Rounding Out August

Learn about Col. Edwin Drake's successful oil well and enjoy some live music this weekend at Drake Well Museum & Park (photo via DWM's Facebook page)

As we head into the final week of August and the end of meteorological summer, here are a few stories that came across my radar recently that I haven't shared here. Please be sure to check the calendar listings below for things to do in the coming week or so.

Earlier this month, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania announced that it will become the new home of the 1838 steam locomotive "Rocket" that has been on exhibit at The Franklin Institute since the 1930s. Built in England and purchased by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway, the locomotive is now owned by Reading successor Conrail, who will place it on loan to RMP. The Rocket is currently being prepared for display and will join other significant locomotives and railcars in the museum's Rolling Stock Hall later this year (read more about the Rocket on RMP's Facebook page).

At the Conrad Weiser Homestead, a new exhibit element in the Weiser House helps to tell the story of Anna Eve (Feg) Weiser (1700-1781). As the wife of Conrad Weiser, Anna Eve welcomed colonial politicians, diplomats, missionaries and Native American leaders to the homestead. She ran the 900-acre farm alongside her husband and on her own when Conrad was away from home. The project, which includes a 4-minute audio piece and a mannequin in colonial-era clothing, was carried out by the Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead, with support from the Berks Women's History Alliance (read more about the Anna Eve Project).

On a related note, the Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia recently found in their collections a letter signed by Conrad Weiser in 1758, along with other Reading area German Lutherans. The letter was in a folder in a back corner of the Center's vault. It has now been rehoused in archival-quality materials and joined other letters in the collection (read more about the 1758 letter on Lutheran Archives Center's Facebook page).

To mark the 35th anniversary of the U.S. Brig Niagara's current incarnation, the Erie Maritime Museum shared a couple of posts with images from the rebuilding. No ship is ever "complete," due to ongoing maintenance and upkeep, so this anniversary marks the start of the project (see photos of Niagara under construction on EMM's Facebook page).

Up Next

Today, August 25

• Family Gallery Tour: Ecology Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn more about Pennsylvania’s major ecosystems, the wildlife and plants found here and the Pennsylvanians who contributed to the environmental movement during a tour of Ecology Hall. Included in regular admission (Ecology Hall tour info).

Saturday, August 26

• Sailor's Swabs (in-person); Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, and Sunday, 1-5 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• Interpreter Mark Zagursky will be on site for two days demonstrating the art of tying sailor's swabs (think whisk broom) using the Mathew Walker knot. Included in regular admission (Sailor's Swabs program info).

• Wayzgoose in the Print Shop (in-person); 10 am-2 pm; Old Economy Village
• As early as the 1600s, print shop owners rewarded their employees with a meal and cash, and the celebration was called a Wayzgoose. The tradition continues at OEV with a celebration of the history, tools, and techniques of printing. See demonstrations, help with printing on the 1893 press, and learn some simple activities you can do at home. Plus light refreshments. Included in regular admission (Print Shop program info).

• Magnets (in-person); 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Investigate magnets and magnetism. A variety of activities will repel or attract you to explore polarity and use critical thinking skills. Included in regular admission (Magnets program info).

• Drake Day (in-person); 11 am-4 pm; Drake Well Museum & Park
• To celebrate the 164th anniversary of Col. Edwin Drake striking oil, the museum will host a day of music in the park, featuring performances by Mitch Littler, Franklin Silver Cornet Band, Mostly Brass, and Queen City Community Band. Included in regular admission (Drake Day program info).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a private history tour of the outside tracked vehicles and discuss the history of armored vehicles with a preeminent local historian. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership. Please note that we will not be accessing the inside of the tracked vehicles, but we will walk outside on the grounds, so please dress for the weather with appropriate footwear (Exploring the Armor registration).

Sunday, August 27

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

Wednesday, August 30

• State Symbols: K4s Locomotive (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover why the Pennsylvania Railroad K4s became Pennsylvania’s Steam Locomotive. This innovation changed the way America traveled and explored. Learn about its historic significance and the science behind the vehicle. Included in regular admission (K4s Locomotive program info).

Thursday, August 31

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy a story and stay to explore the garden, visit with the farm animals, or have a picnic by the river. Admission is a $3 grounds pass (additional charge to tour the Manor House). Suggested for ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Geology Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• If you are interested in rocks and minerals, join a Museum Educator to tour Geology Hall. Get hands-on with the rocks and minerals of Pennsylvania. Offered 11:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm. Included in regular admission (Geology Hall tour info).

Friday, September 1

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab for a reading of We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. Learn more about the Tyrannosaurus rex and create your own T-rex to take home. For kids age 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime).

• 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

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Sept. 19, 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 Sept. 5, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Sept. 5 Sensory Hours and tickets for Sept. 19 Sensory Hours).

