It May Not Feel Like Fall

Looking for stuff to do this weekend? Check out the October program page for ideas.

Fall has arrived at Bushy Run Battlefield (via Facebook)

This blast of warm air has made it feel like summer again, but it is harvest time on the Trails of History. Autumn is my favorite season, so I'm always happy to see photos from sites with fall colors and harvest-themed programs. You can find lots of photos on Facebook: Harvest Days at Landis Valley (courtesy of Jennifer Macneill Photography), Pennsbury Manor's Harvest Day school program, or Bonfire at the Furnaces (as in Scranton Iron Furnaces). If you aren't already following the PA Trails of History interest page on Facebook, it's a great way to see all of these things and more in one place.

As part of the development of the next statewide preservation plan, the State Historic Preservation Office (part of PHMC) is hosting a series of Open Houses and Community Forums to gather public input and hear what people have to say. Some of the open houses have been or will be at Trails of History sites. The schedule runs through November, so there's still time to take part by attending in person or by responding to an online survey. The PA Historic Preservation blog has more information and links. PHMC recorded the discussion at the open house held at the PA Military Museum earlier this week, and you can watch it on Facebook.

On Twitter this week, PHMC connected the dots of National Chemistry Week (I know, it always sneaks up on me, too) and the Joseph Priestley House. The house is open this weekend, so why not take a drive along the Susquehanna and stop in for a visit? (Check the website for details.) And, mark your calendars for the world premiere of a new play, Gunpowder Joe: Joseph Priestley, Pennsylvania, and the American Experiment, by Anthony Clarvoe. (You'll find a quote on JPH's website that helps explain the title.) Directed by Laurie McCants and presented by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, the play will run Thursdays through Sundays, Jan. 19 to Feb. 5, 2017. Jan. 19-20 are preview performances (no reservations, pay what you wish), and Jan. 21 is opening night (pay what you decide after the performance). The play resulted from a collaboration between the playwright, the Friends of Joseph Priestley House, and Bucknell University. There will be a symposium on Dr. Priestley along with the matinee performance on Sunday, Jan. 22 (we'll provide more details later). For more information, visit the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble website.

Midcentury Modern Architecture at the State Museum and Archives Complex

Thanks for today’s post go to guest blogger Beth Hager, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the PHMC. I’ll add a shameless plug and say that the Trailheads feature in the spring issue of Pennsylvania Heritage looks at Midcentury Modern architecture at other sites along the PA Trails of History. (And be sure to check out the March program listings if you’re looking for something to do this weekend!)

State Museum and Archives Complex (and some really cool cars), courtesy PA State Archives

Fifty years ago The State Museum and Archives Complex opened in Harrisburg. A hallmark of Midcentury Modern architecture, it was a dramatic contrast to traditional designs and settings that typically housed historic collections. Interest in the building’s design has ebbed and flowed, but as is often the case, perspective is gained over several decades, and classic, iconic styles come back into vogue. Have you noticed that commercials and ads now often feature an updated '50s or '60s ranch house as the perfect home setting instead of the earlier Craftsman style we saw so much of in the last decade or so? Are you a fan of the TV series Mad Men? If you know the show, it would not be a surprise if you saw lead character Don Draper checking out the William Penn statue in Memorial Hall, The State Museum’s colossal Midcentury masterpiece!

Statue by Janet de Coux (photo by Beth Hager)

The return of '60s motifs to popular culture happily coincides with the 2014 listing of The State Museum and Archives Complex to the National Register of Historic Places and the complex’s 50 year milestone. PHMC is hosting a number of special events throughout the year to mark this anniversary. One program to note is an invitation to submit photographs to a juried photo exhibit featuring Midcentury Modern architecture (1930-80) in Pennsylvania, now through June 30, 2015. Photos will then be selected by a stellar panel of jurors – Dennis Hockman, Editor of Preservation Magazine, National Trust for Historic Preservation; photojournalist and Midcentury Modern specialist Betsy Manning of Philadelphia; and David Oresick, Executive Director, Pittsburgh’s Silver Eye Center for Photography. The resulting show will be on display at The State Museum October 25, 2015, through February 28, 2016.

Light fixture, Memorial Hall (photo by Don Giles)

What will we be looking for? Creative shots of hidden and not-so hidden exterior and interior shots of Midcentury architecture from throughout the Commonwealth by photographers of any level of expertise, enthusiast to professional. There will be a “best of show” purchase prize offered, as well as a “best of The State Museum and Archives Complex” purchase prize. Between now and June 30, photographers who pay general admission and sign up at The State Museum’s front desk may bring tripods into the museum during their visit. And for some special access, I will be leading a tour of the museum for photographers on Sunday, April 26, from 1-3 pm (contact me at bhager@pa.gov to sign up for the tour in advance – spaces are limited). We’ll be going up to the rarely seen 5th-floor administrative offices where we’ve just restored the lobby to its Midcentury Modern best and refurbished the furniture originally purchased in 1964. Don Draper would be proud.

For more guidance on spotting Midcentury Modern architecture in Pennsylvania, visit exhibit juror Betsy Manning’s photography exhibit, “UnCommon Modern,” which showcases great examples and features of this period, on view through April 26 at The State Museum.

Find the official rules for the juried photo exhibit at The State Museum’s web site. Watch for special programs throughout the year, including an exciting black tie gala hosted by the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation on October 24, 2015, almost 50 years to the day of the complex’s original dedication.

Join us for fun and new insights into our Midcentury Modern roots at The State Museum and Archives Complex in 2015!

How’s Your November Going?

It’s Museum Educator Appreciation Day, so to all my educator colleagues out there—THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

And although the Gettysburg Address (150th anniversary is Tuesday, Nov. 19) isn't specifically related to sites on the Trails of History, I think the "Learn the Address" project is just kind of cool. History geek nirvana.

A new publication from PA Civil War 150 is now available. The Civil War in Pennsylvania: The African American Experience, edited by Samuel Black and published by the Senator John Heinz History Center, features scholarly essays on such topics as civil rights, emigration, abolitionism, armed resistance, and service in the war. It is available from ShopPAHeritage along with other products related to the Civil War.

Cornwall Iron Furnace recently received an important donation of an iron stove plate cast at Cornwall. The donor purchased the stove plate at a Lancaster County antiques market, noted that the Cornwall name was on it, and contacted the site. It turns out that although the site collection includes many stove plates, none are marked “Cornwall Iron Furnace.” The Lebanon Daily News covered the stove plate’s return to Lebanon County.

2013 has been a very busy year for the Flagship Niagara and her crew with the bicentennial of the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812. They visited Great Lakes ports throughout the sailing season and hosted Tall Ships Erie 2013 in September. Now the ship is under winter cover and the crew is focused on off-season activities. You’ll find photos on Facebook. And senior captain Walter Rybka spoke at a Veterans Day event at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Erie earlier this week.

The Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation’s 8th annual Holiday Marketplace is scheduled for next Thursday and Friday (Nov. 21-22) in the atrium of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg. Museum stores from Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Ephrata Cloister, Somerset Historical Center, and the State Museum of PA will be represented, along with several other state agencies. Get a big jump on Black Friday and support history and culture.

