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

Celebrating Women's History and More

From left: William Lewis, Evelyn Kegerise, and Elizabeth Bertheaud (photos courtesy Ephrata Cloister)

This past Saturday, May 14, a new state historical marker was unveiled on the grounds of Ephrata Cloister, one of our PHMC Trails of History sites. The marker, "Ephrata's Women Composers," honors Sisters Foben, Katura, and Hanna, members of the celibate sisterhood at Ephrata in the 1700s. Several years ago, while doing research on hymns written at Ephrata, music historian Christopher Herbert noticed these three women among the attributions for hymn composition. Further research has so far failed to turn up any earlier American female composers, so the marker recognizes Foben, Katura, and Hanna as the earliest known American women to be credited with musical compositions. The celibate community at Ephrata is quite well known for its music, so this is an important addition to the site's history as well as to the larger history of American music.

Craig Benner snapped this shot of members of the Chorus ready to perform during the marker dedication

Representing PHMC at the marker ceremony was Commissioner William Lewis, along with site administrator Elizabeth Bertheaud, and Evelyn Kegerise, who was a member of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus when it first formed as a program to perform the historic music of the celibate brothers and sisters. She was also a guide at the site for many years, sharing Ephrata history with countless visitors and training others to do the same. As part of the marker unveiling the Chorus performed two hymns written by Sister Foben and later in the afternoon performed a concert in the Saal, the Sisters' meetinghouse. To learn more about the history behind the marker, check out this Ephrata Cloister Facebook post or this NPR interview with Dr. Herbert that includes music recorded in the Saal.

Women's history will be a focus at Graeme Park this weekend, as the site celebrates the 300th birthday of the Keith House, built in 1722 for colonial governor Sir William Keith. Governor Keith's step-daughter Ann had married Dr. Thomas Graeme in 1719. Their daughter Elizabeth became well-known as a poet and intellectual in Philadelphia and her life is part of the historical narrative at Graeme Park. Tomorrow, May 21, will be a day of family fun, music, food, and history. See listing below for more info.

Speaking of historical markers, the deadline for nominating new markers is coming up on June 1. The submission process is entirely online now via the PA-SHARE portal (nomination instructions and links). To see if there is an existing marker on your topic of interest, check the list of approved markers (these haven't been placed yet) or the searchable database of existing markers.

The PHMC and Historical Records Advisory Board are now accepting applications for the Historical & Archival Records Care program; the deadline for submissions is August 1. On June 1 and June 21, PA State Archives staff will present a webinar explaining grant eligibility requirements and the web-based application process. They will also provide tips for developing competitive grant proposals. To register, check the Records Care Grants page on PHMC's website.

A quick note before the list of upcoming events: due to some utility work happening in the visitor center, Bushy Run Battlefield will not be open this weekend. They plan to reopen as scheduled on Wednesday, May 24. 

Explore the gardens at Pennsbury Manor this Sunday; info is below (photo via Pennsbury's Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, May 20

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Dr. Walter Meshaka, senior curator of zoology and botany, will talk about native and exotic species of paper wasps found in downtown Harrisburg, The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Saturday, May 21

• Oil Creek 5 & 13 Stacked Trail Races (in-person), 7 am-?, Drake Well Museum & Park
• Run 5 miles, run 13 miles, or run both. Day-of-race registrations accepted (Stacked Trail Race details).

• William Chester Ruth Living History Tour (in-person) 9:30 am-3 pm, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Learn about the life of inventor William Chester Ruth through this living history tour featuring Keith Henley as Mr. Ruth and Tim Essig as Henry Landis. Tour times are 9:30, 12:30 and 3. Reservations are required and are available on-line (Living History Tour info and tickets).

• 300th Birthday Celebration (in-person), 10 am-6 pm, Graeme Park
• 2022 marks the 300th birthday of the Keith House at Graeme Park. A day full of family-friendly activities, food, and entertainment await. Cost is $10 per car (Birthday details).

• StoryTime (in-person), 10:30-11:30 am, The State Museum of Pennsylvania
• Read "Birds" by Kevin Henkes, learn about the world of birds, and participate in a painting activity. For kids age 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission (StoryTime details).