• 13th Annual Crush&Brew (in-person); Saturday, Sept. 9, 5-8 pm; Old Economy Village
• Old Economy hosts this Ambridge Historic District event that features wine and beer tastings, food trucks, tours of the Harmonist Wine Cellar, and live music. Ticket includes a $10 food voucher and admission to after parties at several local businesses. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door.

• Lagers & Lumberjacks (in-person); Saturday, Sept. 16, 4-7 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Semi-professional competitors will take on six timbersport events. Logyard Brewing will have samples and local food trucks will have tasty eats. Even try your hand at axe throwing. You must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event. Tickets are $12 in advance ($8 for designated driver) and $15 at the door ($10 for designated driver). Member discounts available (Lagers & Lumberjacks info and tickets).

• Garden Railways Tour (in-person); Sunday, Oct. 1, 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.

Watch This!

Shop for all kinds of heirloom varieties at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum today and Saturday (photo via LVVFM Facebook page)

Over the past month or so, I've run across some Trails of History videos that I'd like to share. But first, I want to be sure you know about our PA History 2 Go project, which was funded through an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) federal grant under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The series includes all Trails of History sites and provides overviews of site history and visitor experiences at each. The videos can help you prepare for an in-person visit or experience a site that isn't convenient for you. You'll find links to all the videos on PHMC's PA History 2 Go page.

You may (depending on how "online" you are) have seen a trend of people doing videos in the style of filmmaker Wes Anderson (Grand Hotel Budapest, The Life Aquatic, The Royal Tenenbaums and many others). At Old Economy Village, they got in on the trend.



On a very different note, the Railroad Museum of PA posted a time lapse video of their recent Rails & Ales craft beer event. Whether you're curious about this specific event or want a behind-the-scenes view of the work involved in an event like this from set-up to tear-down, you may enjoy this.



The exhibits at Drake Well Museum & Park were featured in an episode of WQLN's Chronicles series earlier this year, Pithole City: The Ghost of America's Black Gold, Part I. Drake Well curator Susan Beates shares her considerable knowledge of Pithole, as well as images and objects from Drake Well's collection. The Visitor Center at Historic Pithole City is open on Saturdays and Sundays from June through August.

Up Next

Today, May 12

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

Saturday, May 13

• Mapping Mammal Hall (in-person); 10 am-Noon; The State Museum of PA
• Did you know that the dioramas in Mammal Hall are based on real locations in Pennsylvania? Locate each of these spots on the giant map of Pennsylvania and discover some interesting facts about our state mammals. Included in regular admission (Mammal Hall program info).

• Mother's Day Weekend Celebration (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Learn about the roles of women in the American Revolution and try some hands-on activities, see the colonial cook at work, and make a craft. Included in regular admission (Brandywine Mother's Day program info).

• Book Talk & Signing (in-person); 1-2 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Robert Lynn Steiner will talk about his book, River Boots: A Fish Warden's Tales of Pennsylvania Fish and Game Law Enforcement. Steiner worked for the PA Fish and Boat Commission for a quarter century. Copies of the book will be available for purchase in the museum shop and can be signed after the talk (PLM Book Talk info).

Sunday, May 14

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

• Living History Theater (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• As the Lady of the Manor, Hannah Penn tended to everyone when they were sick, including her husband. Come and talk with Hannah and the people at Pennsbury about their experiences being ill and the remedies that where available. Included in regular admission (Living History Theater info).

Tuesday, May 16

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

• PHMC Archival Grant Webinars (virtual); 10 am; PA State Archives
• Learn more about the Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) grant program, determine your eligibility, and get suggestions for a successful application. Webinars are free, but you must register to receive the link (register for May 16 webinar).

Wednesday, May 17

• History Speaks Series (in-person); 7-8:30 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Wayne Marshall will present "Beer Making through the Ages" followed by a question and answer session. He will discuss the history of beer, ingredients used, and the process involved (History Speaks tickets via Eventbrite).

Friday, May 19

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Lindsay A. Byron, environmental group manager for the Department of Environmental Protection, will talk about climate projections for Pennsylvania, the impacts of those changes for the Commonwealth and its residents, and the action being taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency. Program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• PHMC Archival Grant Webinars (virtual); Thursday, May 25, 2 pm; PA State Archives
• Learn more about the Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) grant program, determine your eligibility, and get suggestions for a successful application. Webinars are free, but you must register to receive the link (register for May 25 webinar).

• Behind the Scenes Tour (in-person); Thursday, May 25, 6-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• Explore attics and basements of Harmonist buildings and visit collections storage areas during this behind-the-scenes peek. Light hors-d'oeuvres will be served after the tour. Space is limited. Contact Sarah Buffington (sbuffingto@pa.gov) to register.

• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of England Car Show (in-person); Saturday, June 3, 10 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• Enjoy food, live music and craft beers (age 21+ with valid ID) for a tour of one of the largest British motoring shows on the East Coast with over 250 classic British cars and motorcycles. This event will also feature tours of the Hope Lodge mansion and celebration of 275th anniversary. Admission is $10 (Hope Lodge event info and ticket link).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Weekend is Here

Hungry? Visit Cornwall Iron Furnace to see food like this cooked in cast iron (photo via Cornwall's Facebook page)

Have plans for the week ahead? Would you like to? Check out our program listings below. Also, we've had a couple of additions to the list of summer camps if you're still looking for something great for the kids or grandkids to do this summer.

Up Next

Friday, May 5

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read What Grandma Did by Erin Miller with illustrations by Randall Harmon, the story of a little girl who learns her grandmother was a pilot during World War II. Learn about the role the museum’s Piper aircraft played in training pilots and try creating your own plane. For ages 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

Saturday, May 6

• Spring Artist Craft Show (in-person); 9 am-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• The Conrad Weiser Rotary Club will hold their spring artist and craft show on the grounds of Conrad Weiser Homestead. Enjoy many of the region's most outstanding examples of modern-day artisanship (Artist Craft Show info).

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

• Hands-On History (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; Old Economy Village
• Be a Harmonist for a day! We will have several demonstrations and you can also be an apprentice to one of our trades/crafts. Come try your hand at a variety of nineteenth century crafts & trades, such as blacksmithing, printing, cooking, textile production, laundry and more! Events run 10 am-4 pm both days. Included in regular admission. Visitor Center will be closed, so please proceed to the Feast Hall (1401 Church Street, Ambridge) to purchase tickets (Hands-On History program info).

• Cast Iron Cooking Demonstration (in-person); 11 am-3 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• See a variety of cast iron cooking skills demonstrated, with foods cooked over open fires. Some samples will be available, and large selection of Lodge cast iron cookware and utensils will be on sale in the gift shop. The cooking demonstration is outdoors and free; regular admission applies to tour the museum (Cast Iron Cooking info).

Sunday, May 7

• Children's Day (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of hands-on activities and demonstrations for children and their families. Children will have the opportunity to learn more about Daniel Boone’s exciting childhood in the Oley Valley and participate in various eighteenth century, hands-on activities such as candle dipping, quill pen writing, and butter making. Admission charged (Children's Day info).

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Come and witness some of the trades and crafts that were done at Pennsbury Manor during the 17th Century. Our blacksmiths, joyners and spinners will be eager to talk to you about their work and its importance during Penn’s time. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades info).

Wednesday, May 10

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

Friday, May 12

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

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

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

• PHMC Archival Grant Webinars (virtual); Tuesday, May 16, 10 am, and Thursday, May 25, 2 pm; PA State Archives
• Learn more about the Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) grant program, determine your eligibility, and get suggestions for a successful application. Webinars are free, but you must register to receive the link (register for May 16 webinar or register for May 25 webinar).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Hope of Spring

Snowdrops and daffodils at Pennsbury Manor (via Pennsbury's Facebook page)

It's a pretty quiet week ahead on the Trails of History, but you'll still find things to do or to plan on doing. To the best of my knowledge, all Trails of History sites will be closed this Sunday for Easter, but they'll be on their regular schedules the rest of the week. Whatever holidays you are observing (or not), I hope that the week ahead brings you peace, time with friends and family, and the hope of spring.

Up Next

Today, April 7

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

Saturday, April 8

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

Tuesday, April 11

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

Wednesday, April 12

• The Little Saw Mill Run Railroad (in-person); 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).

Thursday, April 13

• A Place for All Gallery Tour (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover three stories of integration in Pennsylvania during the Civil Rights Movement. Hear the stories of people whose courageous steps helped change our state. Included in regular admission (A Place for All Gallery Tour info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Apr. 18, 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spaces in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (April 18 Sensory Hours tickets).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Officially Summer!

Cornwall Iron Furnace's Cast Iron Cooking Demo last weekend included roast chicken, cornbread, and pot roast. Yum! (photo via Cornwall Facebook page)

I'm no camper, but the meal above, cooked outdoors over a woodfire, makes me wonder if I could change. Okay, probably not. But it's making me very hungry. Cornwall Iron Furnace's Cast Iron Cooking demo was rescheduled from a rainy day earlier in the spring and coincided with an outdoor concert. With summer officially starting next week, this picture just stuck with me. Summer is the busiest time along the Trails of History, so please be sure to check the calendar listings below and the PHMC Events Calendar if you're planning farther ahead.

The first of the summer camp programs at Trails of History sites kick off next week at Joseph Priestley House and Bushy Run Battlefield. There's a list below with other options and links for signing up your young campers.