November 22 (next Friday) is the date for the Lancaster County Community Foundation’s Extraordinary Give, a 24-hour online fundraising campaign. Ephrata Cloister and Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum are taking part, and Ephrata is planning on-site activities throughout the day. Participating organizations will get a proportional share of the $250K stretch pool and are eligible for $50K in prizes during the event.

The full Trails of History program listing for November was posted two weeks ago. A few highlights this weekend and next week:

• 11/16 – Old Economy Village Museum Store class on making traditional German stars (registration deadline was Wednesday, 11/13, so it may be full)
• 11/17 – Open Hearth Cooking, Pennsbury Manor, 1-4 pm (included in regular admission)
• 11/17 – Flag Retirement Ceremony, Daniel Boone Homestead, noon (event is free, admission charged to tour the historic area and house)
• 11/21 – Drake Well Museum Heritage Lecture Series, Dr. William Brice, author of Myth, Legend, Reality: Edwin L. Drake and the Early Oil Industry, 6:30 pm (admission charged)

September Awaits

It’s Labor Day weekend already (go here to see which Trails of History sites will be open on Monday). Where does the time go?

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
August 31-Sept. 1: Railfest 2013 activities—Scranton Iron Furnaces will host a Civil War encampment and present guided tours of the site (you can take a shuttle from Steamtown NHS if you’re attending other Railfest events). 9 am-5 pm.

Brandywine Battlefield
Sept. 28: Revolutionary War Encampment—reenactors, house tours, craft demonstrations and other activities. Admission charged; check the website or call 610/459-3342 for information. 10 am-3 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Sept. 14: Fall Lecture—Speaker David Wilmes will discuss his book, All the Exertions of Courage: The Battle of Bushy Run and the Struggle for the Pennsylvania Wilderness. Cost is $5, free to members of Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society. 1 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Sept. 1: First Sunday—the site will be open today, noon to 4 pm.
Sept. 8: Weiser Interpretive Sunday—historical reenactors help bring the site and its history to life. Noon-4 pm.
Sept. 21: 33rd Annual Conrad Weiser Disc Golf Tournament—Registration starts at 8-9:30 am, tee-off at 10 am. Contact Mike Dunkle, mdunkle@verizon.net, for info.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Sept. 10: Lecture—featured speaker Jan Morrissey will talk about The Historic Preservation Trust of Lebanon County and its mission to raise awareness for historic preservation and to identify sites of exceptional architectural and historic merit. (Go here for more info.) Part of the Friends Lecture Series held in Freeman Auditorium at Cornwall Manor. Free and open to the public. 7 pm.
Sept. 21: Cast Iron Cooking Demonstration—learn about cast iron cooking pots and see them in use. Demonstration is free. Regular admission fees apply for tours of the Furnace (see where cast iron comes from). Demonstration 11 am-3 pm; museum is open 9 am-5 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Interpretive Sundays—each week features a hands-on activity or demo of 18th-century crafts or skills; 9/1-Soap Making, 9/8-Textile Processing, 9/15-Basket Making, 9/22 & 29-TBA. Included in regular admission. Noon-4 pm.
Sept. 15: Basket Making Workshop—in addition to the demonstration, up to 15 people can participate in a workshop to learn colonial basket making techniques. Contact the site, 610/582-4900 or info@danielboonehomestead.org, to register. Fee is $35 to make an antler basket, $30 for a potato basket.
Sept. 21: The Homestead Open at Green Acres Golf Course—this is a fundraising event; registration is required and includes greens fees, lunch, and the chance to win prizes. Go here for more info and a downloadable registration form. (Entry deadline was Aug. 24, so call 610/582-4900 to see if space is available.)

Drake Well Museum
Sept. 1: Historic Pithole open—last day of the season for the visitor center exhibits and orientation film. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted. 10 am-4 pm.
Sept. 19: Heritage Lecture Series—Roxanne Hitchcock, “The Well Tender: A Civil War Soldier’s Journey from the Battlefield to the Oil Field.” Special admission. 6 pm.
Sept. 21: Fall Gas Up—the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society will display antique gas engines on the grounds of the museum. Included in regular admission. 9 am-4 pm.
Sept. 28: Oil Valley Blacksmiths—this is a monthly demonstration program held the last Saturday of the month from April through October. Included in regular admission. 9 am-2 pm.
AND Drake Well by Moonlight—a special evening event with tours, food, music, and more (go here for info). Special admission. 6:30-9:30 pm.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Sept. 15: Ethnic Music Festival—enjoy music by the Donegal Weavers (traditional Irish band), the Pennsylvania Villagers (polka band), and the Hometown Boyz (bluegrass, country, etc.). Food, site tours, and the museum store will also be available; bring your own blankets and chairs. Included in regular admission. Doors open at noon; music begins at 1 pm and continues to early evening.

Ephrata Cloister
Sept 7: Founders’ Day—Discover the roots of the Ephrata community with a special admission price of $1 (ages 3 and up) and lots of interesting activities on the site. Tickets for tours of the rarely shown upper floors of the Sisters’ House are $12; reservations strongly suggested. 10 am-4 pm.
Sept. 21: Artisans Faire—local craftspeople will display and sell their wares. Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
Sept. 5-8: Tall Ships Erie 2013—as part of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, this event brings together 9 tall ships, musicians, historians, filmmakers, actors, local vendors, and more. The basic schedule is here; go here for info on all the different activities. Most events take place in and around the Erie Maritime Museum or the Bayfront Convention Center.

Graeme Park
Sept. 18: Homeschool Day—activities include tours of the Keith House, open-hearth cooking, militia drills, and colonial games (click here for flyer). Cost is $6 per person; students must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 10 am-2 pm.
Sept. 20: Registration deadline for Senior Day at Graeme Park—designed for older adults and scheduled for Oct. 2. Flyer with full details and registration form is here.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: September Ice Cream Sundays—enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon with wagon rides, live fiddle music, and “make-your-own” ice cream sundaes. Included in regular admission. Noon-3 pm.
Sept. 14: Wool Frolic—this is a new event focused on the fiber arts. See demos of bobbin lace making, dyeing fibers, knitting, crocheting, and weaving. (Go here for the program flyer, if for no other reason than to see the artwork.) Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.

Old Economy Village
Sept. 21-22: Erntefest Harmonist Harvest Festival—Learn how the Harmonists celebrated the harvest and prepared for the winter ahead. Craftspeople will demonstrate 19th-century trades, and hands-on activities include churning butter, making apple schnitz (dried apples), and pressing apples for cider. Homemade German food will be available across the street at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Sat., 10 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
Sept. 1: Historic Trades—the blacksmith and joyner will be on hand to demonstrate their work with metal and wood. Included in regular admission 1-4 pm.
Sept. 8: Living History Theater—“The Caribbean Connection” introduces Quaker Samuel Carpenter, who has just returned from Barbados and will be talking about his experiences there. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 15: Open Hearth Cooking—the cooks will be preparing recipes from the “receipt” book of William Penn’s first wife, Gulielma. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 22: Garden Highlights—it’s beginning to look and feel like fall in Pennsbury’s gardens; come see for yourself. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 29: Animals at Pennsbury—meet the animals and learn about the work they do (and about the work their historical counterparts did as well). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania State Archives
Registration now open for genealogy workshop, “Finding Your Pennsylvania Civil War Ancestors” on Oct. 5—the second installment of this successful workshop includes a morning session on research resources (limited to 25 attendees) and an afternoon session of research assistance from professional archivists (limited to 10 lucky people). The workshop is free, but registration is required. Act now! To register, contact Josh Stahlman, jostahlman@pa.gov or 717/772-3257.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 28: Members Day—tours, lectures, book signings, and a banquet with speaker Cesar Vergara, president and chief designer of Vergarastudio, specializing in public transportation infrastructure and rolling stock. Click here for details.

