Weekend Plans

Enjoy the fall garden beauty and lots of activities at Old Economy Village's Erntedankfest Harvest Festival this weekend (photo via Old Economy's Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, September 22

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the use of LINE in art: what it is, different types of line, and how artists use it in their artwork. Create your own piece of line artwork to take home. For kids in grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so sign up at the front desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join Amy Hammond, Fine Arts Curator and "Art of the State" Project Director, as she explores representations of seeds in art using pieces in the "Art of the State 2023" exhibit. Program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Saturday, September 23

• Fall Nature Walk (in-person); 10-11 am; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about historical and modern uses of the wide variety of plant life found at Bushy Run. Wear sturdy shoes (such as hiking boots) and dress for the weather. Tickets are $5 (free for members), available at the door (Fall Nature Walk info).

• CANCELED due to weather: Still Life Paint and Sip for All Skill Levels (in-person); 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Bring your favorite beverage and paint along step by step as we create our own 17th-century inspired still life. Materials provided. Cost is $35, $30 for members. Email c-kerscott@pa.gov to reserve your spot (Pennsbury Paint and Sip info).

• Erntedankfest Harvest Festival (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; Old Economy Village
• This event celebrates the fall harvest and many of the tasks done to prepare for winter. Artisans will be cooking, baking and demonstrating many different crafts and skills. Music, food and activities for the whole family make this a great fall tradition. Event takes place 10 am to 4 pm both days. Regular admission charged (Erntedankfest Harvest Festival info).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Saturday, Sept. 23, Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Andrew Outten, historical programs manager for the Society of the Cincinnati in Washington, DC, will present "'From a Plan Drawn on the Spot': William Faden and the Battle of Brandywine," exploring one of the most influential British mapmakers of the late 18th century. Tickets are available in advance through Eventbrite (Sept. 23 Rev Speaker Series tickets).

Sunday, September 24

• 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 early residents of Pennsbury. Included in regular admission (Beer Brewing & Garden Highlights info).

Thursday, September 28

• Owls of Pennsylvania (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Pennsylvania owls range in size from the large great horned owl to the small Eastern screech owl. Learn more about the owls that inhabit our state and dissect an owl pellet to find out what they eat. Included in regular admission (Owls of PA program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• 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.

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Oct. 3, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Oct. 17, 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 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 and tickets for Oct. 17 Sensory Hours).

• 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).

• 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).

• 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).

• 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).

So Long, March and Hello, April

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

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


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

Up Next

Today, March 31

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

Saturday, April 1

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

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

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

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

Sunday, April 2

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

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

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

Tuesday, April 4

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spaces in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (April 4 Sensory Hours tickets).

Wednesday, April 5

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

Friday, April 7

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

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Exhibits on the Trails of History

As summer winds down on the Trails of History, several new exhibits have recently opened or are currently in the works. Curators, historians, craftspeople, and partner organizations have developed these exhibits to share a variety of stories about Pennsylvania and U.S. history, using images, art, and other objects. Some are on temporary display, others will be available long-term.

Just prior to Juneteenth, The State Museum of Pennsylvania opened A Place for All, which explores three stories of racial integration efforts in the Philadelphia area and Pittsburgh. Drawing on research by PHMC historian Eric Ledell Smith (1949-2008), Museum staff combined three stories into a single exhibit and tied them together with additional context. The result provides powerful insights into the Civil Rights Movement in Pennsylvania and features some of the key participants in fighting for racial equality. The exhibit is open during regular hours and included in general admission; it is expected to remain on view for the foreseeable future.

Fort Pitt Museum recently launched a new exhibit, Guyasuta: The Life and Legend of a Seneca Chief. Visitors will learn about the American Indian leader’s allyship with George Washington just before the French and Indian War began and see the bronze maquette for Jim West's “Points of View” sculpture that overlooks Pittsburgh from its perch on Mt. Washington. The exhibit is included in regular admission.

Last weekend, Pennsbury Manor welcomed a new traveling quilt exhibit celebrating the life and contributions of American hero Harriet Tubman. Dreams of Freedom: The Threads That Hold Us Together was organized by the Sankofa Artisans Guild (SAG) and includes quilts submitted by artists and crafters from around the country. The quilts depict scenes and themes honoring Tubman's life and legacy. Included in regular admission, the exhibit will be available for viewing in the Crozier House Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 pm, through November.