Old Economy Village's Summer Concert Series starts Sunday (see below), and they've announced a new video series, Fine Art Fridays, that will launch on June 24, providing a glimpse into OEV's art collections every other Friday.

On the other side of the state, Pennsbury Manor's Garden Workshop series starts on Tuesday, June 21, at 10 am and continues weekly through August (list of workshop sessions). Also, Pennsbury is joining with the African American Museum of Bucks County to host a Juneteenth gathering on Saturday, June 18 (see details below).

On Memorial Day this year, a bugler played Taps at the 28th Division Shrine on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum. Out of that has grown a new weekly event at the site, Taps at the Shrine. On Friday and Saturday afternoons at 3 pm, now through Labor Day weekend, volunteer buglers will help carry out the museum's mission to honor those who have served in the military and to share their stories with the community.

And before we head into the weekend, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum shared some photos from a recent visit by members of the Model A Restorers Club, who stopped at the site for lunch and a few photo ops.

A Ford Model A parked in front of the Landis Brothers' House (photo via Landis Valley's Facebook page)

Up Next*

*Please note that calendar info is subject to change; we try to keep this up to date, but it's always best to check.

Today, June 17

• Exhibit opening and reception (in-person), 7-9 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Tonight's event is the debut of A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration in Pennsylvania, a new long-term exhibit highlighting efforts to end racial segregation in post-WWII PA. Admission is free as part of "3rd in the Burg," and there will be refreshments and music (Exhibit opening details).

Saturday, June 18

• Patchtown Days (in-person), 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, Eckley Miners' Village
• Enjoy folk arts, music, and food of the coal region during this two-day event offered in conjunction with Hazleton's Walk In Arts Center. Admission charged (Patchtown Days details).

• StoryTime (in-person), 10:30-11:30 am, The State Museum of PA
• Read Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand and create your own windsock to discover the power of the wind. Included in regular admission (StoryTime details).

• Juneteenth Freedom Day (in-person), 1-3 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• The African American Museum of Bucks County and Pennsbury Manor invite you to a friends and family gathering to celebrate Juneteenth Day of Freedom. Bring your chairs, blankets, and lunch (if you want) to enjoy the celebration (Juneteenth Day of Freedom info).

• CANCELED Colonial Cocktail Hour (in-person), 7-10 pm, Bushy Run Battlefield
• Explore England's "gin craze," 1720-1765, with tastings and hors d'oeuvres. Cost is $25 per person (Cocktail Hour info and tickets).

Sunday, June 19

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person), 10 am-noon, PA Military Museum
• Background sound effects in the galleries will be turned off and the volume on the orientation video will be lowered (captions always enabled). Please register in advance for a timeslot; standard admission fees apply (Sensory Friendly Visit registration).

• Father's Day (in-person), noon-4 pm, Graeme Park
• Tours of the Keith House are free for men age 18 and up today. Tour times are 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30. Regular admission is $8 for ages 19-59, $6 for ages 6-18 and 60+ (Graeme Park website).

• Open-Hearth Cooking (in-person), 1-4 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• The cooks will prepare recipes showing African American influences. Included in regular admission (Open-Hearth Cooking info).

• Special Exhibit Tour (in-person), 2-3 pm, The State Museum of PA
• State Museum director Beth Hager and senior history curator Dr. Curt Miner will lead a tour of A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration in Pennsylvania. Museum admission is free on 6/19 (Exhibit tour info).

• Summer Concert Series (in-person), 2-4 pm, Old Economy Village
• Beaver County Symphonic Wind Ensemble will present today's concert in the garden (Feast Hall is the rain location). The concert is free; $5 donation is suggested. Please bring your own chairs and blankets for seating (Concert info).

Tuesday, June 21

• Historical & Archival Records Care Grants webinar (virtual), 10 am, PA State Archives
• Staff will provide an overview of the grant program, define eligibility, and offer suggestions for competitive applications. Offered via Zoom: register for June 21.

Wednesday, June 22

• Explore! (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Learn about the wide variety of insects found in PA and their relationship to humans, the environment, and other organisms. For kids in grades 3-5 and include in regular admission (Explore! info).

• Music on the Lawn (in-person) 7-8 pm, Joseph Priestley House
• Enjoy an evening of Appalachian folk music performed by "Simple Gifts." The program is free and open to the public. Please bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating (Music on the Lawn info).

Thursday, June 23

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Museum educators will be in the gallery with hands-on fossils for this family-friendly tour exploring life on Earth from the Carboniferous Period to the present. Included in regular admission (Gallery Tour info).

