More Fall Beauty

A beautiful autumn day at Conrad Weiser Homestead. Staff and volunteers at the site have been working to bring the park back into line with the original Olmsted Brothers plan (photo via Conrad Weiser Homestead Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, October 27

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in the First Floor Activity Room to learn about portraits. What are portraits and what can they tell us? Create your own self-portrait. For grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (Curiosity Kids program info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Archaeology curator (retired) Janet Johnson will discuss how The State Museum's collections are used by archaeologists to understand and interpret the past and what science has contributed to our knowledge of these curated collections. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Harvest, Death & Renewal: Late October Traditions of the PA Germans (in-person); 6:30 and 8:30 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This two-hour nighttime tour explores the museum grounds and adjacent cemetery. Recommended for adults and older teens. Dress for the weather and please bring a flashlight. Offered at 6:30 and 8:30; light refreshments will be served in the Landis Valley Hotel. Reservations required (info and tickets for Harvest, Death & Renewal).

• A Walk Among the Graeme Ghosts (in-person); 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• This immersive theater experience allows guests to visit the publicly accessible areas of the Keith House in any order and at their own pace. Tours are at 7, 8, and 9 pm. Advance tickets are $20 via Eventbrite. Tickets at the door are $25, but may sell out before the event (Oct. 27 Graeme Ghosts info).

• The Haunting of Duncan Campbell (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 7-10 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• This historical narrative program will present three ghost stories from the 18th century as visitors walk through the museum. Timed tickets for Friday and Saturday nights start at 7 pm, with time slots every half hour until 9:30 (Bushy Run Halloween program info and tickets).

• Old Economy After Dark (in-person); 7-11 pm; Old Economy Village
• OEV has partnered with Beaver County Paranormal for an evening of exploration in the Village. BCP will present two lectures on paranormal investigation, and attendees are welcome to bring hand-held investigation equipment (no large equipment or metal detectors). Please note that this is not a "haunted" event with costumed figures or scares. Advance tickets only: $20 general admission, $25 VIP ticket lets you stay later in the evening and access additional spaces (Oct. 27 OEV After Dark info and tickets).

Saturday, October 28

• Workshops in Archaeology 2023 (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 am-5 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This year's theme is Discovering the Past: The Sciences of Archaeology. Sessions will feature experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C14 dating, GPR survey, geoarchaeology, and more. Please join us as we explore how these specialized analyses are conducted and how the results enhance our understanding of the environmental and human past. Early registration by Oct. 20 is $25; discounts available. Registration at the door is $35 (Workshops in Archaeology info and registration).

• That's Gross! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the gross fluids that keep animals healthy and the science of polymers. Make some mucus to take home! This program is included in regular admission (That's Gross program info).

Sunday, October 29

• Trick-or-Treat in the Village (in-person); Noon-3 pm; Old Economy Village
• Costumed children ages 10 and under will go “door-to-door” on the historic site and trick-or-treat. New this year children will receive a free trick-or-treat bag when they check in at the Visitor Center. The event is free and will take place rain or shine. There is a suggested donation of $3 if you would like to help make future free events possible (Old Economy Trick-or-Treat info).

• Tricks & Treats (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy an afternoon of festive family-friendly Halloween fun mixed with Pennsylvania history. Children can come dressed in costumes for trick-or-treating, games, and 17th-century demonstrations. The event is free (Pennsbury Tricks & Treats info).

Friday, November 3

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Come to the First Floor Activity Room for a reading of The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, followed by a chance to learn more about the use of the dot in artwork and to use dots to create your own art. Designed for ages 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime info).

• History Storytime (in-person); 11 am-Noon; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The first Friday of each month will feature a different history topic, with a related craft activity. Designed for preschool and kindergarten ages (Boone Homestead Storytime info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• 1777 Whitemarsh Encampment (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• This event commemorates the time from November 2 to December 11, 1777, when General George Washington and the Continental Army were encamped in the Whitemarsh Hills. Continental and British soldier re-enactors and living history events. Tickets available in advance or at the door (Whitemarsh Encampment info and tickets).

• 1940s Swing Dance (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 4, 7-10 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Tickets are now available for this event that takes place during the museum's annual Trains and Troops event Nov. 4-5. Advance tickets for the dance are recommended; admission to the daytime programs is available at the door (Railroad Museum Swing Dance tickets).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Nov. 7, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Nov. 21, 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. At 3:30 pm on Nov. 7, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 7 Sensory Hours and tickets for Nov. 21 Sensory Hours).

• Coffee or Tea with Louisa May Alcott (in-person); Sunday, Nov. 12, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm; Graeme Park
• It's 1868 and Louisa May Alcott, who was born not far from Graeme Park, returns to the area as part of a speaking tour in support of her most successful book to date, Little Women: or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. She'll read from her various works, talk about her life and artistic influences, and welcome feedback on her upcoming sequel. After the presentation, enjoy coffee and pastries (10:30 event) or tea and sweets (1:30 event). Advance tickets are required (Louisa May Alcott event tickets).