Photo via Drake Well Facebook page

Work continues on the restoration of a replica Densmore Tank Car at Drake Well Museum and Park. Created in 1959 to celebrate the centennial of Edwin Drake's successful oil well, the car was an important part of the Museum's oil transportation exhibits. By the 1990s, however, it was in poor condition and needed significant work. Over the past year or more, staff and volunteers have rebuilt the car's platform and built a new, coopered wooden oil tank (see above). Drake Well posted some images on Facebook in February and earlier this week. Once the restoration work is complete, the Densmore Tank Car will resume its role helping to teach visitors about the history of getting oil from the well to the refinery. You can read more about Densmore Tank Cars in this 1985 article in Pennsylvania Heritage magazine.

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.

Saturday, August 13

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a guided tour of the tracked vehicles on the museum grounds. According to info at the link, all non-member tickets are sold out, but it's probably worth checking just in case (Armored tour tickets).

• Extended Evening Hours (in-person); 4-7 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Enjoy a late-in-the-day visit. Guided tours at 4, 5, and 6; self-guided tours also an option. Regular admission rates apply, and the Museum Store will be open (Ephrata Cloister info).

Sunday, August 14

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
• Background effects in the galleries will be turned off and the volume on the orienation video will be reduced (captions enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Please reserve your timeslot, you can pay when you arrive (go to PMM online booking calendar and select Aug. 14).

• Living History Theatre (in-person); noon-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Yellow Fever has struck William Penn's colony, and it is a terrifying and mysterious threat. Learn about the precautions taken by Pennsbury's residents and others in the area. Presented at 12:15, 1:45, and 3:15. Included in regular admission (Living History Theatre info).

• Second Sunday Beer Garden (in-person); 1-5 pm; Hope Lodge
• Round Guys Brewing Company will be pouring beer under the tent. Guided tours of the Mansion will be available (as they are most Sundays through October) at 1 and 2:30 (Hope Lodge info).

Tuesday, August 16

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Join Pennsbury's gardener to learn about 17th-century and modern gardening skills - today's topic is Mustard & Ketchup. The workshop is open to visitors age 12 and older; cost is $20. Registration is required; call 215/946-0400 to reserve your spot (Aug. 16 Garden workshop info).

• Virtual Museum Spotlight; 5-6 pm; Old Economy Village
• This virtual visit to Old Economy will show you the wide variety of things to see and do. The program is part of the Heinz Center Affiliate Program Experience Kits initiative. Please register to receive the link (OEV Museum Spotlight registration).

• Music on the Lawn (in-person); 7-? pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Tonight's event features "9 Degrees of Syncopation," which recreates the jazz music of Django Reinhardt. Please bring lawn chairs for seating. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move to Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 265 Point Township Dr. in Northumberland (Music on the Lawn info).

Wednesday, August 17

• Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about the science of ornithology, the study of birds. For kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info).

• PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase; 7-8 pm
• This month's theme is "Fine and Folk Art." Panelists from five Trails of History sites will present objects, and then the audience votes on their favorite. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Virtual Showcase registration).

Thursday, August 18

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy a story with the gardener, then explore the grounds. Suggested for ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome. Cost is $3, which is a grounds pass; additional fee charged to tour the Manor House (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Transportation (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Museum educators will be on hand to help visitors explore PA's transportation history. Included in regular admission (Gallery Tour info).

• Virtual Talk: Drake Well Museum (virtual); 7-8 pm EDT
• The Oil Museum of Canada will offer a virtual visit to Drake Well Museum & Park with museum educator Sarah Goodman. The program is free, but you'll need to register to get the link (Drake Well at Oil Museum of Canada info and tickets).

Friday, August 19

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Chris Kemmerer from the PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources will present a virtual program about PA's state parks. The program is free; please register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); final workshop, Tues., Aug. 23, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Join Pennsbury's gardener to learn about 17th-century and modern gardening skills - the topic is Seed Saving. The workshops are open to visitors age 12 and older; cost is $20 per session. Registration is required; call 215/946-0400 to reserve your spot (Aug. 23 Garden workshop info).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tues., Aug. 23, 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 from the activity. A few of the historic trains will be open, with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (Aug. 23 Sensory Hours tickets).