Sunday, May 22

• Trails of History Run (in-person), 7:30 am-?, Daniel Boone Homestead
• Races include 5K, 10K, and a 1/2-mile fun run. Awards for each race, plus best-dressed entrants reflecting the 1770s. Advance registration is required (Trails of History Run info and registration).

• A Celebration of Service: Honoring Pennsylvania Veterans (in-person), 12:30-3:30 pm, Pennsylvania Military Museum
• U.S. Army reunion and memorial service sponsored by the PA National Guard commemorating the Pennsylvania Citizen Soldier with a military concert and equipment displays. Ceremony begins at 12:30 pm (Celebration of Service info).

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

Thursday, May 26

• histERIE Week Event, 5:30-7:30 pm, Erie Maritime Museum
• The museum will be open free of charge and will spotlight a historic fife recently placed on display. Tradition holds that the fife was played at the onset of the Battle of Lake Erie by Rev War veteran Cyrus Tiffany, a free Black man serving with Oliver Hazard Perry. Curatorial research assistant Linda Bolla will be on hand to talk with visitors about the fife and Tiffany's life (EMM info)

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Sensory Hours (in-person), Tuesday, May 31, 3-5 pm, Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, noise, and crowd levels will be reduced, and their will be some quiet areas if you need a break from the action. Several historic trains will be open, with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets ($7) required (Sensory Hours info and tickets).

• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of Englad Car Show, Saturday, June 4, 10 am-4 pm, Hope Lodge
• Family fun includes food (for purchase), classic British cars and motorcycles, and live music. Those age 21+ with photo ID can also enjoy craft beer from Round Guys Brewing (for purchase). Admission for age 13 and up is $10 per person; tickets available in advance (Event info and tickets).

• Agnes and the Demise of the Cornwall Iron Mines (virtual), Tuesday, June 7, 7-8 pm, Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Mike Weber will talk about the history of the Cornwall Iron Mines, leading up to the damage from Tropical Storm Agnes that eventually caused the mines to close in 1973. The program is free; please register to receive the link (Cornwall Iron Mines info and registration).

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person), Wednesday, June 8, 10 am-3 pm, and Sunday, June 19, 10 am-noon, PA Military Museum
• Sound effects in the gallery will be turned off, and the volume on the orientation video will be lowered (captions always enabled). Please register in advance for a time slot; you can pay when you arrive (Sensory visit info and tickets).

• Fabric and Fiber in PA's Forests (virtual), Thursday, June 9, 7-8 pm, PA Lumber Museum
• Museum staff Josh Roth and Josh Fox will highlight fabric and clothing items in the collection, along with selected images from the photographic archive. The program is free and offered in partnership with the Galeton Worldwide Knitting in Public knitters and fiber artists (Fabric and Fiber info and registration).

• Log Birling Clinic (in-person), Saturday, June 11, 1-3 pm, PA Lumber Museum
• Join museum staff to learn how to stay on top of a rolling log while your opponent falls off. Registration is required (Clinic info and registration).

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

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

• Bushy Run Battlefield
• Summer History Day Camp; Ages 6-11; June 20-22

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

• Joseph Priestley House
• Summer History Camp; Grades 1-6; July 27-29

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

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

• Railroad Museum of PA
• 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

Waiting for Punxy Phil

Last weekend, the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum welcomed visitors to try out cross-country skiing and other winter activities (photo courtesy PA Lumber Museum)

Wednesday (February 2) is Groundhog Day. Will we get six more weeks of the above? Or will it be an early spring? Only Punxsutawney Phil (or any of Pennsylvania's other prognosticating rodents) knows for sure. My money's on six more weeks of winter, because it's Pennsylvania and it's February--but I've been wrong before. While we wait to find out what lies ahead, season-wise, here's a roundup of Trails of History site news from January.

PHMC's Keystone Internship program will take place this summer with paid in-person placements around the state. Openings are available for a variety of historic preservation, museum operations, collections care and management, and museum education and interpretation projects. Applications are being accepted through the NEOGOV online system through February 20. Interns must be at least 18 years of age and must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (the application process requires an unofficial transcript). For details, visit the NEOGOV Internship Site and look for postings for "Keystone Internships."

