New Things to See

This month marks the 90th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), part of what became know as The New Deal during the Great Depression. A new temporary exhibit at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum commemorates this event and supplements the CCC section of the museum's core exhibit, Choices and Challenges in Pennsylvania's Forests. Curator Josh Fox notes in a recent issue of the PA Lumber Museum Associates newsletter that Pennsylvania was home to the second CCC camp, ANF-1, which opened on April 24, 1933, in the Allegheny National Forest. Eventually, Fox writes, "Pennsylvania would have 153 CCC camps, second only to California, and almost 200,000 Pennsylvanians would serve as CCC enrollees." The program ended in 1942.

In addition to the permanent exhibit component on CCC, the Lumber Museum is home to a chestnut cabin built by CCC enrollees of the Dyer Farm CCC camp for a state park project and a CCC Legacy bronze statue of a CCC enrollee. Here are a couple of exhibit photos to entice you.

View from the permanent exhibit's CCC section into the temporary exhibit gallery (photo courtesy PA Lumber Museum)

Cases in the temporary exhibit feature artifacts and images donated since the permanent exhibit opened in 2015 (photo courtesy PA Lumber Museum)

Back in February I shared some information about an ice boat donated to the Erie Maritime Museum that was being readied for exhibit. Well, it's ready. Earlier this week, the museum held a reception to open the new exhibit, Snipe...to Black Ice, which refers to the boat's original name and the name it came into the museum with. Worth a visit, I think.

The ice boat is on display on the museum's mezzanine level (photo via Erie Maritime Museum's Facebook page)

Up Next

Saturday, April 29

• Behind the Scenes with the Heirloom Seed Project (in-person); 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).

• 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).

• POSTPONED to May 6 - 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).

• Spring Nature Walk (in-person); 10 am-?; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about historical and modern uses for the wide variety of plant life that grows at Bushy Run. Bring some sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather. Tickets (available at the door) are $5, free for members (Spring Nature Walk info).

• Arbor Day Book Talk (in-person); 1-2 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• In honor of Arbor Day, Dolores Parsil will talk about her book, Lancaster's Good Man: John Piersol McCaskey, A Biography. Among other things, McCaskey organized the first Arbor Day celebration in Pennsylvania in 1884 (Arbor Day book talk info).

Sunday, April 30

• EVENT POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER, but site will be open Noon to 4 pm - A "Sense" of History (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• This living history event features activities to engage all the senses in learning about life in the Tulpehocken in the 18th century. All ages welcome (Sense of History program info).

• Animals at Pennsbury (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Meet the furry, fuzzy, and feathered inhabitants of Pennsbury and discover the important roles their 17th-century counterparts played in daily life. Included in regular admission (Animals at Pennsbury program info).

Tuesday, May 2

• 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 (May 2 Sensory Hours tickets).

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).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Presentation and Book Signing (hybrid); Wednesday, May 10, 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).

• Herb & Garden Faire (in-person); Friday and Saturday, May 12-13, 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).

• 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).

• 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).

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

What's New and Old on the Trails of History?

A display of 18th- and 19th-century farming tools at Daniel Boone Homestead

What's New?

Several new temporary and long-term exhibits opened on the PA Trails of History this past weekend, ready for the 2022 visitation season. The photo above (courtesy of my colleague Janice Mullin) is one element of a new visitor center exhibit at the Daniel Boone Homestead. The exhibit explores the history of Berks County's Oley Valley, the people who lived (and live) there, and the families that made what we call the Daniel Boone Homestead their home.

As I mentioned in last week's post, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum opened their new changing exhibit for 2022, Pennsylvania Germans: Their Lives Through Color. The colorful pieces on display, including textiles, fraktur, ceramics, and furniture, support the notion that Pennsylvania Germans led lives that were not monochrome but were woven with color.

On Sunday, as part of their celebration of Dr. Joseph Priestley's birthday, the Friends of Joseph Priestley unveiled a new temporary exhibit exploring Dr. Priestley's friendship with Benjamin Franklin. The two met in London around 1765 and became long-time friends. Franklin is credited with encouraging Priestley's interest in science, including the study of electricity. The exhibit includes timelines of their lives, showing where they overlapped, as well as excerpts from their letters. During Sunday's festivities, WVIA, the local PBS station, visited the site to conduct interviews and filming to be used as part of a preview screening of Ken Burns's new documentary on Franklin, which will debut in April. The Daily Item posted an article on Saturday that provides a nice overview of Sunday's event and the new exhibit.