• Tall Ships Erie (in-person); Thurs., Aug. 25, to Sun., Aug. 28; Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara
• Festivities start Aug. 25 at 4 pm with the Parade of Sails, a free event featuring tall ships from around the Great Lakes. Ticketed activities continue 10 am to 6 pm Aug. 26-28 and are based along the waterfront (Tall Ships Erie info and tickets).

• 12th Annual Crush & Brew (in-person); Sat., Sept. 10, 5-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• Wine & beer from local breweries, home brews, and more, as well as food trucks and live music. Event is presented in cooperation with the Ambridge Historic District. Tickets are $30, which includes tasting glass, a food voucher, and admission to the off-site afterparty (Crush & Brew info and tickets).

• Harvest, Death & Renewal: Late October Traditions of the PA Germans (in-person); Fri., Oct. 21, 6:30 and 8:30; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This program explores funeral and burial customs, powwowing, healing and hexes. It is recommended for adults and older teens. The event involves two hours of walking around a cemetery and the Museum grounds, so please dress for the weather (including your shoes) and bring a flashlight. Tickets are $28 per person and must be purchased in advance (Harvest, Death & Renewal event info and tickets).

Summer Hours

Lupines in the Rapp House Garden (photo via Old Economy Village Facebook page)

Although it's not officially summer yet, it feels and looks like summer on the Trails of History. Some hours change seasonally, so always be sure to check ahead to make sure you know the schedule. Many of our sites with gardens are coming into their peak season, such as Old Economy Village pictured above. Old Economy has multiple gardens and a greenhouse, tended by staff and volunteers. This summer, the garden behind the Rapp Houses will be the setting for an eclectic music series including classical, blues, jazz, and light opera performed by local bands, orchestras, and vocalists (if it's rainy, concerts will be held in the Feast Hall). Visit Old Economy's Facebook events page for details. And keep an eye on the Trailheads event listings or the PHMC events calendar for more outdoor music events on the Trails of History throughout the summer.

On Saturdays during the month of June, the Pennsylvania Military Museum is including a free 1 pm guided tour with regular admission. While you're on the grounds, check out (from a safe distance) the current project to remount the USS Pennsy guns or explore the military vehicles and monuments.

The visitor center at Historic Pithole on a beautiful summer day (photo via Drake Well Facebook page)

The visitor center at Historic Pithole City, which is managed by Drake Well Museum & Park, is now open weekends 10 am-4 pm through August (the grounds are open dawn to dusk year-round). The midcentury modern visitor center (pictured above) contains a theater, museum store, restrooms, and exhibits that explain life in the once-thriving oil boomtown. It is well worth a visit.

What will you find to do on the Trails of History this summer?

Up Next

Today, June 10

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 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).

Saturday, June 11

• 2022 Railfest and Arts on Fire (in-person), 9 am-5 pm, Scranton Iron Furnaces
• PA Anthracite Heritage Museum and Steamtown National Historic Site are combining two popular events. The event is free, and there will be music, an iron pour, artisans, food trucks, and a community mural project (Railfest/Arts on Fire details).

• Cast Iron Cooking Demonstration and Band Concert (in-person), 11 am-3 pm, Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Cast iron cooking demos will take place (with food samples) between 11 am and 3 pm, and the Keystone Band of Rehrersburg will perform an outdoor concert at 1 pm. Demos and concert are free; regular admission charged for tours of the Furnace. Seating will be limited; visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs (Demo and Concert info).

• Log Birling Clinic (in-person), 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).

• Lecture (in-person), 2-3 pm, Daniel Boone Homestead
• Author Michael Wescott Loder will read from and discuss his historical fiction book, Taken Beyond the Ohio: The Indian Captivity of Marie LeRoy and Barbara Leininger. The program will take place in the DeTurk Education Center, near the site entrance from Daniel Boone Road (lecture info).

Sunday, June 12

• Living History Theater (in-person), noon-4 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• "A Garden Tour" portrays a 1940s tour of the newly reconstructed estate, with a focus on the landscapes and gardens of Thomas Sears. Tour times are 12:15, 1:45, and 3:15 pm. Included in regular admission (living history theater info).