• Bound by the Furnace: Iron Slavery in Early National Pennsylvania (virtual); Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian Cory Young will present a program based on his research about the use of enslaved labor in the iron industry. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall Iron Furnace lecture registration).

• Wreaths & Greens Workshop (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Make a fragrant evergreen wreath to take home. Please bring your own clippers. Offered 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm. Space is limited (Wreaths & Greens workshop info).

• Ethnic Traditions (in-person); Sunday, Dec. 3, 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Each year, the Somerset Historical Center brings together local families from diverse cultural backgrounds for a tasting and discussion of their food, music, and traditions. This year the dinner features dishes from Indian, Swedish, and Chilean cuisine. Dinner is held at Friedens Lutheran Church (Ethnic Traditions dinner info).

It's Not All Halloween (But A Lot of It Is)

Package freighter Dean Richmond sometime prior to sinking on Lake Erie in 1893 (photo via Alpena County Public Library - collection also includes some interior views)

We are heading straight into the tell-tale heart of Halloween season on the Trails of History. But if Halloween (spooky and otherwise) isn't your thing, there are lots of other options. Don't forget to check out DCNR's foliage reports to see where the best fall color in the state can be found. Enjoy!

Up Next

Today, October 20

• Story Time with the Educator (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Designed for children ages 2 through preK and led by a Museum educator, Story Time features a reading of a specially selected children’s book and a hands-on activity, craft, song or poem. Included in regular admission (Railroad Museum October 20 story time).

• Artists Conversations (in-person); 5:30-7:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Admission to the Art of the State exhibit is free tonight as part of 3rd in the Burg. Artist Eddy López will be part of a conversation in the exhibit starting at 6 pm. Refreshments will be served (Art of the State artist conversation).

• Wreck of the Dean Richmond (in-person); 6-8 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• This free lecture on the sinking of the freighter Dean Richmond on Lake Erie in 1893 is presented in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Archaeology Shipwreck Survey Team (PASST). It will take place in the Hirt Auditorium, just off the lobby the museum shares with Erie County Public Library (Erie shipwreck program info).

• A Walk Among the Graeme Ghosts (in-person); 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• This immersive theater experience allows guests to visit the publicly accessible areas of the Keith House in any order and at their own pace. As of Thursday, tickets available for 9 pm tour only. Advance tickets are $20 via Eventbrite. Tickets at the door are $25, but may sell out before the event (Oct. 20 Graeme Ghosts info).

Saturday, October 21

• Trains and Treats (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Children will have a chance to tour the museum's exhibits and some of the historic locomotives and railroad cars in Rolling Stock Hall. They will receive a treat bag to collect candy (nut-free) and small, non-food items at each stop along the way. Recommended for ages 3 to 12 and included in regular admission. Costumes are welcome but not required (Trains and Treats info).

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us to read Dinosaur Bones by Bob Barner to find out fun facts about some favorite dinosaurs and create dinosaur art to take home. For ages 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime info).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Jim Christ, president of the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund, will present a program addressing common myths about the Battle of Paoli (Sept. 20, 1777) and exploring its influence on the remainder of the American Revolution. Tickets are $20 and include the lecture, light refreshments, and access to the museum's exhibit gallery and afternoon tours (Revolutionary Speaker Series info and tickets).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-4 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Planetarium tickets must be obtained at ground floor desk at least five minutes before showtime (Oct. 21 Stargazing program info).

• Historical Halloween (in-person); 5-8 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Safe, family-friendly trick-or-treating outdoors at the Somerset Historical Center, including tractor-drawn wagon rides, maple kettle corn, and fresh apple cider pressed on-site. Admission is $3 per child; adult chaperones are free. Costumes encouraged but not required (Somerset Halloween program info).

• Halloween Lantern Tours (in-person); 6-9:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• Explore Hope Lodge by lantern light and participate in an immersive tour of the grounds. Reservations required (Hope Lodge Lantern Tours info and tickets).

• Spooky Lantern Tours (in-person); 6:30-8:30 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Join us for a walk through the site by lantern light. Listen to ghost stories and trick-or-treat along the way. Decorate pumpkins, make pinecone birdfeeders, and have some refreshments in the museum program room. Admission is $5 per person older than age 3. Costumes encouraged (Lumber Museum Lantern Tours info).

• Pottery Book Release and Lecture (in-person); 7-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• Author Michael Strezewski will present a talk at Old Economy Village to mark the release of his new book, Christoph Weber Redware Potter of the Harmony Society. There will be a small pottery exhibit and books will be available for purchase. Register online to reserve your spot (Harmonist pottery book lecture).

Sunday, October 22

• Living History Sunday and Fall Park Walk (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Learn about Conrad Weiser and the people of the Tulpehocken Valley. Guided walk of the park begins at 2 pm (Weiser Sunday event info).