Friday, June 24

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• State Museum archaeologists will highlight cultural resources impacted by Tropical Storm Agnes 50 years ago. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Nature Journaling (in-person), Saturday, June 25, 10 am-noon, Joseph Priestley House
• Presented in collaboration with the Ned Smith Nature Center, this program is designed for ages 9 and up to learn how to create a nature journal. The program is free but registration is required; email jphopsmanager@gmail.com or call 570/473-9474 (Journaling event info).

• Brews & Bites (in-person), Saturday, June 25, 4-8 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• This event features breweries from the Bucks County Ales Trail along with live music, food trucks, 17th-century brewing demonstrations, lawn games, and more on the banks of the Delaware River. General admission is $40 (includes beer tastings); designated driver tickets are $25 (Brews & Bites tickets).

• Sensory Hours (in-person), Tuesday, June 28, 3-5 pm, Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, noise, and crowd levels will be reduced and there will be some quiet spaces if you need a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff to answer questions. Admission is $7 per person; advance registration required (Sensory Hours tickets).

• "Room Enough for Them All" (virtual), Tuesday, July 12, 7-8 pm, Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Michael Showalter, museum educator at Ephrata Cloister, will present a program on the diverse population of Lancaster County in the late 18th century. The program is free; please register to receive the link (Cornwall lecture info).

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

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

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

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

• Joseph Priestley House (updated info)
• Intermediate History Camp; Grades 6-8; June 20-22
• Annual History Camp; Grades 1-5; July 27-29

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

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

• Railroad Museum of PA
• Behind the Scenes of Railroading Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; June 28-30
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 9-10; July 12-15
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 11-12; July 26-29
• A Moveable Feast Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; Aug. 2-4

Memorial Day Weekend

Photo via PA Military Museum Facebook page

This weekend the Pennsylvania Military Museum will present "Life at the Front: World War II," which includes an encampment on the grounds Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, plus a daily lecture at 2 pm. Please see the event listing below for details. Last Sunday, the Museum hosted the annual 28th Division memorial service and reunion with military honors, a wreath-laying at the 28th Infantry Division shrine, and displays of current military equipment alongside the Museum's historical examples (PMM posted a short video on their Facebook page that gives you a flavor of the event).

Like most sites on the PA Trails of History, the Military Museum participates in the Blue Star Museums program, which provides free admission for active duty military members and their families. That program is in effect through Labor Day (we offer Blue Star admissions throughout the year). For more information, please visit the Blue Star Museums website.

Most Trails of History sites will be closed on Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day, but the Pennsylvania Military Museum and Fort Pitt Museum will be open regular hours that day.

And before we move on to the events calendar for the coming week, I'll just note that utility work at the Bushy Run Battlefield visitor center (which we mentioned here last week) continues, so the site will remain closed this weekend, with planned reopening on Wednesday, June 1. However, the grounds are open daily 8 am to dusk, and the Bushy Run Market will take place from 8 am to noon tomorrow, May 28.

Up Next

Saturday, May 28

• Community Yard Sale (in-person), 9 am-5 pm, PA Lumber Museum
• Vendors will set up near the museum's entrance along U.S. Route 6 (PLM events calendar).

• Life at the Front: World War II (in-person), Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm, PA Military Museum
• Explore an Army camp and talk to living historians about life on the front lines of World War II; learn how the pivotal Battle of Hurtgen Forest changed the course of the war and the lives of the soldiers who fought in it. Encampment open 10 am-4 pm Saturday and Sunday. Donations requested (Life at the Front info). On Saturday at 2 pm, Mike Siggins will present the story of his uncle, U.S. Army PFC Richard C. Van Dyke, who was killed in action in September 1944. On Sunday at 2 pm, Jared Frederick will discuss Lt. Ronald Speirs, a member of the famed Band of Brothers.

Sunday, May 29

• Animals at Pennsbury (in-person), 1-4 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• Learn about the lives of the animals at Pennsbury, past and present. Included in regular admission (Animals at Pennsbury info).

Monday, May 30

• Allegheny Mountain Region AACA Car Show (in-person), 9 am-4 pm, PA Military Museum
• Annual summer season kickoff featuring many pre-WWII vehicles through modern classics. On-site parking for the show is $5 (car show info).

Tuesday, May 31

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

Wednesday, June 1

• Historical & Archival Records Care Grants webinar (virtual), 10 am, PA State Archives
• Staff will provide an overview of the grant program, define eligibility, and offer suggestions for competitive applications. Offered via Zoom: register for June 1 (see below to register for same program offered June 21).

Friday, June 3

• StoryTime (in-person), 10:30-11:30 am, The State Museum of PA
• Read Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand and make your own windsock to learn about the power of the wind. Included in regular admission (StoryTime info).

• First Fridays (in-person), 5:30-8:30 pm, Somerset Historical Center
• Enjoy a relaxing evening with live music and food for purchase from local food trucks. Some covered seating is provided, but feel free to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Parking fee is $5 per car (First Fridays info).

