 1777, encampment of Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army in the Whitemarsh Hills. Reenactors dressed in authentic American and British uniforms will march to the beat of fife and drum and demonstrate the military tactics used during Revolutionary War. Skirmishes on the grounds are scheduled for 11:30 am & 2:30 pm. After the skirmish, come visit a troop encampment where women in colonial dress cook over an open fire and children play colonial games. Other events occurring during the day include blacksmith and beer brewing demonstrations, a Lecture & book signing by Mary Stockwell, author of Unlikely General: "Mad" Anthony Wayne and the Battle for America, children’s activities including a Children's Muster Drill and scavenger hunt, experiments of Dr. Benjamin Franklin (presented by Michael Kochan), and Open Hearth Cooking Demonstrations. The Hope Lodge mansion will be open for tours. Sutlers, bake sale, and food will be available for purchase.Program details. Admission charged: $10 (age 18-59), $5 (age 6-17 & 65+), "family" rate is $25 (1 car with 2 adults and up to 4 children). Free for Friends of Hope Lodge members and children age 5 and under. 10 am-4 pm.

Joseph Priestley House
Nov. 4: Heritage Day—costumed interpreters will be stationed in the house as you tour, Dr. Priestley will demonstrate chemical principles, and there will be games for children. Admission is free. 1-4 pm (chemistry demos at 1:30 and 2:30).
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site open 1-4 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Nov. 1: Hands-On History—step back in time to learn about life as a farm child. Details and registration info (including link for online ticket purchase). Cost is $11 per person; free for LVA members and children age 5 and younger. 9 am-3 pm.
Nov. 3, 10, 11: Fall Workshops Continue—check the website for course descriptions and registration info.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site open noon-5 pm.

Old Economy Village
Nov. 10: Wine-Making with Mazzotta Winery—stay tuned to the website for updates on this program. 10 am-1 pm.
Nov. 10: World War I Lecture—local historian Scot Buffington will use original clothing and accoutrements to discuss soldier life during World War I (more info on website). This lecture is in conjunction with the current exhibit, “Do your Bit!”: World War I in Ambridge, which closes December 23rd. 3-4:30 pm.
Nov. 14: Behind-the-Scenes Tour—this is a chance to visit artifact storage areas not generally open to the public. Light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will follow (BYOB if you like). Cost is $20, $16 for members. Space is limited, and reservations are required (details on website). Tour starts promptly at 6 pm.
Nov. 15: Lecture—researcher and writer Jeffrey Snedden, author of the weekly Beaver County Times column "Histories and Mysteries," will be the speaker. Program is free and open to the public. 7-8:30 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Nov. 4: American Revolution Roundtable Lecture—Lt. Colonel Sean Sculley will present "West Point and the American Revolution: The Great Chain and Her Fortification." 2-3 pm.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—the museum is open noon-5 pm. Admission is free for veterans and their families.
Nov. 11: Friends’ Lecture Series—Robert Franks will present "Welcome Home, Bro," based on his experiences as an Airborne Infantry Platoon Leader with the First Cavalry Division, serving in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 (details on the website). 2-3 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Nov. 3-4: Trains & Troops—this annual program salutes our armed forces and explores the role of the military in railroad history (and vice versa). A Swing Dance Saturday night (separate or combo ticket) lets you enjoy big band music, refreshments, and swing, swing, swing. Program details. Sat., 9 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-5 pm.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—the museum is open noon-5 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the Planetarium page for a full schedule of shows.
Nov. 2: StoryTime—this month's story is Every Autumn Comes the Bear by Jim Arnosky. The program will take place in Mammal Hall; meet near the black bear diorama. Included in regular admission. 10-11 am.
Nov. 8: Mapping Pennsylvania—explore various maps of Pennsylvania, including one so big you can walk on it (in your socks). This Nature Lab program is designed for visitors age 7 and up. Included in regular admission. 11:30 am.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—museum open. At 11 am, the museum's Liberty Bell replica (outdoors on the North St. side) will be rung as part of the Bells of Peace initiative, marking the centennial of the World War I armistice. At noon, the museum will open a new exhibit, Dressed for Service: Pennsylvanians in the Great War, featuring uniforms from World War I.
Nov. 15: Racing Ramps!—this "Curiosity Kids" program will explore historic road surfaces and test which one makes for the fastest travel. Meet in the Transportation and Industry Gallery (details on the museum website). Included in regular admission, but space is limited so be sure to sign up when you purchase your tickets. 11:30 am.
Nov. 15-16: Holiday Marketplace—shop the Trails of History with representatives from The State Museum of PA, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Ephrata Cloister, Somerset Historical Center, and Daniel Boone Homestead (details). Museum admission will be free for shoppers. Hours on Thursday are 10 am-3 pm. Friday opens at 10 am and runs until 7:30 pm for 3rd in the Burg.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for details on this month's schedule and programs.