• Heritage Day Fall Festival (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• This living history event features a variety of eighteenth-century demonstrations, trades, and hands-on activities. These include blacksmithing, hearth cooking, wool dyeing, candle dipping, colonial music, and more. The event will also feature craft and specialty food vendors as well as fall activities for children like pumpkin painting. Admission charged (Boone Fall Festival info).

• Haunted Story Time & Trick-or-Treating (in-person); 1-3 pm; Graeme Park
• Kids can trick-or-treat through each room of the Keith House while witches, ghosts, pirates, and goblins read parts of a story in each room. Costumes encouraged (Graeme Park Storytime and Trick-or-Treat event).

• Sunday programming (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Delaware Tribal members from Oklahoma will tell stories from their heritage, encourage audience participation for Native dances, have games for kids, and talk about where they are today. Visitors can also watch the brewers make pumpkin ale and check out the fall garden. All included in regular admission.

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-4 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Planetarium tickets must be obtained at ground floor desk at least five minutes before showtime (Oct. 22 Stargazing program info).

Wednesday, October 25

• WILD Illustration (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Ecology Hall to explore a famous Pennsylvania naturalist and his wildlife art. Discover close looking and use your new knowledge to create your own art journal and wildlife illustration. Included in regular admission (wildlife art program info).

Friday, October 27

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in the First Floor Activity Room to learn about portraits. What are portraits and what can they tell us? Create your own self-portrait. For grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (Curiosity Kids program info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Archaeology curator (retired) Janet Johnson will discuss how The State Museum's collections are used by archaeologists to understand and interpret the past and what science has contributed to our knowledge of these curated collections. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Harvest, Death & Renewal: Late October Traditions of the PA Germans (in-person); 6:30 and 8:30 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This two-hour nighttime tour explores the museum grounds and adjacent cemetery. Recommended for adults and older teens. Dress for the weather and please bring a flashlight. Offered at 6:30 and 8:30; light refreshments will be served in the Landis Valley Hotel. Reservations required (info and tickets for Harvest, Death & Renewal).

• A Walk Among the Graeme Ghosts (in-person); 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• This immersive theater experience allows guests to visit the publicly accessible areas of the Keith House in any order and at their own pace. Tours are at 7, 8, and 9 pm. Advance tickets are $20 via Eventbrite; as of last check, tickets available only for 7 pm tour. Tickets at the door are $25, but may sell out before the event (Oct. 27 Graeme Ghosts info).

• The Haunting of Duncan Campbell (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 7-10 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• This historical narrative program will present three ghost stories from the 18th century as visitors walk through the museum. Timed tickets for Friday and Saturday nights start at 7 pm, with time slots every half hour until 9:30 (Bushy Run Halloween program info and tickets).

• Old Economy After Dark (in-person); 7-11 pm; Old Economy Village
• OEV has partnered with Beaver County Paranormal for an evening of exploration in the Village. BCP will present two lectures on paranormal investigation, and attendees are welcome to bring hand-held investigation equipment (no large equipment or metal detectors). Please note that this is not a "haunted" event with costumed figures or scares. Advance tickets only: $20 general admission, $25 VIP ticket lets you stay later in the evening and access additional spaces (Oct. 27 OEV After Dark info and tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Workshops in Archaeology 2023 (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 am-5 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This year's theme is Discovering the Past: The Sciences of Archaeology. Sessions will feature experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C14 dating, GPR survey, geoarchaeology, and more. Please join us as we explore how these specialized analyses are conducted and how the results enhance our understanding of the environmental and human past. Early registration by Oct. 20 is $25; discounts available. Registration at the door is $35 (no discounts). Bagged lunches, available for $8.50, must be ordered by Oct. 20 (Workshops in Archaeology info and registration).

• 1940s Swing Dance (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 4, 7-10 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Tickets are now available for this event that takes place during the museum's annual Trains and Troops event Nov. 4-5. Advance tickets for the dance are recommended; admission to the daytime programs is available at the door (Railroad Museum Swing Dance tickets).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Nov. 7, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Nov. 21, 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. At 3:30 pm on Nov. 7, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 7 Sensory Hours and tickets for Nov. 21 Sensory Hours).

• Coffee or Tea with Louisa May Alcott (in-person); 10:30 am and 1:30 pm; Graeme Park
• It's 1868 and Louisa May Alcott, who was born not far from Graeme Park, returns to the area as part of a speaking tour in support of her most successful book to date, Little Women: or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. She'll read from her various works, talk about her life and artistic influences, and welcome feedback on her upcoming sequel. After the presentation, enjoy coffee and pastries (10:30 event) or tea and sweets (1:30 event). Advance tickets are required (Louisa May Alcott event tickets).