Somerset Historical Center
Sept. 6-8: Mountain Craft Days—since 1970, this event has brought together artisans and craftspeople of all types, and now includes children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, and great food. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for kids 6-17. 10 am-5 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Thru Sept. 2: Harrisburg Kipona festival—State Museum archaeologists will be on City Island offering a free program from 10 am to 6 pm. (They will also be conducting excavations at historic Fort Hunter, Sept. 4 through Oct. 11).
Sept. 8: Gallery Walk—the museum will be open free of charge, 11 am-6 pm. 1 pm, Artist Conversation in the “Art of the State” exhibit (last day of the show). 2 pm, opening reception for Doshi Gallery exhibit, “Construction/Deconstruction” (runs through Dec. 1). All day, Susquehanna Art Museum’s VanGO! will be parked adjacent to the museum.
Sept. 20: 3rd in the Burg—exhibit opening for “Stories from the Homefront: Pennsylvania in the Civil War.” There will also be a book-signing with the authors of The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History. Tickets are $40, $35 for State Museum Affiliates and PA Heritage Foundation members (purchase tickets online at www.shoppaheritage.com). 6-9 pm.
Sept. 25: HomeSchool Day—a special program tailored for families and community organizations teaching in a home setting. Program fee is $10 per person (free to members) and includes a planetarium show. Register by calling 717/772-6997. 10 am-2 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Sept. 22: Market and Muster Day—enjoy a day out as historical interpreters and reenactors get in the spirit of a colonial marketplace and militia drill. There will be activities for families, and the marketplace will include local produce and baked goods in addition to crafts. Cost is $8 for adults (age 12 and up), $4 for kids 5-11. Go here for more info. 10 am-4 pm.

Last Gasp of Summer? Hardly!

There have been lots of great programs at or related to sites on the Trails of History this summer; media (social and otherwise) bring them to you wherever you are. In the last couple of weeks, Pennsylvania Military Museum held their VIETNAM Revisited program, Flagship Niagara went to Duluth, Minnesota, as part of the War of 1812 Bicentennial, Eckley Miners’ Village hosted their 1940s weekend, summer camps were held at Old Economy Village and the Anthracite Heritage Museum, and Somerset Historical Center opened a photo exhibit featuring the work of photographer Walt Bowen and contemporary photographers. To name just a few. August promises more to come.

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Guided tours of Scranton Iron Furnaces—a rare chance for a guided tour (you can also check out the South Side Farmers Market on Saturday). The Scranton Times Tribune just posted a 1942 photo of the furnaces on its "Pages from the Past" blog. 11 am-4 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Aug. 2-4: 250th Anniversary of Battle of Bushy Run—events run from Friday evening through Sunday evening, with commemorative programs, a monument unveiling, battle reenactments and more. Official schedule and info is here. You can read more about the 250th anniversary here, here, and here.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Aug. 4: 18th-century Interpretive Sunday—learn about life in Berks County in the mid-18th century. Noon-4 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Aug. 13: Lecture/performance by Ron Garman and The Heritage Trombones—learn about the history of the trombone and the evolution of musical styles during this unique program. (Go here for more info on Garman and other group members). Part of the Friends of Cornwall Iron Furnace lecture series, the program takes place in Freeman Hall auditorium at Cornwall Manor. 7 pm.
Aug. 16: Cornwall Blast!—this event features local breweries and wineries, music by the Wayne Fox Trio, and actor Larry Sheaf as guest emcee; there will be “soft” refreshments suitable for designated drivers and folks younger than 21. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance (go here for all the details). 6-9 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Aug. 4, 18, 25: Interpretive Sundays—spend Sunday afternoons in August learning about candle dipping (8/4); militia muster (8/18); and camp cooking (8/25). Included in regular admission. Noon-4 pm.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Sawmill Operation Days—subject to staff availability, there will be demonstrations of the site’s water-powered sawmill. Free of charge (admission rates apply to visit the historic area and the homestead). 11 am & 2 pm.
Aug. 10-11: Battles at Boone: A Revolutionary War Encampment—billed as the largest living history event in Berks County since 2008, this program brings together military and civilian reenactors, sutlers, craftspeople, and more. For details go here. Adults, $10; Seniors, $8; Children, $6 (cash or check only, no credit cards). 9 am-4 pm each day.

Drake Well Museum
Aug. 3-4: Historic Pithole Open—the visitor center will be open, so enjoy the orientation film and the excellent diorama that shows the town in its heyday. (General location map is here—ignore the letter “A” and look where it says “historic site.”) 10 am-4 pm.
Aug. 24: Drake Day—this year, the annual celebration of the first successful well drilled for oil will include a 19th-century circus program. Check the website closer to the event for more info or call 814/827-2797.
Aug. 31: Oil Valley Blacksmiths Association—this monthly event brings local blacksmiths to the site to show how it’s done. Included in regular admission. 9 am-2 pm.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Aug. 17-18: Living History and Civil War Weekend—encampments, demonstrations, and entertainment of the Civil War era. Go here for details closer to the date. 10 am-5 pm.
Aug. 31: WYSO exhibit closes.

Ephrata Cloister
Aug. 3: Craft Demonstrations—Join Ephrata’s Student Historians, expert spinner and weaver Ruth Konrad, and furniture maker and bookbinder Dave Hoffman as they share some of the crafts and skills of the 18th century (go here for more info). Included in regular admission. 10 am-4 pm.
Aug. 4: Ice Cream Social—enjoy an evening of ice cream (pick your own sundae toppings) and music (vocalist Dean Sensenig) in a beautiful setting. Tickets are $3 and are available ahead of time (Museum Store or Visitor Center) or on the day. 4-7 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
Aug. 13: Erie Gives—the museum and ship are participants in this year’s community-wide online fundraising drive. Go to www.eriegives.org any time between 8 am and 8 pm on August 13, make a minimum donation of $25, and Flagship Niagara League will also receive a prorated match from the Erie Community Foundation.

Fort Pitt Museum
Aug. 10: Summer Saturdays at the Fort—this month the focus is on the 250th anniversary of the siege of Fort Pitt. 10 am-5 pm.

Graeme Park
Aug. 25: Yellow Fever Living History Program—Philadelphia experienced a dramatic yellow fever epidemic in 1793. Graeme Park, like other country estates, became a haven removed from the city’s contagions. This program explores the impact of the epidemic on Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson and her circle of family and friends. Check the website closer to the date for details.

Hope Lodge
Aug. 9: Movie Night—bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in to watch Lincoln, winner of numerous awards including Daniel Day-Lewis’s Academy Award for Best Actor (James Spader steals a scene or two, IMHO). Presented by Whitemarsh Township Parks and Recreation. Rain date is Aug. 10. Starts at dusk.