What's Old?

As part of its ongoing project to create a baseline survey of older and historic places all across Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), part of PHMC, is reaching out to people who live and work in the following counties: Berks, Bucks, Butler, Carbon, Crawford, Delaware, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Lehigh, Luzerne, McKean, Montgomery, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, and Westmoreland. SHPO is working to find properties that have not previously been included in the Pennsylvania Historic Places Inventory. This includes places of local significance, such as recreational properties, fraternal buildings, industrial resources, African American churches and cemeteries, ethnic communities, and properties that represent local building styles and traditions. Survey teams will be in these counties starting in April and continuing through early 2023. If you know of places that should be considered for inclusion, please submit the information to the Baseline Survey on Survey Monkey or email it to ra-bhpmail@pa.gov. To learn more about the larger baseline survey project visit Baseline Survey Effort, 2020-2024.

Up Next

Today, 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).

Saturday, March 19

• StoryTime (in-person), 10:30-11:30 am, The State Museum of PA
• This month's book is Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess with illustrations by Annabel Tempest; learn about Earth's solar system and make a rocket picture to take home. For kids age 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission; sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (StoryTime info).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person), 2-4 pm, Pennsylvania Military Museum
• Take a tour of the tracked vehicles on the museum grounds and get a look inside some of the crew compartments. Space is limited, and reservations are required; as of Wednesday, there were still some tickets available (Armor tour info and registration).

Sunday, March 20

• Open-Hearth Cooking (in-person), 1-4 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• It's spring, and the cooks will demonstrate some seasonal recipes that would have been prepared for William Penn and his family. Included in regular admission (Open-Hearth Cooking info).

Tuesday, March 22

• Sensory Hours (in-person), 3-5 pm, Railroad Museum of PA
• Light and noise levels will be lowered and the museum will be less crowded. There will also be some quiet spaces for breaks. Pre-registration is required (Sensory Hours info and tickets).

Wednesday, March 23

• Games & Puzzle Challenge (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Test your knowledge and skills with a variety of games and puzzles. Included in regular admission (Challenge info).

Thursday, March 24

• Winter History Class (virtual), 9 am-noon, Ephrata Cloister
• Today's topic is "The Moravians: A Fresh Look at their Origin." If you did not register for the full course, you can attend today's session via Zoom for $10 (History Class info and registration).

• Curiosity Kids (in-person), 11:30 am-12:30 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Learn how artists use line as an element in their work and make your own artwork. For kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so please 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
• Historian and retired pastor Dr. Barry Cressman will present "The Sometimes Unholy Entanglement of Church and Oil. Tickets are $5 (free for members). At 5:30 pm there will be a wine-tasting happy hour for a separate $5 fee. Registration is required (Wisdom & Wine info and registration).

• Virtual Lecture Series, 7 pm, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Abby Baer, executive director of the Demuth Foundation, will present "The Demuths of Lancaster City: Moravians, Merchants, and a Modern Artist," exploring the history of the Demuth family from businessman Christopher Demuth to artist Charles Demuth. The program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Virtual Lecture info and registration).

Friday, March 25

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Nevin Welte from the PA Fish and Boat Commission will talk about freshwater mussels and efforts to improve their populations in PA's rivers and streams. Offered via Zoom; registration is required (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

• Ritchie Boy Secrets (in-person and virtual), 1:30 pm, Pennsylvania Military Museum
• Dr. Beverley Driver Eddy will discuss her book, Ritchie Boy Secrets, which explores the history of the Military Intelligence Training Center in northern Maryland during World War II. The program is presented in cooperation with Penn State's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and will be offered in-person and via Zoom. Registration is required for both. In-person tickets are $20 and include admission to the museum; Zoom tickets are $15 (PMM Lecture info and registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Somerset Historical Center has rescheduled their Pysanky Egg Decorating Workshop to Saturday, April 2. 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).
• 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)
• Tickets are on sale now for Bushy Run Battlefield's Art and Wine with Henry! event on Saturday, April 23. Enjoy some history and view the work of local artists (Art and Wine info and tickets).
• On Wednesday, April 27, Graeme Park will host a lunch and learn program, "Forgotten Heroes - Women and the Fight for the Right to Vote." The program includes continental breakfast, a lecture, and a buffet lunch; tours of the Keith House will be available after lunch. Tickets are $35; reservations are required (Forgotten Heroes info and 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.