The Pennsylvania Humanities Council recently announced the award of $1.4 million in funds to 92 organizations through the PA SHARP program, funded through the American Rescue Plan. Each grantee will receive up to $20,000 to strengthen their organization and will join the new PA SHARP Learning Network, which fosters resource sharing, networking, professional development, and mutual support. We are pleased to report that two PA Trails of History sites, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum and Pennsbury Manor, were among the successful applicants. Congratulations!

Also on the awards front, Somerset Historical Center is the 2022 recipient of the Betty Haupt Memorial Tourism Award through the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce. It is awarded in memory of Elizabeth "Betty" Haupt (1918-1990), former director of the Somerset Historical Center, and a former member of the Chamber's Tourism Committee. It is given to a county resident or business that has made a significant effort to further tourism in Somerset County. Betty Haupt was instrumental in the early development of Somerset Historical Center and its eventual transfer to the Commonwealth. The Center, with its focus on the history of southwestern Pennsylvania, is a major component of tourism to the Laurel Highlands. Well done, all!

Brandywine Battlefield Park and Hope Lodge were featured in a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer on the best museums in the Philadelphia region (hat tip to Kevin Horan at Hope Lodge for sharing the link). And Conrad Weiser Homestead was featured in a Washington Post travel piece that suggested folks visit Berks County as a less-busy alternative to Lancaster.

The Keith House at Graeme Park with its summer kitchen and kitchen garden in the foreground (photo via GP's Facebook page)

This year is the 300th anniversary of the Keith House, begun in 1722, and the folks at Graeme Park are posting lots of old photos and other images on Facebook to mark the occasion (Graeme Park's Facebook page). They'd also like to hear from people who have stories and memories of the site during its more recent history and have set up a Google Doc to gather that info (Graeme Park Memories Google Doc).

Two weeks ago curators from Drake Well Museum & Park and the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum participated in a program for the Boom Heritage Series, jointly sponsored by the Lumber Heritage Region and the Oil Region Alliance. It was in interesting look at relationships between Pennsylvania's lumber and oil industries and numerous ways in which they overlapped. If you missed it, you can catch the recording of "An Insider's Look at the Drake Well and Pennsylvania Lumber State Museums."

And finally, for today, Eckley Miners' Village is looking for help turning oral history transcripts into a searchable format to make them available for research. They've posted on Facebook with more information. Not a bad way to spend some time if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow next week.

Up Next

Today, January 28

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual): Janet Johnson, curator of archaeology, will talk about a piece of Rev War naval defenses recovered from the Delaware River in 2012; The State Museum of PA; 12:15-12:45 pm; program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration)

Sunday, January 30

• Sunday Sewing Circle (in-person): bring your sewing or embroidery project and spend time with others who like to sew; Bushy Run Battlefield; 1-4 pm; program is free (Sewing Circle info)

Wednesday, February 2

• Explore! (in-person): celebrate Groundhog Day by learning about groundhogs and the science of weather forecasting; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; for kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission; space is limited, so be sure to sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info)

Thursday, February 3

• Winter History Class (in-person and virtual): the 9-week class starts today with a brief history of Ephrata Cloister and a discussion of the Welsh Tract of PA; Ephrata Cloister; 9 am-noon; limited in-person registration is available for members who sign up for the full 9 weeks, non-members and folks who want to choose individual sessions can attend via Zoom (see Ephrata website for details and registration)
• Games & Puzzle Challenge (in-person): test your knowledge and skills with a variety of games and puzzles in the galleries; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; included in regular admission (Games & Puzzle info)

Friday, February 4

• StoryTime (in-person): read One Dog Sleigh by Mary Casanova and create your own jingle bells; The State Museum of PA; 10:30-11:30 am; for kids age 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission (StoryTime info)

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Winter Academy virtual programs will be offered by Drake Well Museum & Park on Feb. 10 and 17 (Drake Well Virtual Academy info)
• 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)