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 (which includes what may be the first laboratory in America) and chemistry demonstrations. Free admission. 1-4 pm; chemistry demos at 1:30 and 3 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Aug. 6: Hands-On History Day—experience chores, games, and crafts from the past, take a wagon ride, and learn your lessons in the one-room schoolhouse. Cost is $10 per person. 10 am-3 pm.
Aug. 10: Tales, Legends, and Lore—a full day of storytelling around the site, plus hands-on activities and wagon rides. Go here for the day’s schedule of events and admission fees. 10 am-4 pm.
Aug. 24: Art Show at Landis Valley—Landis Valley’s museum store will host an array of local artisans selling their wares (many will also demonstrate their crafts). Music and food (for purchase) are also on tap. Admission to the art show is free; but why not buy a ticket to the site and make a day of it? 9 am-4 pm

Old Economy Village
Aug. 7: Exhibit opening—enjoy light refreshments as you explore three new Visitor Center exhibits developed by OEV’s summer interns. Learn about Harmonist winemaking, forays into alchemy, and the history of the Rapp Houses (currently closed to the public for renovations). Admission is free. 5-7 pm.
Aug. 14: Lecture—“Economy Village and Allegheny County” explores the relationship of the Harmony Society with the larger Pittsburgh region. Speaker is Dave Aitken, retired railroader, history buff, and OEV volunteer. Admission is free. 7-8:30 pm.
Aug. 31: Gertrude Rapp’s Birthday Party—a full day of activities, with crafts demonstrations, ginger cookies, and ice cream. Included in regular admission. 10 am-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
Aug. 4: Historic Trades—the blacksmith and the joyner will demonstrate their skills. 1-4 pm.
Aug. 11: Living History Theater—“What’s New at Neshaminy” introduces the women of Middletown Quaker Meeting, who gathered monthly to discuss issues of concern in their community. Learn about some of the 17th-century topics they shared. 1-4 pm.
Aug. 18: Open Hearth Cooking—it’s “cooks’ choice” today as the cooks select their favorite 17th-century recipes to share. 1-4 pm.
Aug. 25: Garden Highlights—spend some peaceful time in the kitchen garden. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Saturdays and Sundays: Guided Tours included in museum admission on weekends during the month of August. 1 pm only.
Aug. 3: Boot Camp for Kids—registration deadline was July 6, so mark your calendars for next year.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Aug. 16-17: Hogwarts Express Parties—elements of the popular Harry Potter books come to life among the museum’s railcars and street scenes. The program is recommended for ages 8 and up (attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian). Space is limited; registrations are accepted by mail or in person, and all those attending over age 3 are also subject to museum admission fees. Go here for details and a registration form. 11 am, 1 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Aug. 1, 8, 15: StoryTime in Curiosity Connection—staff and volunteers read a different book each week, selected with children ages 3-5 in mind, and then direct a related play activity. This year’s series is dedicated to Dawn Dutcher, Curiosity Connection director, who passed away in May. StoryTime is included in regular admission. 10 am.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Learn at Lunchtime—the museum offers free admission mid-day every Friday, along with docent tours of select exhibits. 11 am-1:30 pm (docent tours noon to 1 pm).
Aug. 11: Artist Conversations—this month’s installment features artist and photographer Carl Sander Socolow talking with State Museum photographer Don Giles as they tour the “Art of the State” exhibit. Included in regular admission. 1 pm.
Aug. 16: 3rd in the Burg—this month’s program features the State Museum Planetarium. Free showings of “We Are Aliens” will be offered at 6:30, 7, and 7:30 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Aug. 5-9: Summer History Camp—“Travelers of Colonial History” is the theme for this year. Students who will be entering grades 3, 4, or 5 this fall are eligible to participate. Cost is $150. Call 215/493-4076 for more info and to see if there are spaces available.

And Now the Rest of July

But first, a brief bureaucratic interruption—State Civil Service Commission lists for Museum Registrars (2013-058) and Archivists (2013-005) are currently open. Positions are filled from these lists (the test announcements include some details about anticipated positions). Information on the SCSC process is here.

I hope you had a fun and festive Fourth of July and are now geared up for the month ahead. The Trails of History are awash in activity this summer—so come on down and join in.

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
July 16-19: A Journey through Time: Looking Back on Coal, Canals, and Railroads—Anthracite Heritage Museum summer day camp for kids ages 7-12. Fee charged and registration is required; go here for details.

Brandywine Battlefield
Through August 9: Summer History Camp—spots are still available for most weeks (7/15-19 is full). Go here for details.
July 12: Brandywine Battlefield fundraiser—enjoy Blue Rocks Baseball (Wilmington, Delaware) and support the battlefield. Chadds Ford Business Association is sponsoring this event, and the Recca Foundation will match your $20 ticket donation. Go here for details.

Bushy Run Battlefield
July 14: Annual 5K Trail Run/Walk—Bushy Run is the site for this annual event benefitting the Penn-Trafford Area Recreation Commission (PTARC); go here for info.
July 28: 3rd Annual Classic Car Cruise—first 200 cars receive a dash plaque. Contact the site, 724/527-5584, for details. 11 am-4 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
July 7: Patriotic Concert in the Park—this annual event honoring all military veterans features a concert by the Ringgold Band (formed in 1852, one of the oldest community bands in the U.S.). Admission and parking are free, contributions are gratefully accepted. Womelsdorf Fire Company will have food for sale starting at noon and the concert starts at 1:30; please bring your own chairs or picnic blankets.
July 14: Weiser Interpretive Sunday—enjoy a summer afternoon at the homestead learning about life in the Tulpehocken. Noon-4 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Interpretive Sundays—spend summer Sunday afternoons learning about 18th-century crafts, trades, and activities. Included in regular admission. Noon-4 pm.
July 10, 17, 24, 31: Sawmill Operation Days—subject to staff availability, there will be two half-hour demos of the reconstructed sawmill on Wednesdays in July. Call 610/582-4900 to confirm. Demos are free, admission fees apply for guided and self-guided tours of the historic area. 11 am and 2 pm.
July 16-18: History Day Camp—participants will learn about the kinds of things Daniel Boone did as a child growing up in the Oley Valley. Camp is designed for kids entering grades 3-6; space is limited and pre-registration is required.
July 24 and 31: Junior History Workshop—These hands-on workshops for kids entering grades 3-6 teach about Hearth Cooking (July 24) and Camp & Native American Cooking (July 31); space is limited and pre-registration is required. You can download a registration brochure for History Day Camp and Junior History Workshop here.

Drake Well Museum
Saturdays and Sundays: Historic Pithole Open, 10 am-4 pm. UPDATE: Previous map link was INCORRECT (well, the link was correct, but the map wasn't). Try this instead, be sure you look at the location of Pithole Historic Site (thanks to the folks at Drake Well for the save).
July 27: Blacksmith Demonstrations—monthly demonstrations take place the last Saturday of the month through October. Included in regular admission. 9 am-2 pm.

Eckley Miners’ Village
July 27-28: 1940s Weekend—learn about wartime on the homefront and in the military, circa 1944. Military and civilian reenactors will be on site; Holocaust survivor Severin Fayerman will share his experiences. A swing-era USO Dance will be held off-site the evening of July 27. For more information, go here. 10 am-5 pm (dance is at 6:30).