• Ephrata's Musical History (in-person), 1:30-2:30 (approx.), Ephrata Cloister
• Martin Hinkley and Becky Degan, Ephrata Cloister Chorus director and accompanist respectively, will present two short discussions of Ephrata's musical history following the 12:30 and 1:30 tours (which last approx. 1 hour). The music programs are included in regular admission; if you choose not to take a guided tour, you can still join the music program in the meetinghouse (music program info).

Tuesday, June 14

• Sensory Hours (in-person), 9-11 am, Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, noise, and crowd levels will be reduced, and there will be some quiet spaces around the galleries. Several historic trains will be open, with staff to answer questions. Advance tickets required (Sensory Hours tickets).

Friday, 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).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Colonial Cocktail Hour, Saturday, June 18, 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).

• Sensory Friendly Visit, Sunday, June 19, 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).

• 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.

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), Friday, June 24, 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).

• 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).

• "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

False Spring Strikes Again

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum's Snowmobility Weekend drew a good crowd, with the snow sticking around just long enough

I heard from the PA Lumber Museum that the snow they needed for last weekend's event has gone. I enjoyed a lovely lunchtime walk on Wednesday with 60 degree temps. But it's all a sham. We all know it. More winter weather is on the way, because it is, of course, still winter. I fall for it every year. Ah, well. Be sure to check out the calendar below for the coming week and check the advance planning list for more things to look forward to on the Trails of History.

Erie Maritime Museum

The Erie Maritime Museum, which is home to the U.S. Brig Niagara, is currently in the running for USAToday's Top 10 History Museums list. Twenty museums are featured on the website; the top 10 vote-getters will make the final cut. As of Wednesday afternoon, Erie Maritime Museum is at number 6. You can vote once a day through 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.

Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople are invited to submit their entries for the 2022 Art of the State exhibition at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. This year is the 55th exhibition. Categories for submission and awards are Painting, Work on Paper, Photography & Digital Media, Sculpture, and Craft. The deadline to submit your work is May 6; the exhibition will be on view from September 11, 2022 through January 15, 2023. The State Museum website has details (Art of the State application info).

Up Next

Friday, February 25

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Curators Katie McGowan and Robert Hill will share the story of Mary Sharp Ward (1912-1989), who served with the American Red Cross during World War II. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration)

Sunday, February 27

• Sunday Sewing Circle (in-person), 1-4 pm, Bushy Run Battlefield
• Bring your sewing or embroidery projects and enjoy the company of others who like to sew. The program is free; chairs, tables, ironing board, and iron provided (Sewing Circle info)

Wednesday, March 2

• Explore! (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Learn about PA's architectural innovations and unique buildings. For kids in grade 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info)

Thursday, March 3

• Winter History Class (virtual), 9 am-noon, Ephrata Cloister
• Today's topic is "Mystical and Churchly: An Ephrata Confession of Faith." If you did not register for the full course, you can watch today's session via Zoom for $10 (Winter History Class info and tickets)

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Join museum educators to learn about life from the Carboniferous Period to today using hands-on fossils of plants and animals (Family Gallery Tour info)

Friday, 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)

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Ephrata Cloister's Winter History Class continues each Thursday morning from 9 am to noon through March 31; if you didn't sign up for the full 9-week course, you can register to attend individual sessions via Zoom for $10 each (Ephrata Cloister website)
• Drake Well Museum and Park's Wisdom and Wine in-person lecture series will run Thursday nights from March 10 through March 31. Regional experts on the people, places, and events of local petroleum industry will present and Brokenstraw Valley Winery will host a wine-tasting happy hour (happy hour at 5:30 pm with lectures starting at 6:30). Separate admission prices for the happy hour and lecture (Wisdom and Wine info)
• 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).
• 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)
• Drake Well Marathon, August 14 - this race is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Registration for a variety of categories is now open.

Catching Up with October

Please be sure to check the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (in-person and virtual). I've included highlights for the coming week below. The Trailheads Rec Room pages to the right of your screen offer an array of online content generated by Trails of History sites. Also, if you're looking for a Covid vaccine provider, check out Vaccines.gov and enter your zip code.

Please note that staff and volunteers at Commonwealth of PA worksites, including the PA Trails of History, are wearing masks while indoors. Visitors are encouraged, though not required, to do so as well.