Dreaming of Spring and Other Things

Looks like a Dutch still life, but you can grow them all (photo courtesy Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum)

If dreaming about your spring and summer garden helps you deal with the bleak mid-winter chill, I have good news! Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum has recently put its Heirloom Seed Project catalog online. The Heirloom Seed Project was established some 35 years ago and focuses on seed preservation and growing heirloom varieties of vegetables that have historical significance for Pennsylvania Germans. In the past, seeds were sold at Landis Valley's Museum Store, the annual Herb and Garden Faire, and via a mail order catalog sent to 600 addresses. According to Joanne Ranck-Dirks, the move to an online catalog should help the project reach many more gardeners, which not only provides financial support for the project but furthers the goal of preserving and sharing these heirloom varieties as widely as possible. You can find more information about the Heirloom Seed Project on Landis Valley's website (Heirloom Seed Project info). The photo above gives you an idea of the variety of vegetables available; you can also buy flax seeds or flax straw if growing your own linen is a thing you want to do. To experience the true range of seeds, you'll need to visit the catalog; just looking at the pictures improved my mood and made me a little hungry (Heirloom Seed project online catalog).

Rocky Ford Melon, an 1881 variety of muskmelon also known as "Eden Gem"

Wednesday, January 19, is Museum Selfie Day. It's a great day to show off your favorite museums by taking a picture of yourself while there. Please be sure to tag the museum (for example, their Twitter handle), @MuseumSelfieDay, and #MuseumSelfie. If you can't visit a museum, maybe you have a souvenir or a selfie from a previous visit (or am I the only person who doesn't clean out their phone's camera roll?). Anyway, please join in the fun, especially if you can tag one of our PHMC Trails of History sites (Trailheads post about Museum Selfie Day in 2018). ADDED 1/18: Since they're open only on weekends right now, Bushy Run Battlefield will host a Museum Selfie weekend, January 22-23.

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the Keith House at what is now known as Graeme Park (the grounds were originally called "Fountain Low"). Begun in 1722 as a summer residence for Pennsyvlania's Provincial Governor Sir William Keith, the house is the only surviving home of a colonial governor in the U.S. (read more about the history of the site). As part of their efforts to honor the occasion, the folks at Graeme Park are asking the public to share their memories of the site and its programs. If you'd like to contribute, they've posted a Graeme Park Memories Google doc to gather stories and images.

Although I started out this post dreaming of spring, it is still very much winter on the Trails of History. When snow and ice are in the forecast (or have already fallen), it's a good idea to check before visiting. Site staff do their best to keep things open and safe no matter what, but it can take time to clear large amounts of snow. Also, as I may have mentioned once or twice, many sites are closed or on reduced schedules for the winter, so double checking is always, always recommended.

The Blacksmith Shop at Cornwall Iron Furnace with stone buttresses in foreground; the Charcoal House (visitor center) is behind the photographer (photo via Cornwall's Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, January 14

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual): learn about eels in the Susquehanna River and efforts to restore their numbers; The State Museum of PA; 12:15-12:45 (Learn at Lunchtime info and Zoom registration)

Saturday, January 15

• Games Day (in-person): there will be a variety of historical miniature war games throughout the day; Bushy Run Battlefield; 10 am-4 pm; $5 admission includes tours of the museum, food and drink available for purchase (Games Day info)
• 31 Years Later: Operation Desert Storm (in-person): Commander Frank Mellott, USN Ret., will talk about his experiences during Operation Desert Storm; Pennsylvania Military Museum; 1-2:15 pm; the program is free and seating is first come, first served (PMM info)

Wednesday, January 19

• Explore! (in-person): learn about education in a one-room schoolhouse through objects and original lessons; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; for kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission (Explore! info)

Thursday, January 20

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person): enjoy a tour of life through time in PA, with hands-on fossils of plants and animals; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; included in regular admission (Paleontology Tour info)
• Winter Academy (virtual): district forester Cecile Stetler will talk about the best tree species for firewood, estimating volume, pros & cons of heating with wood; Drake Well Museum and Park; 6:30-7:30 pm (Winter Academy info)