Ephrata Cloister
July 21: Family Picnic Fun Raiser—bring a blanket or chair, the family, and your taste for fun. There will be hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, etc. for sale, and games to entertain. Details are here. Admission is $5 per family. 4-8 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
July 22: 2nd Annual Flagship Niagara Golf Tournament—more details here. Note on Facebook says it’s almost sold out as of July 3.

Fort Pitt Museum
July 14: Summer Sunday at the Fort—living history program included in regular museum admission. The Plymouth (Michigan) Fife and Drum Corps will begin playing at 1 pm on the city side of Point State Park and conclude at the museum. 10 am-5 pm.

Graeme Park
July 20-21: 17th Annual Celtic Heritage Festival—music, food, vendors, bagpipes and more to celebrate the Keith, Graeme, and Fergusson heritage of the site. For photos of previous festivals and updates on the entertainment schedule, go here.

Joseph Priestley House
July 24-26: History Camp—designed for elementary age students, this program takes place in the morning. Enrollment is limited; please register by July 22. Go here for details.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
July 14: Summer Afternoon Social—enjoy food, crafts, wagon rides, and more; plenty for the whole family. More details here. Noon-5 pm.
July 14-February 2014: “I Thee Wed: Rural Pennsylvania Wedding Attire, 1830-1930”—this new temporary exhibit includes 15 wedding gowns plus other clothing, and explores the evolution of the “country wedding.” Included in regular admission.
July 27-28: Civil War Days—the site is transformed into a rural Pennsylvania village in 1863, with reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians. Ages 12-64, $12; Ages 65+, $10; Ages 6-11, $8; Ages 5 and under, free. 10 am-4 pm.

Old Economy Village
July 6: Antique Car Show—pre-1950s antique cars will be on display around the village, along with food, games, entertainment, and artisans. Free admission. You can register your car by calling 724/266-4500 x 113. 10 am-4 pm.
July 22-26 and July 29-August 2: A Printer, A Baker, A History Maker—this interactive summer history camp invites kids ages 6-12 to explore the village with the help of volunteer artisans and demonstrators. For details and registration form, go here.

Peace Church
July 28: Rediscovering Peace Church—there will be Civil War reenactors and refreshments, music, a talk on the history of the church, and a tour of St. John’s Cemetery. 3 pm (cemetery tour at 4 pm).

Pennsbury Manor
July 7: Historic Trades—the blacksmith and the joyner will be demonstrating their skills with iron and wood. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
July 8-12 and 15-19: Colonial Camp—each week-long camp provides hands-on learning as students explore life in the 17th century. Camp is open to children who have completed 1st through 6th grade. You’ll find the camp brochure here.
July 14: Living History Theater—“Boundary Battle” explores the dispute between William Penn and Lord Baltimore over the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
July 21: Open Hearth Cooking—although winter seems a long way away, the cooks will be starting to preserve some of the summer bounty for use during the cold weather that will surely come. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
July 28: Garden Highlights—spend some time in the kitchen garden and see what the gardeners are up to (they’ll even let you help). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
July 6-7: 39th Annual Bark Peelers’ Convention—this hugely popular event recreates the 4th of July celebrations of Pennsylvania’s early 20th-century lumber camp workers and “woodhicks.” For more info and event schedule, go here.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
July 5: Registration deadline for Boot Camp for Kids—camp takes place August 3 and is open to boys and girls ages 8 to 13; go here for details and registration info.
July 11-14: 21st Annual People’s Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Arts—celebration of arts and artisans held on the museum grounds (go here for details). (Fee charged to park on museum grounds; regular admission applies to tour the exhibits.)
July 20-21: VIETNAM Revisited—living historians portray American combat and support troops “in country” in the late 1960s; visitors have the opportunity to accompany squads on short range patrols (closed shoes and long pants recommended if you plan to participate in these demos). 10 am-4 pm (tactical demo at 2 pm each day).

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
July 2-7: Reading Railroad Days—offered in conjunction with the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society, this program features an enormous HO-scale model railroad and highlights Reading Company rolling stock in the Museum’s collection. Included in regular museum admission, go here for more info.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Fridays in July: Learn at Lunchtime—admission is free every Friday between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; free docent tours at 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m. (continues through Aug. 31).
July 9 or 10: Native American Day Camps—pick either Tuesday or Wednesday morning; designed for kids 7 to 10 years old; call 717/772-6997 for reservations.
July 11-August 15: StoryTime in Curiosity Connection—on Thursday mornings, children ages 3-5 can enjoy a story, followed by a related activity or gallery visit. Included in museum admission. 10 am.
July 16, 17, or 18: Mammals of Pennsylvania Day Camps—also for kids ages 7-10; pick one of the three mornings; reservations can be made by calling 717/772-6997.
July 19: 3rd in the Burg—Lancaster County artist Sue Reno will be on hand to talk about her quilt, “Silk Mill #3,” which was recently awarded a State Museum Purchase Prize in the Art of the State Exhibition (which continues through Sept. 8). Program is free. 6:30 pm.

Memorial Day Weekend

Information on which Trails of History sites are open on Memorial Day can be found here and the May program preview, where you’ll find events scheduled for this weekend, is here. Photos from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Celebration of Service, held on the grounds at the Pennsylvania Military Museum on May 19, are here.

Prow of the USS Michigan/Wolverine and model of USS Michigan
photo by Linda Bolla

For this year’s Charter Day (back in March), the Erie Maritime Museum mounted a small exhibit on Civil War Medal of Honor recipients who also served on U.S.S. Michigan (which was based in Erie and is the focus of an exhibit at the museum--it was later renamed the USS Wolverine). With the approach of Memorial Day, it seems like an appropriate time to take a quick look (thanks to information and photos supplied by Linda Bolla). You can go here to see additional text from the exhibit.

Patrick Murphy (1823-1896), William Young (1835?-1878), Cornelius Cronin (1838-1912), and George Washington McWilliams (1842-1900) all served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Murphy and Cronin were recognized for their actions during a battle in Mobile Bay in August 1864; Murphy served on board the U.S.S. Metacomet and Cronin was aboard the U.S.S. Richmond. Young was aboard the U.S.S. Cayuga as it engaged Confederate gunboats during the April 1862 capture of Forts Jackson and St. Philip and the city of New Orleans. McWilliams served on the U.S.S. Pontoosuc during the capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington, North Carolina, December 1864-February 1865.

Irish-born Murphy enlisted in 1842 and was a member of the first crew aboard U.S.S. Michigan and then served aboard the ship again after the Civil War until his retirement in 1885. Young’s naval career started in 1852 on the U.S.S. Constitution and included a number of other ships. He finished his service as Michigan’s bugler, retiring in 1876. Cronin served in the U.S. Navy for 50 years, from 1858 to 1908; he spent the decade after the Civil War (1866-75) on board Michigan. McWilliams was born in Waterford, not far from Erie, and was living there after the Civil War, according to the 1870 census; his service on the U.S.S. Michigan has not been confirmed, but it is likely that was his first naval assignment.

Erie Maritime Museum worked with Erie Diocesan Cemeteries to research and apply for a Medal of Honor marker for Patrick Murphy’s gravesite. A dedication ceremony for the marker was held on November 8, 2009, and guest blogger Linda Bolla wrote about it (here) for Trailheads.