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.

Get your Questions Ready: Join us for Ask An Archivist Day

Join us on Wednesday, October 4 for Ask An Archivist 

Archivists, by nature and profession, are some of the most patient people on the planet.  They're accustomed to being peppered with questions from researchers and visitors determined to track down everything from land records to genealogical histories.  

On Wednesday, you will have the undivided attention of four archivists from the Pennsylvania State Archives.  Kurt Bell, Rich Saylor, Aaron McWilliams and Josh Stahlman will take part in Ask An Archivist Day.

Sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, Ask An Archivist offers the public the opportunity to connect directly to archivists in their community — and around the country — through asking questions, gathering information, or just satisfying curiosity.

#AskAnArchivist Day is open to everyone - all you need is a Twitter account. To participate, just tweet a question to @PHMC and include the hashtag #AskAnArchivist in your tweet. Our archivists will see your question instantly. 

Here’s our schedule for Ask An Archivist Day:

Kurt Bell

10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.: Kurt Bell will start us off with his vast knowledge of the history of railroading in Pennsylvania, specifically the records held by the Pennsylvania State Archives and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.  

Rich Saylor

11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.: Join Pennsylvania State Archives' Rich Saylor for a World War I-themed Twitter Q&A. Earlier this year, Rich debuted an exhibit at The State Museum of Pennsylvania which spotlights an historic collection of World War I-era posters. Pennsylvania At War: World War I Posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives commemorates the anniversary of the U.S. involvement in World War I . Rich will also take questions relating to Pennsylvania military records from other historical eras preserved by the Archives.  

Aaron McWilliams

1 p.m to 1:45 p.m.: Aaron McWilliams will kick off our afternoon segment of Ask An Archivist. McWilliams will answer your questions regarding genealogy and family histories.  To date, more than 14 million records preserved by the Pennsylvania State Archives have been digitized by Ancestry.com and are available to commonwealth residents, free of charge.  These documents include birth and death certificates and marriage records.  Some of the more unusual documents include a 1909 birth certificate from a Pottstown resident named "Batman."  Ask Aaron about the celebrities, such as Katy Segal and Steve Buscemi, who visited the Archives.

Josh Stahlman

3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.: Rounding out Ask An Archivist Day will be Josh Stahlman.  Ask Josh for tips and techniques regarding disaster planning and response.  

The Extraordinary Heroism of Ordinary People

Today’s post, based on a collection at the PA Military Museum (PMM), is from guest blogger Rachel Yerger, one of the Collections Advancement Project curators in the PHMC’s Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums. Rachel’s other posts for Trailheads include the story of a collection of WWI letters also held at PMM.

As a curator, one of my responsibilities is to catalog donated objects. This often requires research into the objects, as well as the person to whom they belonged. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to work on an impressive collection of World War I military medals belonging to 2nd Lt. Tali Esen Waters. Since we are in the middle of WWI centennial commemorations, I thought now would be the perfect time to share this man’s story of service and heroism.