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• The Railroad Museum of PA will offer Sensory Hours on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 3-5 pm (last entry at 4:30). Light, noise, and activity levels will be reduced and there will be quiet spaces located in some of the galleries. Advance tickets are required; purchase by 1 pm on Jan. 25 (Eventbrite link for ticket info and purchase).
• The next PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 7 pm. Staff from 5 Trails of History sites will present objects linked to the theme, Trades & Jobs, and the audience members will vote on what they think makes the best match. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (register for Collections Showcase)
• Additional Winter Academy virtual programs will be offered by Drake Well Museum & Park on Feb. 10 and 17 (Drake Well Virtual Academy info)
• 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, including designated driver tickets (Rails and Ales tickets)

On the PA Trails of History, July 26-August 8

The August program page is now available. This week's post wraps up July and gets us into early August.

Visitors and reenactors at the 2018 Battle of Bushy Run anniversary event (via Facebook)

Bushy Run Battlefield
July 27: Bushy Run Market—this open air market features a changing variety of vendors (last Saturday of the month, May-September). This month, Ligonier Valley Writers will also be on hand. The concession stand will have drinks and light fare. Free for visitors and vendors (prospective vendors should contact market@bushyrunbattlefield.com to discuss participation). 8 am-noon.
Aug. 3-4: 256th Anniversary of the Battle of Bushy Run—the reenactment of the first day of the battle will take place on the afternoon of Aug. 3, with the 2nd day reenactment on the afternoon of Aug. 4 (see the website or Facebook event page for details). You'll also find military camps, period craftspeople and musical performances, and food vendors at this annual event. Admission is $10 for ages 13+, $5 for ages 4-12; a two-day pass is available for $15 (adult) and $7 (child). 10 am-4 pm both days.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Aug. 4: Living History Sunday—learn about life in Berks County in the mid-18th century. Guided tours offered. Free admission. Noon-4 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
July 31, Aug. 7: Sawmill demonstrations—the site's water-powered up-down sawmill will be demonstrated at 11 am and 2 pm.

Danforth House and other businesses in Pithole during its heyday (photo from Drake Well Museum collection, via Facebook)

Drake Well Museum and Park
July 27: Something More Saturday—in addition to the regular indoor and outdoor exhibits at Drake Well Museum, learn about and try your hand at 19th-century lawn games. Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.
July 27-28, Aug. 3-4: Historic Pithole open. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.
Aug. 4: Drake Well Marathon and 1/2—this is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. Both races (full marathon and half marathon) begin and end at the Museum and make use of Titusville streets and the bike path in Oil Creek State Park. Proceeds benefit Drake Well Museum and Park. You must register to participate.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Aug. 3-4: Time Warp - From Civil War to WWII—this is a mixed-era military and homefront history event packed with reenactors, music, food, and more throughout the site. (At 6 pm on the 3rd, there will be a Swing Dance at Freeland Public Park Pavilion.) Admission charged (separate fee for dance). 10 am-5 pm.
Ephrata Cloister
Aug. 4: Ice Cream Social—enjoy ice cream sundaes and live music, meet therapy dogs from KPETS, and visit the historic buildings. $5 per person. 1-4 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Thursday-Saturday through Aug. 31: Experience History – Rolling Cart Series—the new rolling cart program presents maritime-themed activities for visitors or all ages. Find out what’s in a sailor’s seabag, learn about the busy life of a lighthouse keeper, build your own warship and more! Included with Museum admission. Stay tuned to Erie Maritime Museum’s social media accounts (such as Facebook) for more information and weekly schedules.
Through Aug. 16: Tall Ship Summer Camp—sail on board the schooner Lettie G. Howard and learn all kinds of nautical skills. Geared for ages 10-14. Details and registration info are on the website.

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

Classic Georgian architecture at Hope Lodge (via Facebook)

Hope Lodge
July 28, Aug. 4:—the site is open for tours every Sunday, through mid-October. Admission is charged (cash or check only). Site is open 1-4 pm, with tours at 1 and 2:30.
UPDATE 8/6 - Due to expected weather, this event is moving to the raindate of Aug. 8 Aug. 7: Movie Night—bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in to watch A League of Their Own (1992). Presented by Whitemarsh Township Parks and Recreation. Admission is free, snacks available for purchase. 8-10 pm. Raindate is Aug. 8.