Best wishes for a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

Are We in Your Bracket?

I have no idea what college basketball has to do with the Trails of History, but I thought I’d jump on the ol’ bandwagon. Anyway, with March winding down, it’s time to look ahead to April. But not without noting that the Pennsylvania Military Museum, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and Washington Crossing Historic Park will be open on Easter (March 31); all other sites are closed.

Anthracite Heritage Museum
April 7: Illustrated program and book-signing—meet one of the authors of The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History, which includes many images that have never been published before. 2 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
April 7: Site open for visitors—the site is open the first Sunday of every month through December. Noon-4 pm.
April 21: Weiser Interpretive Program—enjoy an afternoon of history. Noon-4 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
April 9: Friends Lecture Series—“Coleman’s Elizabeth Furnace,” with speaker Dan Snyder. (You can read more about it here.) Lectures are held in Freeman Hall auditorium at Cornwall Manor. 7 pm.

Drake Well Museum
April 9: Volunteer Recruitment Event--Venango County RSVP will hold a recruitment event at the Museum. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the local food pantry to receive free admission. Tours of the museum will be led by Dick Baker, RSVP Advisory Council member and museum volunteer--come see the possibilities for your own volunteering. To sign up or for more information, call 814/432-9723 or email rsvp@co.venango.pa.us. 10:30 am-12:30 pm (free admission with food pantry donation lasts all day).
April 13: Family Day—Bill Stumpf will present his popular storytelling program for all ages. Hear some great oil field stories and learn something about the art of telling a good tale. Included in museum admission. 1 pm.
April 27: Oil Valley Blacksmiths—this organization meets at Drake Well on the last Saturday of every month through October, providing demonstrations for visitors. Included in museum admission. 9 am-2 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
April 19: Community Days School Program—Designed for school aged students, this program encourages exploration through a range of learning stages across the site. Reservations strongly encouraged. Visit the website for details. 9:30 am-1 pm.
April 20: Spring Search—children can hunt for clues all over the site, getting stamps in their Heritage Passports and earning a prize and treat if they find all the clues. Discounted admission for children ages 11 and younger; regular fees apply for adults (free admission for members of Ephrata Cloister Associates and Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation). 1-4 pm.

Graeme Park
April 20-21: WWII Encampment—weapons demos, period vehicles (military and non), battle reenactments, tours of the Keith House and Summer Kitchen, and a chance to meet and talk with World War II veterans. Visit the website for schedule.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
April 6 and 13: Folk Art Classes at the Museum Store—Scherenschnitte (4/6) is a hands-on class where you will make your own papercutting art; fee is $20 and registration is required. Apron Strings (4/13) is a talk on the history of aprons (you can bring yours for show and tell); no fee for this one, but you must reserve your spot. Call 717/569-9312 to register for either or both. 1 pm.
April 20: Spring Benefit Auction—there’s a silent auction and a live auction, plus food and beverages for sale, to benefit the museum. Doors open 4:30 pm, live auction starts at 5:30 pm.
April 20-21: Spring Plow Days—draft horses and mules will pull plows, discs, and harrows to help get the fields ready for planting. The PA Draft Horse & Mule Association partners with the museum to make this event possible. Starts at 10 am each day (weather permitting).

Old Economy Village
Through May 25: Beaver County Tourist Days—OEV is welcoming the neighbors, inviting county residents to enjoy free admission and get to know the site. This offer is being made on a rolling basis, depending on residents’ zip code. If you’re a Beaver County resident (or know someone who is), go here to seen when your free days fall.
April 27: Spring Garden Workshop—Master Gardeners and other experts will talk about organic gardening, native plants, community sustained agriculture, and 2013’s herb of the year (elderberry). The program includes lunch, door prizes, and tours of OEV’s fabulous gardens; cost is $55. Registration deadline is April 12. Go here for details.

Pennsbury Manor
April 7: Historic Trades—watch the blacksmith and joyner demonstrate their metalworking and woodworking skills. 1-4 pm.
April 14: Living History Theater—“Busy at the Manor” lets you listen in as William and Hannah Penn and their family return to Pennsbury after spending the winter in Philadelphia. 1-4 pm.
April 21: Open Hearth Cooking—“Spring in the 17th Century” finds the cooks dusting off their receipts for dishes using spring vegetables and fresh milk, not available to them over the winter. 1-4 pm.
April 28: Garden Highlights—the gardeners will be at work in the kitchen garden, where they’ll gladly help you learn about what they’re growing. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum

April 13: Spring Antiques and Collectibles Show—held at Pine Creek Inn (1637 Route 6 West) due to visitor center expansion project. 10 am-4:30 pm. (Consignment items are welcome; call Pete Folk, 814/435-8216.)

Pennsylvania Military Museum
April 3: Friends Richard Koontz Memorial Lecture Series—Dr. William T. Allison, visiting professor of military history at the US Army War College, will present “What Really Happened? The My Lai Massacre and Doing History.” 7:30 pm.
April 13-14: Battery B Drill Weekend—the 3rd Pennsylvania Volunteers http://batteryb-3pavol.org/ will encamp on the museum grounds to demonstrate the loading and firing of Civil War era replica artillery pieces. This is also their annual training and recruitment weekend. Noon-4 pm.
April 20: Kids Day: Dress Up and Discover!!—kids of all ages can try on field gear and head gear from the museum education collection. Photo backdrops will be set up in the museum theater and there will be learning stations throughout the galleries. Included in museum admission. 10 am-3 pm.

Pennsylvania State Archives
April 20: Finding Your Civil War Ancestors--the morning session (9 am-noon) will introduce attendees to doing research in national and statewide databases as well as the State Archives holdings. A lunchtime tour of the State Museum's newly reopened Rothermel Gallery will be offered. From 1-4 pm, archivists will provide research assistance for 10 registrants in the Archives Search Room (go here for details on the types of records available). The program is free but you must register, as space is limited (especially for the afternoon session). Contact Josh Stahlman, jostahlman@pa.gov or 717/772-3257.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
April 27: "From Your Lens: Images of Contemporary Railroading" opens—photographs of railroad people, places, and equipment submitted by members of the public form the basis of this exhibit, which will be on display during regular museum hours through December 31.

Somerset Historical Center
April 1: “Frederick Goeb: Master Printer”—in his Somerset print shop in 1813, Goeb printed a German Bible, believed to be the first Bible printed west of the Alleghenies (go here for text of historical marker). This exhibit will include several examples of Goeb’s work (which ran from almanacs to books on midwifery and veterinary practice) and information on early printing processes. Included in regular admission.
April 1: Chocolate: The PA Connection—thanks to the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, Susan McLellan Plaisted will present a fascinating program on the history of chocolate, including a chance to sample a historic recipe for drinking chocolate. The annual meeting of the Historical & Genealogical Society of Somerset County follows the presentation. Free and open to the public. 6:30 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Through April 28: “Hannah Penn: blest with a strong judgment and excellent good sense”—this temporary exhibit highlights the first woman to govern Pennsylvania. Throughout the coming year First Lady Susan Corbett will lead an examination of Hannah Penn’s legacy; participants will include staff from Pennsbury Manor. Included in regular admission.
April 20: "Objects of Valor: Commemorating the Civil War in Pennsylvania"--this exhibit explores 150 years of collecting, preserving and interpreting Pennsylvania's Civil War experience at the State Museum. As part of Harrisburg's monthly 3rd in the Burg celebration, there will be a free reception on Friday, April 19, from 5-7 pm sponsored in part by the Friends of the State Museum. The exhibit is included in regular museum admission.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
April 26: Sheep Shearing—Washington Crossing’s flock will be relieved of their winter coats at the Thompson Neely House (see map). Historic craft demonstrations, games, and children’s entertainment will also be on offer. Admission is $8 per person. 9 am-3 pm.