• Bound by the Furnace: Iron Slavery in Early National Pennsylvania (virtual); Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian Cory Young will present a program based on his research about the use of enslaved labor in the iron industry. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall Iron Furnace lecture registration).

Fall Begins

Denton Hill as seen from the grounds of the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum (photo via the Lumber Museum's Facebook page)

Now that it is both meteorological and astronomical autumn, it's time to start tracking Pennsylvania's beautiful fall foliage. As you can see in the photo above, the leaves are just starting to change color at the PA Lumber Museum, in the northern tier. So there's still time to plan your leaf-peeping road trips. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) posts a weekly update with maps showing where to see fall color at its best. Be sure to also check out events on the PA Trails of History to round out your autumn travels.

Up Next

Sunday, October 1

• Living History Sunday (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• The Homestead will host the Archbury Foundation, a Berks County-based group who interpret the period 1935-1945, with emphasis on World War II. Admission is free, and donations are welcome (Living History Sunday info).

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• 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 program info).

• Garden Railways Tour (in-person); 1-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Tickets are on sale now for the 16th annual tour of garden railways located at five sites in Lancaster and York Counties. Cost is $10 for ages 6 and up. Tickets available via Eventbrite or at the Whistle Stop Shop at the museum.

Tuesday, October 3

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Oct. 3, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Oct. 3 Sensory Hours).

Friday, October 6

• Apple Dumpling Days (in-person); Friday, 9 am-3 pm, and Saturday, 9 am-sold out; Ephrata Cloister
• Apple Dumplings will be for sale via a drive-through tent near the Museum Store. Cost is $5.50 per dumpling and proceeds benefit the Back to the Cloister Fund. Pre-orders accepted (Apple Dumpling sale info).

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us to read Dinosaur Bones by Bob Barner to find out fun facts about some favorite dinosaurs and create dinosaur art to take home. For ages 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime info).

• POSTPONED History Storytime (in-person); 11 am-Noon; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The first Friday of each month will feature a different history topic, with a related craft activity. Designed for preschool and kindergarten ages (Boone Homestead Storytime info).

• Benjamin Franklin's Inventions (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Celebrate the 300th Anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s arrival to Pennsylvania. Explore the innovations that Franklin used to improve his and the lives around him. Create your own Pennsylvania Gazette. Included in regular admission (Ben Franklin program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Frosty Mugs of Thunder (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 7, 2-6 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Kick off autumn with a beer, wine, and spirits fest. Live music and local food, as well. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend; ticket holders must show photo ID at the entrance (Frosty Mugs of Thunder info and tickets).

• Trails of History Run (in-person); Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 am-Noon; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Run through the historic Daniel Boone Homestead and experience the same trails Daniel explored as a child. Runners do one or two 5k loops around the Homestead. The course is a combination of road and short grass. 1/2-mile fun run/walk for all ages around the historical area starting at the Craft Shed at 10:15. Walkers permitted in 5k and fun run/walk only (Boone Homestead Trail Run info).

• Battle of Germantown (virtual); Tuesday, Oct. 10, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Historian and educator Michael Harris will present a program on the Battle of Germantown during the American Revolution. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Battle of Germantown lecture info).

• Lunch & Learn (in-person); Wednesday, Oct. 11, 10 am-1 pm; Graeme Park
• Sue Johnston will present a program on courtship and marriage in early America, exploring differences between different economic classes and the status of children born outside of marriage, abandoned, or orphaned. Program includes continental breakfast and lunch buffet. Tours of the Keith House will be available after lunch (Lunch & Learn info and tickets).

• SOLD OUT! Pithole Lantern Tours (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 14, 6:30-9:30 pm; Historic Pithole City
• Visitors will walk the former streets of the legendary oil boomtown, meeting some of Pithole's most famous historical figures along the way. Tours depart the visitor center every 10 minutes from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm and last approximately 90 minutes. Advance tickets only (Pithole Lantern Tour tickets).

• Cemetery Tours (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 14, 7-8 pm, and Sunday, Oct. 15, 2-3 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• This event takes place at Riverview Cemetery in Northumberland with tours starting every 15 minutes. Meet 10 characters representing individuals in the cemetery who will guide you through the graveyard. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and under (accompanied by an adult). Call 570-473-9474 for tickets (Priestley House events calendar).

• Old Economy After Dark (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 14, 7-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• OEV has partnered with Beaver County Paranormal for an evening of exploration in the Village. BCP will present two lectures on paranormal investigation, and attendees are welcome to bring hand-held investigation equipment (no large equipment or metal detectors). Please note that this is not a "haunted" event with costumed figures or scares. Advance tickets only: $20 general admission, $25 VIP ticket lets you stay later in the evening and access additional spaces (OEV After Dark info and tickets).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Oct. 17, 9-11 am, and Tuesday, Nov. 7, 3-5 pm; 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. At 3:30 pm on Nov. 7, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Oct. 17 Sensory Hours and tickets for Nov. 7 Sensory Hours).