Join us on Oct. 26 (details below) to learn about the Roberts Torpedo (like the one used on this oil well), chainsaws, boarding axes, train couplers, machine guns, and sawmills (photo courtesy Drake Well Museum)

Trailheads HQ has been on a little break this week. Please be sure to check ahead to make sure there's been no change of plans, especially for this weekend's events (I'll catch up in the coming week). Thank you!

Upcoming Events (virtual and in-person)

Today, October 22

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual): tune in for a variety of perspectives on special exhibits, programs, and initiatives, The State Museum of PA, 12:15-12:45 pm (L@L info)
• Haunted Lantern Tours (in-person): your guide will take you through shadowy rooms and halls of the Keith House and relate tales of the past, Graeme Park, 7-10:30 pm, tickets must be purchased in advance, this program also offered on Oct. 29 (Lantern Tour info and Oct. 22 ticket link)

Saturday, October 23

• Trains & Treats (in-person): visit historic locomotives, railroad cars and interactive exhibits and pick up treats along the way, Railroad Museum of PA, 10:30 am-3 pm, geared to kids age 3-12 and included in regular admission (Trains & Treats details)
• Historical Halloween (in-person): trick-or-treating long lantern-lit pathways and other family-friendly activities, Somerset Historical Center, 5-8 pm (Historical Halloween details)
• Spooky Lantern Tours (in-person): guides will take groups on an after-dark tour of the museum grounds with trick-or-treating and other activities, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, 6:30-8:30 pm (Spooky Lantern Tours details)

Sunday, October 24

• Last Sunday Sewing Circle (in-person): bring sewing projects and hang out in the company of other needle arts enthusisasts, today's event is an exception to the usual last Sunday of the month schedule, Bushy Run Battlefield, 1-4 pm (Sewing Circle details)
• Beer Brewing & Garden Highlights (in-person): explore the recipes and plants that kept Pennsbury's early residents fed, Pennsbury Manor, 1-4 pm, included in regular admission (BB&GH details)

Tuesday, October 26

• PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase (virtual): this month's Halloween-adjacent theme is Most Dangerous Object, hosted by Railroad Museum of PA, 7-8 pm (Showcase info and registration)
• UPDATE: The Harmonist Connection (virtual): as part of an ongoing collaboration among Old Economy Village, Historic Harmony, and New Harmony this program will focus on Harmonist cemeteries and burial practices, 7-8 pm (Harmonist Connection info and registration)

Wednesday, October 27

• Explore! (in-person): learn about the rocks that make up Pennsylvania, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, for kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission (Explore! info)

Thursday, October 28

• Curiosity Kids (in-person): discover the Giant Map of Pennsylvania and use your mapping skills during a scavenger hunt, The State Museum of PA, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, for kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission, space is limited so sign up at the Ground Floor Information Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info)

PA Trails of History Events, August 23-September 5

This week's post wraps up the month of August and gives you a taste of September, including sites scheduled to open on Sept. 2 for Labor Day. The full September program page will be is now available next week.

Erie Maritime Museum, U.S. Brig Niagara, and Lettie G. Howard host Tall Ships Erie 2019 through Sunday, Aug. 25 - see listing below for details (photo AKF)

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

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

Bushy Run Battlefield
Aug. 24: Bushy Run Market—it's the 4th Saturday of the month, so that means a variety of vendors will be on site for your shopping enjoyment (more info on the website). Free for visitors and vendors. 8 am-noon.

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). 5 pm.

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

Daniel Boone Homestead
Aug. 28: Sawmill Operation Days—subject to staff availability, there will be demonstrations of the site’s water-powered sawmill at 11 am and 2 pm.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History's "Spinosaurus Encounter" shown here at 2017 Drake Day event

Drake Well Museum
Aug. 24: Drake Day—this year's theme, "Let's Rock," explores the origins of oil with a rock climbing wall and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History's "Spinosaurus Encounter!" (more info on Facebook event page). Admission charged. Noon-4 pm.
Aug. 24-25, 31: Historic Pithole Open—the visitor center will be open, so enjoy the orientation film and the excellent diorama that shows the town in its heyday. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.
Aug. 31: Something More Saturday—the last Saturday of each month, Drake Well offers something extra with regular admission. Today, it's guided tours. 10 am-3 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Aug. 24: Back to School at Eckley—explore the village, visit the buildings, and take part in hands-on activities and a scavenger hunt as you go. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.
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
Thursday-Saturday through Aug. 31: Experience History – Rolling Cart Series—the new rolling cart program presents maritime-themed activities for visitors or all ages. Find out what’s in a sailor’s seabag, learn about the busy life of a lighthouse keeper, build your own warship and more! Included with Museum admission. Stay tuned to Erie Maritime Museum’s social media accounts (such as Facebook) for more information and weekly schedules.
Through Aug. 25: Tall Ships® Erie—this is a huge event with 14 ships, sailing excursions, entertainment, and more. Find details (on the website or the Facebook event page. You may also want to check out some advice before visiting. Schedule varies by day.
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.