Exhibits and Visits and Planning Ahead

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.

These yellow boots are on exhibit at Drake Well Museum & Park (photo via Drake Well Facebook page)

In the process of adding some new elements to their long-term exhibits, the folks at Drake Well Museum & Park developed a temporary exhibit called "Walking the Line: The Role of the Line Walker in the History and Safety of the Natural Gas Industry." The temporary exhibit ties into a new permanent section on pipelines and tells the story of the people employed by gas companies to check gas lines for leaks and damage in all sorts of weather. In addition to the wet-weather boots seen above, there's also a pair of snowshoes that curator Sue Beates presented in our January 2021 Virtual Collections Showcase (you can watch the recording on YouTube).

Landis Valley curator Jennifer Royer hosted redware artist Ned Foltz for a recent tour (photo shared via LVM Facebook page)

While we're on the subject of exhibits, I will note that if you have not yet seen "Thrown, Fired, and Glazed: The Redware Tradition from Pennsylvania and Beyond" at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, you have until the end of December to do so. It's a beautiful exhibit, filled with many forms of historic redware, info on the makers, and items from contemporary redware artisans as well. You have until Jan. 2 to see "Witness to History," "Why Not in Pennsylvania: Campaigning for Women's Suffrage in the Keystone State," and "Art of the State 2021" at The State Museum of Pennsylvania.

Members of the Hazleton Rotary on a recent visit to Eckley Miners' Village (photo shared by Eckley on Facebook)

The thing our sites missed the most about being closed during the height of the pandemic was welcoming visitors. Now that we've been open for a while, we're starting to see group tours again. Some in-person school visits have taken place this fall, and groups of adults have taken the opportunity for field trips, too. As shown above, Eckley Miners' Village recently hosted a visit from members of the Hazleton Rotary, who shared images from their visit on their Facebook page. And the Pennsylvania Military Museum was honored with a visit from members of the Women's Veterans Association of PA (see photo below).

These veterans visited the museum as part of a recent retreat (photo courtesy PA Military Museum and Women's Veterans Assn. of PA)

The Week Ahead

Sunday, Nov. 14

• Artists Conversations Gallery Tour (in-person): PHMC Commissioner and artist Ophelia Chambliss and artist Shelby Wormer will lead an informal tour of The Art of the State 2021; The State Museum of PA; 2-3 pm; included in regular admission (gallery tour info)

Wednesday, Nov. 17

• Explore! (in-person): explore T.M. Fowler's techniques for producing birds-eye views of PA towns; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; for kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission (Explore! info)
• History Speaks Series (virtual): Dr. David Preston will present a program about irregular warfare during the colonial period; Bushy Run Battlefield; 7-8 pm; cost is $10 (History Speaks tickets)

Thursday, Nov. 18

• Curiosity Kids (in-person): examine pottery designes and create your own pinch pot; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; for kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission, sign up at the Ground Floor desk (Curiosity Kids info)
• PA History: Read It, See It (virtual): pay a virtual visit to the PA Lumber Museum and learn about related materials in your local library and the State Library's Rare Book Collection; noon-1 pm; to register, send an email to ra-edmakerspace@pa.gov with your name and title of the program