Joseph Priestley House
Aug. 4: Oxygen Day—in honor of Dr. Priestley’s best known scientific contribution, this program features costumed docents throughout the house and chemistry demonstrations (more info on the website). Admission is free, but space is limited for the chemistry demos, so be sure to pick up a ticket at the visitor center (or reserve a spot by calling 570/473-9474). 1-4 pm; chemistry demos at 1:30 and 2:30 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
July 27: Splint Reed Chair Caning Class—instructor Patti Erickson will teach participants how to weave a herringbone pattern seat for a small stool. Fee charged includes materials. Details and online registration on Landis Valley's website. 10 am-4 pm.
Aug. 6: Hands-On History Day—wind down the summer and learn what life was like for kids a century ago. Cost is $11 per person (FREE for Landis Valley Associates members and kids age 5 and under). 10 am-3 pm.

Old Economy Village
July 27: Woodworking Class: Beyond the Basics—Dave Blair will teach this class for people who have taken the Intro to Woodworking class or have a basic knowledge of 19th-century woodworking tools. Class is free, but space is limited so you must register (details on the website. 10 am-1 pm.
Aug. 1: Culture and Foods of the Native Americans—part of Old Economy's series on food and culture. This presentation focuses on the people who lived at Logstown in the mid-1700s and their uses of local flora and fauna. Food samples will be provided. The program is free, but registration is required (contact Chloe Thomas at 724-266-4500 x104 or at c-chlthoma@pa.gov). 7-8 pm.

Hops growing in Pennsbury's garden in June (via Facebook)

Pennsbury Manor
July 28, Aug. 4: Sunday Programming—something different every week: chat with the gardeners and the brewers (7/28); meet the joyner, blacksmith, and spinners (8/4). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Aug. 3: Monthly Book Club—this month's selection is Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin by Jill Lepore (more info on the book and the meeting). 10 am.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Aug. 3-4: Cork Camp—this 2-day program is designed with kids age 10 and older in mind (families are welcome). On Day 1, learn about the history of logging in PA and the skills needed to be a successful "woodhick." On Day 2, help demonstrate those skills at the Cherry Springs Park Woodsmen's Show. Pre-registration is required (visit the museum website for details).
Pennsylvania Military Museum
Aug. 4: Lecture—Joseph R. Fischer, PhD, will present "Road to Nowhere: The Struggle for the Hürtgen," exploring the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, which stretched from Sept. 19 to Dec. 16, 1944 (details on the website). 2-3 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Aug. 1: Garden Railway Tour and Swing Dance Tickets on sale—Garden Railway Tour: this year's (self-guided) tour is on Sunday, Oct. 6 (rain or shine). Tickets may be purchased at the museum starting today and will be available at Stauffer's locations in central PA starting Sept. 1. Swing Dance: Saturday night, Nov. 2, will find 1940s dance music and dancers among the trains in Rolling Stock Hall from 7 to 10 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Through Sept. 15: Traveling Exhibit—the center is hosting "We Can Do It," an exhibit from the Heinz History Center exploring Western PA's role and impact during World War II. SHC has also teamed up with the Turkeyfoot Historical Society to add a focus on Somerset County during the same period. Included in regular admission during regular operating hours.
Aug. 2: First Friday Food Fest—local food trucks and vendors will be on site with casual dinner options. There will also be live music and tractor-drawn hayrides. Free admission; $2 per car for parking. 5-8 pm.
Aug. 3: Family Fun 5K Run/Walk—the Center's groomed trail makes a loop through woods and meadows; once around is 5K (you can make as many circuits as you want). Enjoy the scenery! No admission charged, and maps are available. 8 am-noon.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the State Museum website for a full schedule of Planetarium shows.
July 26, Aug. 2: Summer Fridays—Fridays are "Pay as You Wish" for general admission (through Aug. 23). Regular fees apply for the Planetarium, and Curiosity Connection will have timed tickets between 10 am and 3 pm. At 12:15 pm each Friday, a special "Learn at Lunchtime" will be offered (July 26 details, Aug. 2 details).
July 31, Aug. 1, 7, 8: Nature Lab—a wide assortment of programming is scheduled for the museum's Nature Lab area (July 31 details, August details). Included in regular admission. 11:30 am.
Aug. 2: StoryTime—this month's participants will enjoy a reading of Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet and then use finger paints to try to recreate the images in the story. Geared for children ages 3-5 with an adult. Included in general admission. 10:30-11:30 am.
Aug. 4: Artist's Conversations—take an informal tour of this year's Art of the State exhibit with PHMC executive director Andrea Lowery and artist Amy LeFever, whose ceramic piece, Untitled, won first prize in the craft category this year. Included in general admission. 2-3 pm.