• Harvest, Death & Renewal: Late October Traditions of the PA Germans (in-person); Friday, Oct. 27, 6:30 and 8:30 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This two-hour nighttime tour explores the museum grounds and adjacent cemetery. Recommended for adults and older teens. Dress for the weather and please bring a flashlight. Offered at 6:30 and 8:30; light refreshments will be served in the Landis Valley Hotel. Reservations required (info and tickets for Harvest, Death & Renewal).

• Workshops in Archaeology 2023 (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 am-5 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This year's theme is Discovering the Past: The Sciences of Archaeology. Sessions will feature experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C14 dating, GPR survey, geoarchaeology, and more. Please join us as we explore how these specialized analyses are conducted and how the results enhance our understanding of the environmental and human past. Early registration by Oct. 20 is $25; discounts available. Registration at the door is $35 (no discounts). Bagged lunches, available for $8.50, must be ordered by Oct. 20 (Workshops in Archaeology info and registration).

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

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



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


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


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


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

Up Next

Today, March 24

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

Saturday, March 25

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

Wednesday, March 29

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

Thursday, March 30

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

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

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

Friday, March 31

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

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to 2022!

Joseph Priestley House as seen at the Twelfth Night event in 2019 (photo via JPH Facebook page)

Well, we made it through 2021 and now we're on to a new year. I sincerely hope that your outlook is upbeat and that you're ready to take on new challenges that lie ahead. (Some of them are leftover challenges, to be sure.) Our sites on the PA Trails of History continue to face whatever comes with creativity and flexibility. With winter upon us, many sites are on reduced schedules and some are closed for the next couple of months. Looking ahead, we'll see a return of more virtual programming, which works well for folks who are staying inside. Please note that Covid protocols mean that you'll find staff and volunteers masked indoors when you visit in person. We encourage visitors to mask indoors, but we don't require it.

Drake Well Museum & Park kicks off its Winter Academy virtual program series this week (photo via DWM Facebook page)

The Week To Come

Saturday, January 8

• Archeology Day (in-person): members of the Westmoreland Archeological Society will be on-site with artifacts discovered throughout the county; Bushy Run Battlefield; 10 am-4 pm; included in regular admission (Archeology Day info)

Sunday, January 9

• Twelfth Night (in-person): festive greenery, lantern light, and chemistry demos (at 4:30 and 5:30); Joseph Priestley House; 4-7 pm; admission is free (Twelfth Night info)

Tuesday, January 11

• Sensory Hours (in-person): light and noise levels will be lowered, and there will be several quiet spaces set up around the gallery; Railroad Museum of PA; 3-5 pm; advance tickets required (Sensory Hours info and tickets)

Wednesday, January 12

• Games & Puzzle Challenge (in-person): test your knowledge and skills with a variety of games and challenges in the galleries; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; included in regular admission (Challenge info)

Thursday, January 13

• Curiosity Kids (in-person): learn about living and non-living things; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; for kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission (Curiosity Kids info)
• Winter Academy (virtual): tonight's program is about recycling all types of materials; Drake Well Museum & Park; 6:30-7:30 pm; this program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (1/13 Winter Academy info and registration; see below for additional events in the series)
• Ephrata Virtual Academy: answers to some of visitors' most frequently asked questions; Ephrata Cloister; 7-8 pm; program is free, but you'll need to register to get the Zoom link (Ephrata Academy registration)

Friday, January 14

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual): learn about the American eel and efforts to restore the eel population in the Susquehanna River basin; The State Museum of PA; 12:15-12:45 pm; free, but you must register to get the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration)

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Additional Winter Academy virtual programs will be offered by Drake Well Museum & Park on Jan. 20, Feb. 10, and Feb. 17 (Drake Well Virtual Academy info)
• 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)
• Rails and Ales: enjoy an evening of craft beer among the museum's historic trains at the Railroad Museum of PA, April 9, 2022, 5:30-9 pm; must be 21 or older to attend; variety of ticket options, including designated driver tickets (Rails and Ales tickets)

Working Together

Looking for something to do on the PA Trails of History? Check out this list of events scheduled for today through Sept. 15. If you're planning further ahead, the September program page will take you to the end of the month.

This week's post is a team effort, with text and photos supplied by Kurt Carr, Janet Johnson, and Judy Hawthorn of The State Museum of Pennsylvania's Section of Archaeology and Chuck Johnson and Linda Bolla of the Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara. Thank you all.

At left, 3-masted barque Picton Castle (out of Nova Scotia) docked at Erie Maritime Museum, with schooner Lettie G. Howard on the right; you can just see the head of the giant yellow rubber duck between the two ships (photo Erie Maritime Museum)

The weekend of Aug. 22-25, the Section of Archaeology of The State Museum of Pennsylvania traveled to Erie to attend the Tall Ships event organized by Tall Ships America in conjunction with the Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara, the Flagship Niagara League, and other local organizations. Featured were 13 sailing vessels and the world's largest rubber duck and her baby. The event, held in Erie every three years, is a celebration of maritime culture and technology from a bygone era and was attended by roughly 30,000 visitors.