Members of 107th Field Artillery who received the Distinguished Service Cross
Tali Esen Waters is in the top right corner (excuse the wonky AKF photo of page 652, Pennsylvania in the World War)

Tali Esen (sometimes written as Taliesen) Waters was born in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, on March 19, 1894, and was the youngest son of two Welsh immigrants. At the time of his enlistment on August 15, 1916, his occupation is shown as “medical student.” Tali, as he was affectionately known, served as a private in the Hospital Corps of the PA National Guard’s 9th Regiment. He served with the Pennsylvania National Guard on the Mexican Border from September 1916 through March 1917, and when the United States entered World War I, Waters re-enlisted with the 28th Division.

Distinguished Service Cross awarded to Tali Esen Waters (MM2013.13.1A)

As a 2nd Lieutenant deployed with the 107th Field Artillery Unit, Waters earned five battle stars and multiple service awards. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross (photo above) while in action on September 6, 1918, near Baslieux-lès-Fismes, France. The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the second highest award given by the US Army and is awarded for “extraordinary heroism.” According to military records, “Lieutenant Waters voluntarily went to the assistance of a large number of wounded soldiers, who were in an exposed position awaiting aid, and continued for several hours to dress their wounds throughout a severe bombardment of gas and high-explosive shells, while hostile airplanes flew low and swept with machine-gun fire the line of litters bearing the wounded. After administering aid to 36 wounded men, Lieutenant Waters helped carry them to a place of safety.” The DSC is usually awarded for combat service; this is a rare occasion of a DSC awarded for humanitarian actions. (For more information, see "The 107th Field Artillery" in Pennsylvania in the World War: An Illustrated History of the Twenty-eighth Division, Vol. 2, 1921.)

French Croix de Guerre (MM2013.13.2)

Less than a year later, on January 24, 1919, 2nd Lt. Waters would prove himself yet again, this time taking charge of a first aid station 1,000 meters from the German trenches and providing essential medical aid to 46 soldiers, all while under extreme enemy fire. For this act of heroism, Waters was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with a gilt star (photo above).

Inter-Allied Games Badge (MM2013.13.5)

Waters also earned a Silver Star, a United States Victory Medal (service medal), and a New Jersey Medal for Distinguished Service (he moved to New Jersey after the war). He also received a badge (photo above) for his role as a medical assistant at the Inter-Allied Games, an international military athletic event held in 1919 at the newly built Pershing Stadium just outside Paris. Participating athletes were active duty military personnel and those who had served in the armed forces during the First World War. (For more information see Joseph Mills Hanson and George Wythe’s Inter-Allied Games, 1919.)

Purple Heart (MM2013.13.4A)

In 1932, the War Department reinstated the Purple Heart and authorized its presentation to WWI veterans who had received General Pershing’s certificate for meritorious service or those who had been wounded in action. Tali Esen Waters’s Purple Heart is now part of the PMM collection. (For more on the history of the Purple Heart medal, see Fred Borch’s article, "A Heart of Purple: The Story of America's Oldest Military Decoration and Some of its Recipients," in the Winter 2012 issue of Prologue Magazine from the National Archives.)

Without a doubt, the war had taken a toll on Waters’s medical ambitions. He and his wife, Isabelle, moved to West Orange, New Jersey, where they lived a quiet and happy life; Tali managed a carpet factory in New York City. It was in West Orange where Tali and Isabelle would befriend the Heselton family. The Heselton and Waters households became so close that upon Tali’s death in 1959, Isabelle gave the Heseltons his military medals. The Heseltons, honoring Tali Esen Waters’s contributions and sacrifices, donated the medal collection to the Pennsylvania Military Museum in 2013. These medals, along with other World War I artifacts and stories preserved at the museum, provide us a with a glimpse into the sacrifices ordinary Pennsylvanian men and women made during The Great War.