On Sale Now

• Wreaths & Greens Workshops: Pennsbury Manor will offer this workshop twice on Saturday, Nov. 27, 10 am-noon and 1-3 pm. Make a festive wreath to take home and learn some tips for caring for evergreens in your yard. Cost is $35 ($31.50 for members) and pre-registration is required (Wreath workshop details).
• Candlelight Open House: Ephrata Cloister welcomes you with an evening of art, spinning, and music, Saturday, Nov. 27, 5-8:30 pm; tickets are $7 for age 3 and up; purchase tickets at the door or in advance via Ticketleap (Ephrata Open House tickets online)
• Holly Nights: experience Pennsbury Manor by candlelight Dec. 2 and 3 from 6 to 9 pm; tickets must be purchased in advance by Dec. 1 (Holly Nights info and tickets).
• Gingerbread Cookie Kits: Railroad Museum of PA is accepting orders for train-shaped gingerbread cookies. Choose 12 cookies per box (plain) or 6 cookies per box with vanilla icing bag and sprinkles for $20. Orders must be picked up at the museum on either Dec. 4 (10 am-3 pm), Dec. 10 (4-6 pm), or Dec. 11 (10 am-3 pm). Deadline for orders is Nov. 29 (RMP cookie flyer for details).
• Christmas with the Conductor: kids ages 3 and older will get to board one of the Railroad Museum of PA's historic railroad cars to hear a classic holiday story. Other activities are also part of the program. The program is offered Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 with three storytimes each day. The $10 program fee is in addition to museum admission. Deadline for registrations is Nov. 29, but space is limited and this program usually sells out quickly (Christmas with Conductor info and tickets).
• Ethnic Traditions: Somerset Historical Center will partner with local families for a program on diverse cultural traditions, food, and music on Dec. 5, 5:30-8:30 pm, cost is $20 per person (updates on program/menu and tickets)
• Christmas at the Cloister: Ephrata Cloister presents a program of lessons and carols in the historic Meetinghouse on Dec. 13 and 14, with performances at 6:30 and 8 pm each evening. Tickets available online via Ticketleap (Christmas at the Cloister info and tickets).

#MuseumWeek : Searching for historic engagement

Today's guest blogger is Sean Adkins, PHMC's Information Specialist.

Next week, follow @PHMC on Twitter as we highlight our collections and offer a behind-the-scenes look at exhibits during #MuseumWeek.

A week-long program set to kick off Monday, March 23, #MuseumWeek is a global social media effort that partners thousands of museums with Twitter, encouraging institutions to tweet about their collections while urging the public to share their memories and experiences.

Each day of the week carries a different theme designed to introduce visitors to what goes on behind the scenes at museums, large and small.  Those who log on will not only unearth long-held secrets, but will also learn the stories behind the architecture of each institution.  Visitors are encouraged to share photos and videos of what they like best about their museum.

The themes are broken into seven hashtags including #secretsMW, #souvenirsMW, architectureMW, #inspirationMW, #familyMW, #favMW and #poseMW.

Start the week by going to @PHMC on Twitter.  Look for tweets leading to behind-the-scenes videos that explain how exhibits go from ideas to fleshed-out displays. Watch as volunteers learn how to educate visitors with the help of a recently fabricated period cart.  Catch a clip of renovation experts  revamping the dioramas inside The State Museum's Mammal Hall.

Behind-the-scenes volunteer training, State Museum of PA

On Wednesday, tour The State Museum with PHMC's architectural supervisor and discover the secrets of Midcentury Modern design.  Finish off the week with our five CAP curators as they pose with William Penn.

And don't forget to look for #MuseumWeek tweets from or share your memories of other sites along the Pennsylvania Trails of History. Pennsbury Manor (@PennsburyManor) and Landis Valley (@LandisValley) have signed up, but many others are on Twitter. UPDATE: Washington Crossing Historic Park (@FriendsofWCP) has now registered.

Exhibit installation currently underway, PA Lumber Museum

We have a lot planned for #MuseumWeek, but what we want most is to hear from you.  What secrets of the museum would you like us to reveal?  Share your favorite museum memories and allow us to retweet your experiences.

Leave a comment on the PA Trails of History Facebook page telling us what you'd like to discover about Pennsylvania's history.

March 2015 on the Trails of History

Can spring be far away, now that March is (almost) here? It depends on which weather-forecasting rodent you listen to, but I'm going with Octorara Orphie, who predicted an early spring.

Remember to set your clocks ahead before 2 am on March 8 (assuming that they don't reset themselves, that is) or you'll miss some of the fun on Charter Day (some info listed below, watch for additional info next week).