Saturday, June 4

• Armies Through the Ages (in-person), 9 am-5 pm, Bushy Run Battlefield
• Military reenactors from the medieval period through World War II will share what it was like to be a soldier in a range of time periods (Armies Thru the Ages info).

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

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Historical & Archival Records Care Grants webinar (virtual), Tues., June 21, 10 am, PA State Archives
• Staff will provide an overview of the grant program, define eligibility, and offer suggestions for competitive applications. Offered via Zoom: register for June 21.

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

• Archives Without Tears (AWOT) Key Concepts, Wed., June 8, 10 am-noon, PA State Archives
• Watch any or all of the AWOT modules on YouTube, including the new "Introduction to Born-Digital Records" module, and then join a panel of archivists who will answer questions and offer practical solutions (register for June 8 live chat).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), Friday, June 10, 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• State Museum director Beth Hager will present a behind-the-scenes look at the new exhibition A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration in Pennsylvania, opening June 17. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

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

• PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase, Thursday, June 9, 7-8 pm
• This month's theme is "sets of artifacts." Panelists from five Trails of History sites will present objects from their collections, then the audience will vote on their favorite. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Showcase registration).

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

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

• Brews & Bites, Saturday, June 25, 4-8 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• This event features breweries from the Bucks County Ales Trail along with live music, food trucks, 17th-century brewing demonstrations, lawn games, and more on the banks of the Delaware River. General admission is $40 (includes beer tastings); designated driver tickets are $25 (Brews & Bites tickets).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Railroad Museum of PA
• Behind the Scenes of Railroading Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; June 28-30
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 9-10; July 12-15
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 11-12; July 26-29
• A Moveable Feast Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; Aug. 2-4

Celebrating Pennsylvania's Birthday

The original 1681 Charter - Pennsylvania's Birth Certificate

PHMC traditionally offers free admission to Pennsylvania Trails of History sites as part of Pennsylvania's birthday celebration. This year, that free admission day will be on Saturday, September 24 (watch PHMC social media and this space in September for list of participating sites). There are virtual activities and on-site programs this weekend exploring multiple themes in Pennsylvania's history, so why not celebrate with us?

Don't forget that Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday at 2 am. If you have clocks that don't reset themselves, turn them ahead one hour so that you don't miss the fun. And if the weather is iffy, please check ahead with the site you plan to visit (social media is usually the most up-to-date). PLEASE NOTE: Saturday's forecast is affecting some site schedules. Be extra careful and check before you go.

Monday, March 14, at noon EDT is the last chance to cast your vote in USA Today's Top 10 History Museums poll. You can vote once a day until then. Twenty museums are on the ballot, and our own Erie Maritime Museum has been sitting in the Top 10 (during the last days of voting, USA Today stops showing the leaderboard). Please take a few minutes to cast your votes (vote for Erie Maritime Museum). Thank you for your support.

Photo via Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum website

Up Next

Today, March 11

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Linda Ries, retired archivist with the PA State Archives, will discuss "Pennsylvania's Birth Certificate," the 1681 Charter given to William Penn by England's King Charles II. The program is free, but you must register to get the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Saturday, March 12

• Reading on the Rails (in-person), 10 am-4 pm, Railroad Museum of PA
• Story readings for kids will take place every 45 minutes (1st one at 10:15 am, last at 3:15 pm). Lots of activities as well, including travel stickers, Catcher the Cow, and KPETS therapy dogs. An American Sign Language interpreter will be part of each story reading. Included in regular admission (Reading on the Rails info).

• Maple Taste and Tour Weekend (in-person), 10 am-4 pm Saturday and Sunday, Somerset Historical Center
• SHC is one of 20 stops on this year's tour, offered in cooperation with the Somerset County Maple Producers Assn. Admission is free and there will be maple-related activities both days (Maple Taste info).

• Friends Lecture Series (in-person) 2-3:05 pm, PA Military Museum
• Today's talk explores the Truman Doctrine, marking the 70th anniversary of a pivotal policy that impacted two periods of conflict. Donations welcome (Friends Lecture info).

Sunday, March 13

• Pennsylvania Day (in-person), 10 am-4 pm, Bushy Run Battlefield
• Celebrate Pennsylvania's birthday and learn about Bushy Run's place in state history. Children's activities will be offered, and William Penn will make an appearance (PA Day info)

• Living History! (in-person), noon-4 pm, Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Today is the site's biggest living history event of the year. Learn about the French and Indian War and the skills of 18th-century life from demonstrators and volunteers. Donations welcome (Living History! info)

• Community Day (in-person), noon-4 pm, Daniel Boone Homestead
• Tour the Boone House and other structures, watch the Amity Colonial Dancers (and join in if you like), and take part in kids' activities and games (Community Day info).