State Museum archaeology curators Janet Johnson (front) and Kurt Carr in the 20-foot dugout canoe (photo Judy Hawthorn)

Members of the Section of Archaeology, curators Kurt Carr and Janet Johnson and volunteer Judy Hawthorn, were based at Erie's Bayfront Convention Center to promote the State Museum and Pennsylvania archaeology. Their exhibit featured the dugout canoe, guaranteed to attract visitors of all ages, and included the stone adzes used to make it. This was a joint public outreach program involving the State Museum and the Erie Maritime Museum. Local arrangements were facilitated by Linda Bolla (Erie Maritime Museum), Marcus Masternak (Tall Ships Erie 2019), and Rebecca Grimaldi (Tall Ships Erie 2019). Negotiating a 20-foot dugout in and out of the convention center with tens of thousands of visitors was very tricky, but with their help, there were very few problems.

Erie's ABC24 reporter Samiar Nefzi provides tv coverage of the canoe exhibit (photo Judy Hawthorn)

The State Museum team spoke to 4,500 or so during the three-day event and distributed the Section's brochure series that covers a wide range of subjects in 10 different pamphlets, from pre-contact times to the archaeology of the late 19th century. The team found that in addition to the dugout, visitors were also very interested in Pennsylvania history, archaeology and natural science. They were especially interested in the archaeology of the Erie area.

Many Tall Ships visitors also checked out the indoor exhibits at the Erie Maritime Museum (photo Erie Maritime Museum)

The Erie Maritime Museum was open throughout Tall Ships, hosting the tall ship, Picton Castle, and welcoming visitors with tours and programs designed to help them learn about U.S. Brig Niagara, the Battle of Lake Erie, Erie's maritime heritage during and after the War of 1812. There were hands-on activities for kids, and storyteller Perry Ground, a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation, was on hand to share Haudenosaunee (also known as Iroquois) stories with visitors. Visit the Erie Maritime Museum Facebook page and the U.S. Brig Niagara Facebook page for more photos from the weekend. The next Tall Ships Erie event will be in 2022.

Perry Ground telling a traditional Haudenosaunee story in the museum's orientation theater (photo Erie Maritime Museum)

Labor Day Weekend is Here

The info below will take you through Sept. 5 and show you which sites are scheduled to be open on Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day. The full September program page does the rest.

Visit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum on Sunday, Sept. 1, to see works painted on site (details below)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Brandywine Battlefield
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Sept. 1: Ringgold Band Concert—bring your lawn chairs and find your spot for a rousing end-of-summer performance (learn more about the Ringgold Band). If you're a veteran, please arrive early and sign in so that your name can be read at intermission (more info on the Facebook event page). 5 pm.

Worker photo via Cornwall Iron Furnace Facebook page

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Drake Well Museum
Aug. 31: Something More Saturday—the last Saturday of each month, Drake Well offers something extra with regular admission. Today, it's guided tours of the outdoor exhibits at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Site open 10 am-3 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Ephrata Cloister
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.
UPDATE Sept. 4: Site closed 9 am-1 pm—due to a scheduled power outage, the museum and ship will be closed to the public Wednesday morning, Sept. 4. Check the Erie Maritime Museum Facebook page for updates and changes.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on this month's programs and events. The museum will be open on Labor Day.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Sept. 1: Plein Air Sunday: A Celebration of Traditional Craft—visit the Yellow Barn and the Millstone Grove to see and buy the work of artists and craftspeople; featured will be artwork created en plein air (in the outdoors) at Landis Valley (see Facebook event for details and updates). Tour the museum grounds and enjoy lively music and children's art activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. This event is in partnership with the PA Guild of Craftsmen. Noon-5 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Pennsbury Manor
Sept. 1: Sunday programming—meet the joyners, smiths, and spinners to learn about their work. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Via PA Lumber Museum Facebook page

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Aug. 30: Entry deadline—today is the last day to enter the "Hooked on Science Art Contest," part of northcentral PA's Hometown Science Series and Festival. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
Aug. 31: Community Yard Sale—this takes place at the Route 6 entrance to the museum. If you're interested in reserving a space, call Bob at 814/435-2652.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Via Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Facebook page

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of shows.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Archaeology at Kipona Fest—staff and volunteers from the museum's Section of Archaeology will be on Harrisburg's City Island during the annual Labor Day weekend festival (details on the museum website).

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for information on programs and events. The site will be open on Labor Day.

What Are We Up To?

Last week's post covers events through Thursday, August 8, and the August program page takes you to the end of the month (which will come sooner than we think).