Hope Lodge
Aug. 25, Sept. 1: Site open—enjoy the grounds and take a guided tour of the mansion. Admission charged. 1-4 pm (tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm). UPDATE: Site will be closed on Sept. 1.

Painted wood graining is one of two workshops coming up this weekend at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (photo via Facebook)

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Aug. 24: Workshop—Landis Valley offers a variety of craft workshops for adults throughout the year. See the list and find out how to register on the website. Costs and times vary.
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
Aug. 25, Sept. 1: Sunday programming—8/25, Beer Brewing and Garden Highlights. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

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.

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

Art of the State 2019 runs through Sept. 8 at The State Museum of Pennsylvania (photo via Facebook)

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of shows.
Aug. 23: Summer Fridays (last one of the year)—general admission is "pay as you wish" on Fridays, 9 am to 5 pm. Curiosity Connection will have free timed tickets available. Art docents will be on hand in the Art of the State exhibit from 11 am to 1 pm. Regular fees apply for planetarium shows. From 12:15 to 12:45 pm, a Learn at Lunchtime program will be offered (check website for specifics).
Aug. 23: Stroller Tour—parents and caregivers of very young children (age 0-18 months or so) are invited to join curator Amy Hammond for a half-hour tour of the Art of the State exhibit. Strollers and front carriers are welcome, and no one will flinch if babies cry or get fussy while the adults talk about art. Included in general admission. 10:30-11 am.
UPDATE 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.

The PA Trails of History, August 9-22

The full August program page lists events through the end of the month. This week's post gets you through August 22.

There's still time to get your tickets for the Blast! food and beverage event on August 16 at Cornwall Iron Furnace - see below for info (photo via Facebook)

Bushy Run Battlefield
Aug. 10: Games Day—Bushy Run will have a variety of historical miniature war-games ranging from fights between groups of tough foot-sloggers to aerial combat over the skies of the Pacific. If you are an experienced war-gamer and want to bring a game to run at the event, please email facilitator@bushyrunbattlefield.com. If you would just like to play in one of the games, all you have to do is show up. Included in regular admission. Food and drink will be available for purchase. 9 am-4:30 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Aug. 13: Lecture—James A. Lewars will present "The Kauffman Farm of Oley" (additional info on topic and speaker). Part of the Friends of Cornwall Iron Furnace lecture series, the program takes place in the auditorium of Freeman Community Center at Cornwall Manor. 7 pm.
UPDATE 8/15: EVENT IS SOLD OUT - NO TICKETS AT THE DOOR Aug. 16: Blast!—this event features local breweries and wineries (more info on Facebook event page or this LebTown post), music by jazz keyboardist Wayne Fox, and catering by Hess Barbecue (pulled pork sandwiches, marinated chicken, sides, and dessert). You must be at least 18 years old to attend and 21 to sample alcoholic beverages. Advance tickets are $40; designated driver and under 21, $25. On the day of the event, tickets are $45 ($30 for DDs and under 21). Advance tickets may be purchased at the furnace or by calling 717/272-9711 to charge by phone. 6-9 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Aug. 14, 21: Sawmill Operation Days—subject to staff availability, there will be demonstrations of the site’s water-powered sawmill at 11 am and 2 pm.
Aug. 17: Braided Wool Rug Workshop—learn to make a round braided rug. Materials are included in the cost ($40), and the instructor will have tools for participant use (and to purchase if you want to take them home). More info on the Facebook event page. You must be at least 18 years old to participate and registration is required; call the site at 610/582-4900. 10 am-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum
Aug. 10-11, 17-18: Historic Pithole Open—the visitor center will be open, so enjoy the orientation film and the excellent diorama that shows the town in its heyday. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.