• Exhibit opening (in-person), noon-4 pm, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Enjoy the museum's latest changing exhibit, Pennsylvania Germans: Their Lives in Color, which includes painted furniture, textiles, clothing, fraktur, ceramics, and more. Included in regular admission and open during regular business hours until the end of the year (exhibit info on LVM website).

• Founder's Day (in-person), 1-4 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• Celebrate Pennsylvania's birthday at William Penn's country estate. Craft demonstrations, including beer brewing, tours of the Manor House, and more. Admission is $3 at the door (Founder's Day info).

• Joseph Priestley's Birthday Celebration (in-person), 1-4 pm, Joseph Priestley House
• Costumed docents will be on hand throughout the house as you tour on your own. Dr. Priestley will offer chemistry demos in the Pond Building at 1:30 and 2:30. A new exhibit on Dr. Priestley's friendship with Ben Franklin will be unveiled (Priestley's Birthday info).

• Charter Chats (virtual), 1 and 2 pm, PA State Archives
• Archivist Josh Stahlman will explore the story of Pennsylvania's Charter in honor of our 341st birthday. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Charter Chat info and registration).

Wednesday, March 16

• Charter Chat (virtual), noon, PA State Archives
• Archivist Josh Stahlman will explore the story of Pennsylvania's Charter in honor of our 341st birthday. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Charter Chat info and registration).

Thursday, March 17

• Winter History Class (virtual), 9 am-noon, Ephrata Cloister
• Today's topics are "Then and Now: The Ephrata Cloister in Photos" and "Identifying and Preserving Nineteenth-Century Photos." If you did not register for the 9-week course, you can attend today's session via Zoom for $10 (Winter History Class registration).

• Wisdom & Wine Series (in-person), 6:30-8 pm, Drake Well Museum & Park
• Tonight's topic is "Dressmaking: Civil War Fashions and Sewing Machines in the 1860s. Cost for the lecture is $5. There will be a wine-tasting happy hour at 5:30 (separate $5 fee). Registration is required (Wisdom & Wine info and registration).

Friday, March 18

• Charter Chat (virtual), noon, PA State Archives
• Archivist Josh Stahlman will explore the story of Pennsylvania's Charter in honor of our 341st birthday. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Charter Chat info and registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• On Saturday, March 19, 2-4 pm, the Pennsylvania Military Museum will offer their popular history tour of the tracked vehicles on the grounds, including a look inside the crew compartments. Space is limited (in more ways than one), and reservations are required (Exploring the Armor info and registration).
• Also, on March 19, Bushy Run Battlefield will host a one-day in-person symposium on Pontiac's War. Presentations will explore causes, events, and effects from different military and cultural perspectives. Tickets are $35 for students (with ID), $60 for BRBHS members, and $75 for non-members; deadline to purchase tickets online is March 12 (Symposium info and ticket link).
• Rails and Ales: enjoy an evening of craft beer among the museum's historic trains at the Railroad Museum of PA, April 9, 5:30-9 pm; must be 21 or older to attend; variety of ticket options (VIP tickets are sold out), including designated driver tickets (Rails and Ales tickets)
• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum will offer living history tours on Saturday, May 21, based on the life and work of local inventor William Chester Ruth. Ruth was born in 1882 in Chester County; his father had been enslaved in South Carolina and his mother was a free woman of color. Ruth will be portrayed by actor Keith Henley of American Historical Theater. Tour times are 9:30, 12:30, and 3; advance tickets are required (William Chester Ruth Tour info and tickets)
• On May 22, Daniel Boone Homestead will host the Trails of History Run, which includes a 5K, 10K, and 1/2-mile fun run. There will be awards for 5K and 10K races, plus special awards for the best-dressed representation of the 1770s era. Advance registration is required (DBH trail runs info). Training runs for new runners start at 10:30 am every Sunday at the DeTurk House (near the front entrance gate off of Daniel Boone Rd).
• Drake Well Marathon, August 14 - this race is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Registration for a variety of categories is now open.

It's March Already!

Photo via Erie Maritime Museum Facebook page

Voting is still open for USA Today's Top 10 History Museums poll. Twenty museums are on the ballot, and our own Erie Maritime Museum is currently in the running to make the Top 10. You can vote once a day, with the poll closing at noon ET on March 14. Please take a few minutes to cast your vote, early and often (vote for Erie Maritime Museum). Thank you for your support.

For those of you wondering, Charter Day, a free admission day usually held in mid-March on the Trails of History, has been postponed until later in the year. Next week's post will include info on PHMC activities in celebration of Pennsylvania's 341st birthday as well as spring season kickoff events that are slated for next weekend.