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

Trails of History Info, July 12-25

This week's post will cover you for most of the rest of July, but the full July program page will get you to the 31st.

Operating demonstration of Bertolet Sawmill at Daniel Boone Homestead (ca. 2007)

Daniel Boone Homestead
July 17, 24: Sawmill demonstrations—the site's water-powered up-down sawmill will be demonstrated at 11 am and 2 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
July 13: MEET-U BBQ—St. Louis-style BBQ ribs with Drake Well's signature Sweet Crude Sauce plus sides, all to benefit the museum's mobile education unit (details on the website). 5-8 pm.
July 13-14, 20-21: Historic Pithole open. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.

Eckley Miners' Village
July 13: Eckley Car and Bike Show—enjoy vehicles of years past, ice cream, live music, a 50/50 raffle, People’s Choice contest, and much more. If you are interested in having a car or motorcycle in the show, please complete and submit the Vehicle Registration Form. Admission charged. Noon-5 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
July 13: Ephrata Cloister Chorus—the chorus will perform a brief concert in the Saal (meetinghouse) Saturday afternoon, included in regular admission. 2 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Thursday-Saturday through August 31st: Experience History – Rolling Cart Series—the new rolling cart program presents maritime-themed activities for visitors of all ages. Find out what’s in a sailor’s seabag, learn about the busy life of a lighthouse keeper, build your own warship and more! Included with Museum admission. Stay tuned to Erie Maritime Museum’s social media accounts (such as Facebook) for more information and weekly schedules.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on upcoming events and programs. Fort Pitt Museum will be open on July 4.

Graeme Park
July 21: Living History Sunday—learn about the traditions, games, crafts, and foodways of the Lenni Lenape (more info on the website). Admission charged for tours of the Keith House. Noon-3 pm.

Hope Lodge
July 14, 21—the site is open for tours every Sunday, through mid-October. Admission is charged (cash or check only). Site is open 1-4 pm, with tours at 1 and 2:30.

Joseph Priestley House (photo via Facebook)

Joseph Priestley House
July 24-26: History Camp—this year's theme is "Dr. Priestley in Northumberland." The program offers a wide range of activities for first through sixth graders (more info and registration form). Fee charged; registration deadline is July 23. 9 am-noon.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
July 16-19: Summer Sampler Camp—kids ages 5-11 will enjoy a variety of activities, inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. Details and instructions for registering are on the website. 9 am-12:30 pm.
July 20-21: Civil War Days—the site is transformed into a rural Pennsylvania village in 1863, with reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians (more info). The event takes place rain or shine. Admission charged; tickets are available online from Brown Paper Tickets. Food will be available for purchase. 10 am-4 pm both days.