Anthracite Heritage Museum
March 8: Charter Day —activities include a program of short WWII-era documentary films about anthracite coal and railroad industries (at 2 and 3 pm), the Pennsylvania Trail of History game, and the opening of a new changing exhibit, "We Can Do It: Women in World War II." Margo L. Azzarelli, author of Lackawanna County Chronicles, will be on hand to sign her book. Admission is free and visitors can enjoy a piece of Pennsylvania's birthday cake. Noon-5 pm.
March 15: Lackawanna Audubon Society—Program is “Not Following in the Footsteps of Darwin: the Galapagos Islands,” with Mike Carey. 2:30 pm.

Brandywine Battlefield
March 8: Charter Day—Site will be open noon-4 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
March 21-22: Ohio Country Conference— this annual program explores a variety of historical topics and includes an evening reception and discussion at Bushy Run (full conference program and registration info).

Conrad Weiser Homestead
March 8: Charter Day—the site’s largest living history event of the year, with British and French military units, Native American interpretation, folk art to view and buy, and loads of books. Noon-4 pm.
March 22: Spring lecture—Jack Brubaker will present "Massacre of the Conestogas" at 2 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
March 8: Charter Day—tours of the furnace are free today. Noon-4:30 pm.
March 10: Friends Lecture Series—Bob Donely will talk about “Bethlehem Steel Mining Operations," exploring the local iron ore that was used in steel production. Lectures are held in Freeman Hall auditorium at Cornwall Manor. 7 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
March 8: Charter Day Open House—music and dancing, open hearth cooking, storytelling, textile demonstrations, and much more. Noon-4 pm.
March 22: Women’s History Lecture—Susan Speros, Marcia Houston, and Courtney Stevens will explore the socioeconomic dimensions of 18th-century dance and music in this interactive program (bring your dancing shoes). Light refreshments will be served. Suggested donation, $2; regular admission applies for guided and self-guided tours of the Boone House and historic area. 2 pm.
March 29: Pennsylvania German Easter—children can explore the historic area as they hunt for Easter eggs (please bring a basket), use colonial dyeing methods to color their own Easter eggs, see blacksmithing and other demos, and learn about Pennsylvania German traditions. Admission is $4 for ages 3 and up; light refreshments will be served.

Drake Well Museum
March 8: Charter Day—museum is open free of charge today. UPDATE: Drake Well is collecting toiletries and household cleaning products for Titusville YWCA's St. James House (women and children's shelter). Noon-5 pm.
March 19: Heritage Lecture Series—Mark Ritke will present a program on bluebirds. Admission charged. Doors open at 6:30 pm, lecture starts at 7.
March 28: Something More Saturday—come celebrate Col. Edwin Drake’s 196th birthday by visiting the birthplace of the modern oil industry. Included in regular admission; special family rate of $20 for up to 2 adults and 3 children. 10 am-3 pm (sing happy birthday and have cake at noon).

Eckley Miners’ Village
UPDATE: Eckley is currently closed due to a broken water main. The film program will be rescheduled. March 8: Charter Day film presentation—Greg Matkosky will present his film Up from the Mines, a 90-minute tv documentary produced for WVIA and including footage shot at Eckley. Site is open noon-4 pm for self-guided tours; the film presentation will begin at 2 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
March 1: Museum Store reopens for the season.
March 5, 12, 19, 26 (field trip): Winter History Class—class began in January, but you can still sign up for the remaining sessions or the field trip on March 26.
March 8: Charter Day—demonstrators will share their skills, and the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform in the Saal (meeting house) at 2, 3, and 4 pm. Admission is free. Noon-5 pm.
March 11: Storytime—designed for preschoolers and their adults, the program pairs a story with a related craft or activity. Cost is $6 for an adult and accompanying child (age 3-5), $3 for each additional child; FREE with family-level membership or Ephrata Public Library Museum Pass. 10-11 am.
March 21: Making History Workshop—this month's installment in the series is "Fraktur." Learn how to make your own Fraktur inspired by the art of the 18th-century Ephrata community. Fee charged. 10 am-noon.
March 27-28: Stuffed Animal Sleepover—preschoolers can leave a stuffed animal or doll to have an adventure at the site (adorable photos from last year), then return the next morning (with an adult) to take part in the same activities. Cost is $6 for an adult and one child (age 3-5), $3 for each additional child; FREE for family-level members or with Ephrata Public Library Museum Pass. Drop off is between 3 and 5 pm on 3/27; morning program on 3/28 runs 10 am-noon.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
March 8: Charter Day—the ship is still under winter cover, but it is visible and there’s plenty to see indoors. As a preview of the museum's upcoming traveling exhibit, "Plastic Waters: From the Great Lakes to the Oceans," opening in April, there will be family-friendly activities focused on recycling and how plastics affect the Great Lakes. Admission is free. Noon-4:45 pm.
UPDATE: (How did I miss this?) Murder at the Maritime—this new event is offered in partnership with Mercyhurst University. Registration discounts for Flagship Niagara League members and Mercyhurst Alumni; includes cocktails and hors-d'oeuvres (so you must be 21 or over to attend). More details and registration info.
OR this? March 30: Storytime at the Maritime—the last Monday of each month, the museum presents storytime with a special guest reader. Program is free. 10 am.