Up Next

Today, March 4

• StoryTime (in-person), 10:30-11:30 am, The State Museum of PA
• Explore our solar system and read Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess with illustrations by Annabel Tempest. For kids ages 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission (StoryTime info)

• Conservationist Gardener Workshop (in-person), 11 am-12:30 pm, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
• Staff from the Potter County Conservation District will present about garden and backyard conservation. Free rain barrels and soil test kits will be offered to attendees. The workshop is free; call 814/320-4017 to reserve your spot (Garden workshop info)

Saturday, March 5

• Kids Day: Revolution! (in-person), 10 am-3 pm, PA Military Museum
• Learn about the roles of families and kids during the American Revolution through hands-on activities. Included in regular admission (Kids Day info).

Sunday, March 6

• Closed for spring cleaning, Drake Well Museum and Park

Tuesday, March 8

• Sensory Hours (in-person), 3-5 pm, Railroad Museum of PA
• Light and noise levels will be lowered during these less-crowded hours. Several historic railcars will be open, and museum staff will be on hand to answer questions. Admission is $7 for ages 3 and up (some discounts available); reservations are required by 1 pm (Sensory Hours info and tickets).

• Iron Age Evolved (virtual), 7-8 pm, Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Mike Weber will present an overview of 5,000 years of iron-making technology that led to the Cornwall Iron Furnace. Program is free, but you must register to get the link (Lecture registration).

Wednesday, March 9

• Giant PA Map (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Test your geography skills as you explore a Giant Map of our state. Included in regular admission (Giant Map info)

Thursday, March 10

• Winter History Class (virtual), 9 am-noon, Ephrata Cloister
• Today's class is "The Martyr's Mirror: Historic Background and Contemporary Reception." If you did not register for the full 9-week course, you can attend today's session via Zoom for $10 (History Class registration for 3/10). Classes continue on Thursday mornings through March 31 (info on additional classes).

• Curiosity Kids (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Learn about specialized beaks birds have to eat different types of foods, make your own bird feeder to take home. For kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info)

• Wisdom & Wine Series (in-person), 6:30-8 pm, Drake Well Museum & Park
• Biologist and archaeologist Dr. Chuck Williams will present "Pipelines, Pumpjacks, and Powerhouses." Happy hour wine tasting starts at 5:30, and the lecture begins at 6:30 ($5 fee for each). Registration is required (Wisdom & Wine registration for 3/10). This series continues weekly through March 31 (Drake Well website for additional info).

• PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase (virtual), 7-8 pm
• Staff from 5 Trails of History sites will present objects on the theme "Mystery/Oddities/What is It?" and then the audience will vote. Program is free, but you must register to get the link (Virtual Showcase registration)

Friday, March 11

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Linda Ries, retired archivist with the PA State Archives, will discuss "Pennsylvania's Birth Certificate," the 1681 Charter given to William Penn by England's King Charles II. The program is free, but you must register to get the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Somerset Historical Center is hosting a Pysanky Egg Decorating Workshop on Saturday, March 12. This class is geared to beginners and the fee includes materials. Adults and kids age 12 and up welcome; ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult (Pysanky workshop info and registration).
• On Saturday, March 19, 2-4 pm, the Pennsylvania Military Museum will offer their popular history tour of the tracked vehicles on the grounds, including a look inside the crew compartments. Space is limited (in more ways than one), and reservations are required (Exploring the Armor info and registration).
• Also, on March 19, Bushy Run Battlefield will host a one-day in-person symposium on Pontiac's War. Presentations will explore causes, events, and effects from different military and cultural perspectives. Tickets are $35 for students (with ID), $60 for BRBHS members, and $75 for non-members; deadline to purchase tickets online is March 12 (Symposium info and ticket link).
• Rails and Ales: enjoy an evening of craft beer among the museum's historic trains at the Railroad Museum of PA, April 9, 5:30-9 pm; must be 21 or older to attend; variety of ticket options (VIP tickets are sold out), including designated driver tickets (Rails and Ales tickets)
• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum will offer living history tours on Saturday, May 21, based on the life and work of local inventor William Chester Ruth. Ruth was born in 1882 in Chester County; his father had been enslaved in South Carolina and his mother was a free woman of color. Ruth will be portrayed by actor Keith Henley of American Historical Theater. Tour times are 9:30, 12:30, and 3; advance tickets are required (William Chester Ruth Tour info and tickets)
• On May 22, Daniel Boone Homestead will host the Trails of History Run, which includes a 5K, 10K, and 1/2-mile fun run. There will be awards for 5K and 10K races, plus special awards for the best-dressed representation of the 1770s era. Advance registration is required (DBH trail runs info). Training runs for new runners start at 10:30 am every Sunday at the DeTurk House (near the front entrance gate off of Daniel Boone Rd).
• Drake Well Marathon, August 14 - this race is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Registration for a variety of categories is now open.