One of the rolling carts to be found in the galleries at the Erie Maritime Museum

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Thursday-Saturday through Aug. 31: Experience History – Rolling Cart Series—the new rolling cart program presents maritime-themed activities for visitors or all ages. Find out what’s in a sailor’s seabag, learn about the busy life of a lighthouse keeper, build your own warship and more! Included with Museum admission. Stay tuned to Erie Maritime Museum’s social media accounts (such as Facebook) for more information and weekly schedules.
Aug. 22-25: Tall Ships® Erie—this is a huge event with 10+ ships, sailing excursions (most of these are sold out), entertainment, and more. Find details on the website or the Facebook event page. Schedule varies by day.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on this month's programs and events.

Graeme Park
Aug. 18: Living History Sunday—costumed interpreters will be on hand to talk about life at Graeme Park (info on the website). There will be a special focus on 18th-century clothing and what it reflects about the wearer's status. Living history program is free; admission is charged to tour the Keith House. Noon-3 pm.

Hope Lodge
Aug. 11, 18: Site open—enjoy the grounds and take a guided tour of the mansion. Admission charged. 1-4 pm (tours at 1:00 and 2:30 pm).

Basic Hand-Sewing Skills (Aug. 10) is one of several workshops coming up at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Aug. 10, 17: Workshops—Landis Valley offers a variety of craft workshops for adults throughout the year. See the list and find out how to register on the website. Costs and times vary.

Old Economy Village
Aug. 9: Exhibit Opening and Reception—in 1832, one-third of the members of the Harmony Society living at Oekonomie left to follow a new leader. This new exhibit, Out of Harmony: Secession from the Harmony Society, takes a look at the seceders and the impact of their leaving on the group they left behind (more info on the website). The exhibit will be on view through Dec. 31. To register for the opening reception, contact Chloe Thomas at c-chltoma@pa.gov or 724/266-4500 x104. 7-9 pm.
Aug. 11: Picnic in the Garden—bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the beautiful gardens. There will be some tents, tables, and chairs available. Included in regular admission (Buy One-Get One if you bring a picnic basket), so please start at the Visitor Center (more info on Facebook event page). Noon-5 pm.
Aug. 17: Beer Brewing Class, Part 1—brewer Zack Ruskin will teach you how to make beer from scratch, using only water, barley, and wheat. (Part 2 on Aug. 31 will be when you come back to taste the beer you made.) Class size is limited, so please register by August 10 (info on the website). 10 am-4 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
Aug. 11, 18: Special programming—8/11, Living History Theater: "The Runaway Servant"; 8/18, Open Hearth Cooking: "Cook's Choice". Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Aug. 17: All about BATS!—the Pennsylvania Game Commission will present this family-friendly program. Included in regular admission (or membership). 1-2 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Aug. 10: Lecture—Rick Bigelow will present "American Caesar: MacArthur as Viceroy of Japan, 1945-1951," discussing General Douglas MacArthur's role in post-WWII planning for peace in the Pacific. Included in regular admission. 2 pm.

HO scale steam locomotive at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Aug. 17-18: Model Railroading Days—model train layouts from numerous railroading clubs will join the museum's layouts for a weekend of family fun and learning. Included in regular admission. 9 am-5 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of shows.
Aug. 14, 15, 21, 22: Nature Lab and Curiosity Kids programs—a variety of presenters will share their expertise in Nature Lab and lead younger visitors on an exploration of the museum (program details are on the events calendar). Included in regular admission. 11:30 am.
Aug. 9, 16: Summer Fridays—general admission is "pay as you wish" on Fridays, 9 am to 5 pm. Curiosity Connection will have free timed tickets available. Art docents will be on hand in the "Art of the State" exhibit from 11 am to 1 pm. Regular fees apply for planetarium shows. From 12:15 to 12:45 pm, a variety of Learn at Lunchtime programs will be offered (check website for specifics).
Aug. 16: 3rd in the Burg—the "Great Summer Switch" is on the program. Susquehanna Art Museum director of education Tina Sell will lead a tour of the State Museum's Art of the State exhibit at 6 pm. Visitors can then travel up the street to the Susquehanna Art Museum, where PHMC Commissioner and artist Ophelia Chambliss will lead a group through Picasso: A Life in Print at 7:30. Admission is free. The State Museum will be open 5:30-7:30 pm.

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