Graeme Park
March 8: Charter Day—be sure to take a free tour of the Keith House today or bring the kids for a coloring activity. Noon-4 pm.

Hope Lodge
March 8: Charter Day—the Mansion will be open today free of charge. Noon-4 pm.

Joseph Priestley House
March 8: Charter Day and Dr. Priestley’s Birthday—visit with costumed docents in each room (including the laboratory), watch the Spinners and Weavers Guild at work in the kitchen, and wish Dr. Priestley a happy birthday while he demonstrates the wonders of chemistry in the Pond Building. 1-4 pm (chem demos at 1:30 and 2:30).

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
March 7, 14, 21: Folk Art & Friendship Classes—intro to papercutting (scherenschnitte), tole painting, and scratched eggs are the topics for this month’s classes hosted by the museum store (registration required, details on the website). 1-3 pm.
March 4, 11: Homeschool classes—featured crafts and target age group vary (more information here). 9 am-noon.
March 8: Exhibit opening—Charter Day is the launch point for a new temporary exhibit, “1865: Lancaster County at the Close of the Civil War,” which will be on view through December. Other Charter Day activities include craft demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides (weather permitting), and tours. Noon-5 pm.
March 28: Heirloom Seed Project Grafting Workshop—for anyone who’s wanted to learn how to graft apple varieties, this program is it. For $30, you get instruction, hands-on practice, and scion and rootstock to take home with you. Registration is required by March 15; call 717/569-0401 x204.

Old Economy Village
March 8: Charter Day—Admission is free today, noon-5 pm.
UPDATE: March 11: Gardening Class—"Pruning: Now or Later?" will help you understand what you can prune now and what has to wait. Class is free, but space is limited. Call 724/266-4500 x 102 to RSVP. 7-8 pm.
March 28: Easter Egg Hunt—children 5 and younger will hunt for eggs in the garden, while ages 6-12 explore the village. Baskets will be provided, and light refreshments will be served. Cost is $5 per person, and reservations are required as space is limited.