New Developments in Accessibility

As part of our 21st Century Museums Initiative, we met in January with staff from the Dept. of Labor and Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS). We wanted to explore ways that we could partner to improve accessibility at our Trails of History sites for people who are blind or have low vision. BBVS staff were enthusiastic and offered to do some site visits to provide us with specific suggestions. A team visited Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum in May, and we have a visit to the Pennsylvania Military Museum tentatively scheduled for later this month. BBVS also told us about Aira, an app that uses artificial intelligence and augmented reality to remotely assist people who are blind or low vision with everyday tasks. Aira "explorers" subscribe to the service, which connects them to professional agents who provide audio description of whatever their smartphone or smart glasses camera is pointed at. When we talked to the folks at Aira, we learned that destinations (stores, museums, etc.) can also subscribe and allow explorers to visit their locations without using up their subscription minutes. The Smithsonian Institution had just launched as an Aira location, so we talked with the accessibility coordinator to get her experience.

Shelley Rhodes, Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, her guide dog, Humphrey, and museum guide Chuck Lehr explore the Erie Maritime Museum using the Aira app (photo Natalie Ditzler)

We decided to create a pilot project for Aira (see PHMC press release) and selected six sites: Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, Old Economy Village, Pennsylvania Military Museum, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and The State Museum of Pennsylvania. We worked with Aira to geo-fence each site so that explorers could use the service for free while visiting. The service went "live" on June 1, and we are gradually learning about the kinds of information we need to provide for the agents. The Erie Maritime Museum, especially staffer Natalie Ditzler, has been proactive in working with the Erie BBVS, where the staff has been very generous with their time and expertise. Several staff members have tested Aira in the galleries and provided the rest of us with useful insights. Shelley Rhodes, a vision rehabilitation therapist in the Erie BBVS office who is blind, said she found Aira easy to use and enjoyed exploring the exhibits - "One of the hardest things I had to accept about my vision loss was that I could not see art and artifacts any longer with my eyes. But with apps like Aira I can explore things in a new and exciting way." She also noted that she was able to browse in the museum store, with the Aira agent describing items or reading book titles. In addition to helping us test Aira, staff from the Erie BBVS office also returned to the museum to provide some training for guides on how to create the best visitor experience for people who are blind or low vision. That information will also be shared with the other pilot sites. Stay tuned.

Learning about Marine Archaeology

Students learn about charting shipwrecks with Erie Maritime Museum educator Chuck Johnson (in maroon shirt) (photo by Marcus Masternak)

Trailheads Erie correspondent, Linda Bolla, reports that "Erie Maritime Museum Educator Chuck Johnson is taking summertime opportunities to roll out a Museum Archaeology Lab, piloting the activities for the museum’s 2019-2020 school field trip schedule during Flagship Niagara League’s Tall Ship Summer Camp. Among other goals, the program will help students develop observational skills and apply math concepts through activities such as locating and charting objects. While the activities meet several Pennsylvania Core Standards, the Lab meets the campers’ most important criteria – fun!"

Top photo shows the simulated shipwreck debris field (photo Linda Bolla)
Bottom photo shows students learning how to measure and chart the debris field (photo Marcus Masternak)

Wrapping Up July

Vietnam Revisited event at PA Military Museum, July 20-21 (via Facebook)

Just to recap late July a bit, the photo above is from the Pennsylvania Military Museum's 2019 Vietnam Revisited event, which took place July 20-21 (more photos in the Facebook album for the program). Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum's Civil War Days was held the same weekend. Lancaster Online covered the event and posted a gallery of photos with their article. Photographer Jennifer MacNeill's photos of the cavalry demo are on her Facebook page. MacNeill regularly photographs events at Landis Valley; her portfolio also includes other Lancaster County scenes and numerous photos of horses and the people who love them (you can find one of her horse photos, Back Scratch, in the current Art of the State exhibit at The State Museum of Pennsylvania).

Snapshots from the Trails of History

Last week's post has info on events through Thursday, June 13, and the June program page takes you through the end of the month.

Time for a brief roundup of items that have come across my radar recently.

Gideon Gilpin House at Brandywine Battlefield Park with large sycamore tree (photo Elizabeth Bertheaud)

Longwood Gardens (Chester County) recently posted on their blog about a 4-foot tall sycamore tree planted on the grounds in April. The new tree was grown from cuttings taken by Longwood staff of the approximately 290-year-old sycamore that stands beside the Gideon Gilpin House at Brandywine Battlefield Park (see photo above). The cuttings, taken in 2017, were propagated in Longwood's nursery until ready for planting. According to Longwood arborist Scott Wade, "The result is our new tree now planted in Peirce’s Park, two more recently planted near the springhouse at Brandywine Battlefield...Park, and an additional seven to be planted at the Haverford College Arboretum ... all of which are genetic matches to the original Brandywine Battlefield sycamore." You can read more about the project (and some of the legends of the original tree) in the full blog post.