Charter Day is Here Again (Again)

This Sunday, March 10, sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History will be open free of charge in honor of Pennsylvania’s 332nd birthday. (To be all technical about it, it’s the 332nd anniversary of King Charles II’s charter giving William Penn the land we know as Pennsylvania.) A couple of sites are still on winter schedules and won’t be open, but you can find a list of participating sites here.

Last week’s post included info on special events and activities going on (besides the being open free of charge), so I won’t repeat that. But I can add a bit.

In addition to the activities listed last week, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum’s celebration of Charter Day will also include a book signing featuring Dr. Irwin Richman, co-author (with Oscar Beisert) of The Photography of Henry K. Landis: Pennsylvania and New York, 1886-1955. Henry, with his brother George, started the museum and amassed much of the early collection of Pennsylvania German artifacts. Having studied photography in college, he documented life close to home but also in and around New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island), where he spent several decades as an editor and photographer. You can read more about the book, published by Stackpole Books, here.

Book cover, via Stackpole Books

In recognition of PHMC’s 2013 theme, a costumed guide in Civil War era US Navy uniform will welcome Charter Day visitors to the USS Michigan/Wolverine exhibit on the mezzanine level of the Erie Maritime Museum. According to the folks at the museum, “During the course of the Civil War, the Michigan recruited over four thousand men from the Great Lakes region to serve in the Union Navy. Four of these men, including one from Michigan’s home port Erie, earned our nation’s Medal of Honor for their service and will be featured in a display at the Museum. Michigan's presence on the Great Lakes was so significant, she became the object of a Confederate plot in 1864. Southern sympathizers under the command of John Y. Beall seized the steamer Philo Parsons, intending to use it to capture the USS Michigan, which was then guarding Johnson’s Island on Sandusky Bay. The prison there held more than 3,000 captured Confederate officers. Beall’s men mutinied at the critical moment, within earshot of the voices of sailors upon Michigan's deck, and the rebels dispersed and retreated to the safety of Canada.”

I neglected to mention in last week’s post that Charter Day visitors to Pennsbury Manor are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for The Penndel Food Pantry. (And if you enjoy watching other people clean as much as I do, you can check out photos of Pennsbury's annual spring cleaning here.)

Charter Day 2012 Food Drive via Pennsbury's Facebook page

Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night (or early Sunday morning)!

Marcha, Marcha, Marcha!

This week’s title brought to you by sleep deprivation and spring fever. Sorry.

Well, it’s March already and you know what that means. Spring. March Madness. Easter. Passover. St. Patrick’s Day. International Women’s Day. Daylight Savings Time. Read Across America Day. Charter Day. (Not necessarily in that order.) We’ll do a post with more details on Charter Day next week, but for now you can mark your calendars for Sunday, March 10. Almost all Trails of History sites will be open free of charge that day in celebration of Pennsylvania’s birthday. (Go here for the list of sites that plan to be open.) Sites with special events or activities planned for March 10 are included in the listings below, along with the rest of the month’s stuff. (Please note, most sites will be closed on March 31 for Easter; we’ll let you know later in the month which ones will be open.)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
March 10: Exploring the Civil War through Poetry—speaker Bert Barnett will share insights about the Civil War as expressed in a variety of poems from before, during, and after the war. Part of the Museum’s Charter Day celebration and in support of the PHMC’s 2013 Civil War theme. 2 pm.
March 17: Lackawanna Audubon Society—Program is “A Lifetime of Birds,” with photographer Dave Fisher. 2:30 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
March 16: Spring Meeting and Lecture--author/historian Brady J. Crytzer will present "Bushy Run Reconsidered: The Death of the New Ohioan"; Crytzer is the author of Major Washington's Pittsburgh and the Mission to Ft. LeBoeuf, Fort Pitt: A Frontier History, and the forthcoming Guyasuta and the Fall of Indian America. Admission is $5 (free for members of Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society). 1 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
March 10: Charter Day re-opening—join living history interpreters and others to mark the start of the 2013 season. 2 pm (site is open noon to 4 pm).
March 17: Spring lecture—speaker is Doug Miller, site administrator at Pennsbury Manor. 2 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
March 12: Friends Lecture—The Rev. Dr. Paul Fullmer, local historian and chaplain at Lebanon Valley College, will talk about Annville’s architectural archives. He’ll discuss the types of information found in the archives, how they are being made available to the public, and the model they represent for other communities interested in preserving their architectural history. Friends lectures are held in Freeman Hall auditorium at Cornwall Manor. 7 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
March 3: Fireside Tales in the Wayside Lodge—children ages 4-8 and their families are invited for an afternoon of storytelling and hot chocolate; please dress for the weather and bring a blanket of it’s really cold outside. $2 suggested donation (regular admission fees apply if you’d like to tour the historic area and/or homestead). 2 pm.
March 10: Charter Day Open House and Craft Festival—featuring local vendors with hand-made gifts, music and dancing, open hearth cooking, and much more. Noon-4 pm.
March 17: Women’s History Lecture—speaker Hallie Vaughan will present “Untold Stories: Women in the American Revolution.” $2 suggested donation (regular admission fees apply for touring the historic area and/or homestead). 2 pm.
March 24: A Pennsylvania German Easter and Spring Nature Program—celebrate spring, learn about traditional Easter customs, and participate in an egg hunt (plus more). Admission is $4 for ages 3 and older. Noon-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum
March 10: Charter Day presentation—Join Fred Threlfall in the museum lobby anytime from noon to 3 pm to learn about the Native inhabitants of the oil region and the importance of the fur trade.
March 30: Drake’s Birthday—in honor of Edwin Drake’s birthday, the curator and educator will lead a special tour of the museum’s new exhibits (and there will be cake!). Tour begins at 1 pm. Also, March kicks off the monthly meeting and demonstrations of the Oil Valley Blacksmiths (last Saturday of every month through October). 9 am-2 pm. Both are included in regular museum admission.

Eckley Miners’ Village
March 10: The Molly Maguires—the program on Charter Day will include a screening of the 1970 movie, plus a talk by Jim Burke, who was the chief financial officer for Paramount Pictures when the film was shot in Eckley. (M & E Raine shared a photo (on Flickr) of the breaker that was built as a prop for the movie.) Program runs 1-4 pm, site open until 5 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
March 7, 14, 21: Winter History Class—class began in February; contact the site for information if you’re interested in joining.
March 10: Concerts—as part of the site's Charter Day festivities, the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform in the Saal (meetinghouse) at 2, 3, and 4 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
March 9: Erie BayHawks basketball game—Flagship Niagara League night at the Erie BayHawks (Erie’s minor league basketball team). Tickets are $10; buy your tickets through FNL and a portion of the proceeds benefits the sailing program. Call Julie Wagner, 814/452-2744 x222, to reserve tickets. Game time is 7 p.m.