Old Economy Village
July 13: Introduction to Wine Making—instructor Frank Mazzotta started making wine as a hobby; in 2015 he decided to do it professionally and opened Mazzotta Winery. This class will discuss various types of wines and the process for making wines. Class is free, but space is limited to 50 people. Please register by July 10 by contacting David Miller, Museum Educator at davmiller@pa.gov or 724-266-4500 ext.110. 10 am-1 pm.
July 13: Crop and Kettle—learn about a community organization whose mission is to help people gain sustainable employment in food-related fields. The program is free, but reservations are requested (details and registration info). 1-2 pm.
ADDED July 14: Picnic in the Garden—bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the beautiful gardens. There will be some tents, tables, and chairs available, and you'll have a chance to meet site administrator Michael Knecht and his wife Barbara. Included in regular admission, so please start at the Visitor Center (more info on Facebook event page). Noon-5 pm.
July 15-19, 22-26: History Camps—retired art teacher Dee Ruckert will lead the classes. Children age 6-12 (6-year-olds must have completed kindergarten) will experience a variety of activites while exploring the historic buildings for inspiration. Details and registration info are in the summer camp brochure). 9 am-12:30 pm.
July 24: Culture and Foods of the Middle Eastern Immigrants—Center Township native Patrick Michael, owner of Rafka Foods and Jemila Foods, will present a program on Lebanese culture and food. The program is free, but registration is required (info on website); there will be food samples provided. 7-8 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
July 13: Conversations in History—this month's program is "The Lenni Lenape of Pennsylvania" (more info on website). Fee charged (includes site admission). 10-11 am.
July 14, 21: Sunday Programming—something different every week: Pirates in the Tavern! (living history theater) (7/14); see what the cooks are up to in the kitchen (7/21). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
July 15-19: Time Traveler's Camp—this camp is for students who've finished grade 5, 6, or 7 who want to learn about life 300 years ago. Registration is required (info and online registration are on the website). 10 am-3 pm.
July 20: Paths Less Traveled—explore basements, attics, and other spaces not generally included on tours. Benefit of membership in The Pennsbury Society (joining is easy). 10-11:30 am.
July 21: Play the Past!—learn 17th-century games that families would have played during their leisure time. Fun for all ages. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Log birling competitors at the PA Lumber Museum (photo via Facebook)

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
July 20: 3rd Weekend Program—have you ever wanted to try log birling (aka log rolling)? This is your chance. Details are on the Facebook event page. Included in regular admission. 1-2 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Through July 14: Annual People’s Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Arts—celebration of arts and artisans held on the museum grounds (visit the festival website for details). Festival is free, $5 charged for on-site parking at PMM; regular museum admission applies to tour the indoor exhibits. Fri-Sat, 10 am-9 pm (museum open 10 am-5 pm); Sun., noon-5 pm.
July 20-21: VIETNAM Revisited—living historians will be on the grounds portraying American combat and support troops “in country” in the late 1960s. 10 am-5 pm (tactical demo at 1:30 pm each day).
July 25: Registration deadline for Boot Camp for Kids—this year's Boot Camp will be held Aug. 3 (more info and registration forms.

Somerset Historical Center
Opens July 20: Traveling Exhibit—the center is hosting "We Can Do It," an exhibit from the Heinz History Center exploring Western PA's role and impact during World War II. SHC has also teamed up with the Turkeyfoot Historical Society to add a focus on Somerset County during the same period. Included in regular admission during regular operating hours (exhibit will be onsite through Sept. 15).

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the State Museum website for a full schedule of Planetarium shows.
July 12, 19: Summer Fridays—Fridays are "Pay as You Wish" for general admission (through Aug. 23). Regular fees apply for the Planetarium, and Curiosity Connection will have timed tickets between 10 am and 3 pm. At 12:15 pm each Friday, a special "Learn at Lunchtime" will be offered (see events page for details). On July 19 (3rd in the Burg), join Harrisburg Young Professionals for "Moon Madness," with a variety of activities from 5:30 to 7:30 (details).
July 17: Moon Madness - Build and Launch a Paper Rocket—kids between the ages of 6 and 12 are invited to learn about rockets, design and build one out of paper, and test its flight-worthiness using Alka-Seltzer (more info). Included in regular admission. 11:30 am.
July 18: Curiosity Kids - Moon Making—this program, designed for ages 3 to 6, will teach about the moon and guide participants in making an image of it to take home. Included in general admission. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up at the front desk when you arrive. 11:30 am.
July 24, 25: Nature Lab—an assortment of programming is scheduled for the museum's Nature Lab area (visit the events page for details). Included in regular admission. 11:30 am.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for a complete listing of upcoming programs and events. The site will be open on July 4.

Goodbye August, Hello September

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few other items of interest...

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