A recent Facebook post from the Friends of Joseph Priestley House congratulated one of their docents and board members on her nomination for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year 2020. Colleen Epler-Ruths, PhD, teaches physics and computer science at Shikellamy High School in Sunbury. Nominations for Teacher of the Year come from students, parents, peers, and community members who wish to honor an educator for their work in and out of the classroom. Dr. Epler-Ruths is one of just a dozen finalists from around the Commonwealth. The Teacher of the Year 2020 will be announced in December of this year.

Trails of History Events, Jan. 11-24

The January program page will take you all the way to the end of the month. Here's what's happening in the next couple of weeks. Please note that most Trails of History sites will be closed on Jan. 21 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Also, the Pennsylvania State Archives Research Room remains closed to the public through January 12; staff will be at the PA Farm Show providing access to free genealogy searches via Ancestry.com. Last week's post includes info on PHMC at the PA Farm Show (thru Jan. 12).

Wednesday, Jan. 16, is Museum Selfie Day! Share your favorite museum selfie using the hashtag #MuseumSelfie and, please, also tag the museum where you took the photo. Learn more @MuseumSelfieDay on Twitter.

State Museum of PA archaeologist Jim Herbstritt with admirers of the dugout canoe at 2019 PA Farm Show (via Facebook)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Jan. 19: Knox Mine Disaster Program—this annual program marks the anniversary of the Knox Mine Disaster (Jan. 22, 1959), when the Susquehanna River broke through the roof of the River Slope Mine, killing 12 miners. Click "interested" on the Facebook event page to get updates on the event. 2-5 pm. (Info on this and other Anthracite Heritage Month activities.)

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Jan. 22: Revolutionary Dining Series—artist Adrian Martinez will present "The Facts Remain the Same, Only the Meaning Changes: Picturing the Battle of Brandywine for the 21st Century" and discuss his latest series of oil paintings, oil sketches, and drawings which serve as the groundwork for his current project depicting the largest land engagement of the American Revolution, the Battle of Brandywine, and its immediate aftermath (details on Facebook event page). Program is held at The Gables at Chadds Ford. Cost is $50 per person (cash bar available); tickets are available online via Brandywine's website. 6-9 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Jan. 13: Fireside Tales—gather around the fire in the Wayside Lodge to hear a tale, "Fiona's Lace," and enjoy cookies and cocoa (more info on Facebook event page). Dress for the weather. Suggested donation of $2 per person. 2 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
UPDATE 1/23/19 - unfortunately this event has been cancelled Jan. 24: Storytime at the Maritime—guest reader Emmanual White from U.S. Coast Guard Station Erie will read A Lighthouse Saves the Day, which highlights the importance of lighthouses and the work of the Coast Guard. Program is free for members of the museum's Little Mates Kids Club. Nonmembers pay $5, or you can join for $12 to enjoy all the other programs coming up. 10-11 am.

Fort Pitt Museum
Through Feb. 1: Museum closed—Fort Pitt Museum will be closed during the month of January for exhibit upgrades and maintenance. It will reopen on Feb. 2.

Old Economy Village
Jan. 19: Lecture—Univ. of Pittsburgh professor Dr. Bryan Hanks has been using various forms of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to investigate the Harmonist Cemetery in Ambridge. He will discuss the cemetery, his research, what he has learned about Harmony Society burial practices (more details). Lecture is free. 2-3:30 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Jan. 19: Film Screening—the museum, in cooperation with Trout Unlimited (TU), the Tioga County Conservation District, and Mansfield University, will host a screening of the documentary film Stories from the Fountain: A TU Native Brook Trout Odyssey. The film explores the connection between Pennsylvania's forests and the health and well-being of our trout streams. Admission to the film is free. 1 pm.
Jan. 20: Eclipse Viewing Party—there will be a lunar eclipse tonight and you can view it from the museum grounds. Pre-eclipse events will begin at 9 pm and eclipse viewing will start at 11 pm (details of program schedule on Facebook event page). The skies in this part of PA are especially dark and folks are very knowledgeable about nighttime photography, so this is one not to miss. UPDATE: if you're planning to attend, please call the museum to register; that way they have your contact info if the weather decides not to cooperate.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Jan. 19: Discussion—museum educator Joe Horvath will lead a discussion on the topic, "A Brief History of War and Consequences - 20th Century," exploring the evolution of military and political conflicts. Program is free. 10 am.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Jan. 21: Museum open—the museum will be open today for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (the museum is closed the other Mondays in January). 9 am-5 pm.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
January Planetarium Shows—full list of programs and times is on the website.
Jan. 17: Curiosity Kids—visit Nature Lab to learn about SLIME! Geared for ages 3-6 with an adult, this program is included in general admission. 11:30 am.
Jan. 18: Learn at Lunchtime—special showing the museum's new planetarium show, Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight. Appropriate for grade 6 and up. Regular fees apply. 12:15 pm (doors close promptly).

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