Graeme Park
March 9: Hearth and Home—this class focuses on seasonal cooking in the colonial kitchen and is taught in the summer kitchen of the Keith House. Cost is $55; for $100 you can take this class and another on May 11. Registration is required; deadline is March 7. Go here for details.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
March 2, 9, 16: Folk Art Classes—basic crochet, tin Easter basket, and scratched eggs are the topics for three successive classes hosted by the museum store. Register by calling 717/569-9312. 1 pm.
March 10: Exhibit, logo and e-commerce unveilings—Charter Day is the launch point for a new permanent exhibit, “The Mennonite Faith in Landis Valley,” which has been installed in the Sexton’s House, a small building behind the Visitor Center. Also, the site’s museum store will officially change its name from “The Weathervane” to “Landis Valley Museum Store,” debuting its new logo and new e-commerce website, www.landisvalleymuseumstore.com (it’s not yet active, so I haven’t linked it). Noon-5 pm.
March 23: Heirloom Seed Project Grafting Workshop—for anyone who’s wanted to learn how to graft apple varieties, this program, a collaboration between the HSP and the Backyard Fruit Growers, is it. For $30, you get instruction, hands-on practice, and scion and rootstock to take home with you. Registration is required; call 717/569-0401 x204.

Old Economy Village
March 3-May 25: Beaver County Tourist Days—OEV is welcoming the neighbors, inviting county residents to enjoy free admission and get to know the site. This offer is being made on a rolling basis, depending on residents’ zip code. If you’re a Beaver County resident (or know someone who is), go here to seen when your free days fall.
March 10: Center for Hope Day—in conjunction with free admission on Charter Day, the site will be collecting canned or boxed food items for a local community organization (go here for details on the types of foods desired). Noon-5 pm.
March 23: Easter Egg Hunt—children ages 10 and under, along with their families, will explore the historic site while hunting for Easter eggs. Crafts, treats, a visit with the Easter bunny, and a family membership raffle are also on the menu. Register by March 13 by calling 724/266-4500 x101. 9-11 am.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
March 6: Friends’ Richard Koontz Memorial Lecture Series—“Civil War Patriotic Envelopes as Weapons of War,” with speaker Ken Lawrence, philatelic writer and researcher, antebellum and Civil War historian, and stamp collector. 7:30 pm.
March 9: Military Movie Madness Festival—PMM kicks off the 2013 museum season with three films exploring World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War (go here for details). Donation requested (museum admission applies if you wish to visit the galleries). 10 am, noon, and 2:30 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
March 2: Read Across America Day—celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by wearing your favorite hat and listening to stories read by an array of local notables (and me). There will also be a Suitcase Adventure activity, with travel stickers from Pennsylvania places, and a chance for kids to read to service dogs from KPets. (I believe that Breakfast with The Conductor and Catcher is sold out as of this writing, but you can call the museum—717/687-3892—to check on last-minute openings.) Stories in Rolling Stock Hall every half hour (except noon) from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
March 2: Pysanky Egg Workshop—okay, so it’s probably sold out at this point, but if you’re really lucky and call right away, maybe there’s a spot. This is a beginner class for people who want to learn the art of egg decoration (I took the class 8 or 9 years ago and really enjoyed it). Call 814/445-6077 to see if they can squeeze you in.
March 16: Tatting Workshop—this is also for beginners, with instructor Carolyn Graves, an experienced lace maker. You’ll end up with a nice starter kit and booklet to keep making needle-tatted lace. Limited to 10 participants. Call 814/445-6077 to register.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
March 1, 8: StoryTime—this Curosity Connection reading series features museum staff and volunteers and a selection of great children’s books. Suggested for (but not limited to) ages 3-5. March 1 is Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle; March 8 is Tip Tip Dig Dig by Emma Garcia. Included in museum admission. 10 am.
March 9-Apr. 28: Student Art Exhibit—“Personal Perspectives” presents work by winners of the South Central Pennsylvania Art and Writing Awards, students in grades 7-12. Sponsored by Commonwealth Connections Academy. Open during regular museum hours and included in admission.
March 10: Charter Day—scheduled activities include a visit by William Penn, the annual exhibit of the actual Charter of Pennsylvania, recognition of National History Day in PA winners, and much more. Go here for details. Admission free. Noon-5 pm.
March 15-May 6: DOSHI Gallery exhibit—“Course and Discourse” pairs works by students and their professors in the Susquehanna Art Museum’s gallery at the State Museum. On March 15, as part of Harrisburg’s 3rd in the ‘Burg program, there will be a free opening reception, 6-8 pm. Otherwise, the exhibit is included in regular museum admission.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
March 10: Visitor Center Grand Opening—celebrate Charter Day with a look at the newly renovated and updated visitor center. You can find details here. 1:30 pm.

Roundup

If you’re in the Harrisburg area, you can still catch day two of the annual Holiday Marketplace, organized by the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation and sponsored by PSECU. Lots of nice stuff from museum stores at Trails of History sites, as well as from Commonwealth partners. And a lunchtime demonstration of turning maple syrup into maple sugar. Yum. (More info is here.)

Did you know that today is Museum Educator Appreciation Day? We’re not exactly sure where we got this, but it was started by a former director of the Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums (curators get appreciated in February). So I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all museum educators, but especially my colleagues on the Trails of History, for their hard work, their dedication to our visitors, and their perseverance. I’m honored to work with you.

Cover Day 2012, photo by John Baker, Flagship Niagara League

At the Erie Maritime Museum and US Brig Niagara, Cover Day marks the beginning of winter as surely as the solstice, ubiquitous holiday music, or the influx of catalogues in your mailbox. Senior Captain Walter Rybka describes it as “the closest thing we have to a barn raising.” Crew, staff, and volunteers worked together on Nov. 10 to erect the wooden framework and attach the canvas that protects Niagara’s deck from snow, sleet, and rain until sailing season comes again in the spring. Thanks to John Baker for sharing the photo above.

Scranton Iron Furnaces, via Facebook

We’ve been posting a lot of info about the Scranton Iron Furnaces site, which is quickly becoming a focal point for community events and activities on the city’s south side. A note posted on their Facebook page suggests that there may be a bit too much attention. After noticing an increase in photos online that seem to be taken from vantage points not generally accessible to the public, they’ve asked that photographers (amateurs or pros) contact the site if they have photo ideas involving those areas. Good advice at any site, in my opinion. The safety and security of our visitors and our structures, collections, landscapes, and archaeological remains are a responsibility we can’t and don’t take lightly. (Imagine every schoolmarm caricature you’ve ever seen—that’s how I look right now.)

Combat Rations exhibit, Pennsylvania Military Museum, photo by AKF

In time for Veterans Day, the Centre Daily Times ran a feature article about the 2012 foodways theme exhibit at the Pennsylvania Military Museum. The temporary exhibit highlights combat rations from various eras and explores how soldiers were and are fed while in the field. Each year, PMM adds elements to their ongoing exhibit to reflect that year’s PHMC theme. You have until the end of November to catch this year’s offering before the museum closes for the winter (except for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Dec. 7). After that, you’ll just have to wait for the 2013 edition (PHMC’s theme next year is the Civil War and the centennial of the PA Historical Commission).