Pennsbury Manor
March 8: Charter Day—craft demonstrators will be on hand and tours of the Manor House will be offered free of charge. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Pennsbury food drive. 1-4 pm.
March 15: Spring Fever—learn about spring tonics, allergy cures, and other 17th-century medicinal remedies. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
March 22: Beer and Bread Sunday—beer brewing and bread baking were closely related tasks in the the 17th century (think yeast!). The brewers will be making German March beer and the bakers will be turning out some tasty bread. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
March 29: Animals at Pennsbury—come meet some of Pennsbury's animal residents, who are as anxious for spring as the rest of us. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
March 3: Central PA Civil War Roundtable Series—Dr. John Quarstein will present a program entitled "Fall of Fort Fisher, NC: The Gibraltar of the Confederacy." Donation requested. 7 pm.
UPDATE 3/4/15 - cancelled due to weather - March 4: Friends' Richard Koontz Memorial Lecture Series—Michael Bezilla's topic will be "Penn State's Participation in the Great War - World War One." Donation requested. 7:30 pm.
March 7: Military Movie Madness Festival—PMM kicks off the 2015 museum season with a raft of short films from the US Army Signal Corps (details of what and when). Included in museum admission. 10 am-4 pm.
March 8: Charter Day—the Museum will be open free of charge, noon-4 pm.
March 21: Documentary Film—“You Enter Germany: Bloody Huertgen and the Siegfried Line,” a German documentary released in 2007 includes archival footage and interviews with veterans. Donations accepted. 1:30 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
March 7: Read Across America Day—enjoy stories about trains, railroads, and amazing people, places, and things. Children will receive a passport stamp after each story as well as stickers to decorate a suitcase. All activities are included in regular admission, except for "Breakfast with the Conductor," which requires advance reservations (call 717/687-8628 x 3009 to see if spaces are still available. Museum open 9 am-5 pm (check here for story times).
March 8: Charter Day—the museum is open free of charge from noon to 5 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
March 14-15: Sugar in the Mountains, Maple Taste and Tour—experience Somerset County’s maple history and visit the site’s 1860s sugar camp; includes tractor-drawn wagon rides. Event is free, donations accepted. 10 am-4 pm.
March 28: Pysanky Egg Workshop—Jennifer Mudery, who demonstrates her craft at Mountain Craft Days, will teach this beginner course (I've taken it and she's a very patient teacher). You’ll end up with a nice starter kit and an egg to take home. $25 includes all materials ($20 for members). Call 814/445-6077 to register.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
March 6, 13, 20: Storytime in Curiosity Connection—the Winter Reading Series continues, combining books and play for children ages 3-5. Included in general admission. 10 am.
March 8: Charter Day—the original 1681 Charter of Pennsylvania will be on display, and this year's "guest documents" relate to the construction of the State Museum and Archives Complex, which is 50 years old this year. Loads of other activities are on the schedule as well. Admission is free. Noon-5 pm.
March 20: Learn@Lunchtime/3rd in the Burg—Brock Shelley from Commonwealth Connections will be on hand to talk about this year's "South Central PA Scholastic Arts" exhibit. Museum admission is free during the program. 11 am-1:30 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
March 8: Charter Day—a variety of demonstrations are planned throughout the day: chocolate-making, blacksmithing, and Rev War military drills. Tours of the Lower Park and Thompson-Neely House will be offered and (weather permitting) Bowman’s Hill Tower will be open. Admission is free. 10 am-4 pm.
ADDED: March 29: Lecture—Jim Stinson will present "From Hearth to Battlefield: A Look at 18th-century Arms in the Early Years of the American Revolution" (more details on Facebook). Lecture is free. Visitor Center Auditorium. 2 pm.

November 2014 on the Trails of History

Happy Halloween! And goodbye, October. Don't forget that Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am this Sunday, so if you don't reset your clocks, you'll miss an extra hour of sleep. As winter approaches, site schedules see more changes, so it's always best to check ahead. And we have several state holidays in November, so we've provided a handy-dandy summary to help you keep track of who's open and who's not. Please note that these listings will be updated as I get more info.

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Nov. 15: Lecture—David Wenzel (former mayor of Scranton) and museum board member Kate Gibbons will present a program on Scranton-area women in WWI and WWII. AAAAAND there will be an ice cream social! 2 pm.
Nov. 16: Lackawanna Audubon Society—Bill Speare's talk is entitled "Wildlife of Uganda and Kruger National Park." 2:30 pm.

Brandywine Battlefield
Nov. 29: Patriot’s Day—British and Continental troops, civilian reenactors, sutlers, and much more at this annual event commemorating the Battle of Brandywine and its significance to the American Revolution. 10 am-4 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Nov. 2: Fall Lecture—Site is open noon-4 pm; the lecture is at 2 pm.
Nov. 22: Candlelight Tours—this annual program features living history, 18th-century music, and a chance to see the site by night. 6-8:30 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Nov. 2: Boone Birthday Program—celebrate Daniel’s 280th birthday with tours, storytelling, and cake (following Henry Miller's 2 pm presentation). Admission (includes guided tour): $6, age 13+; $4, age 5-12; Members get in free. Noon-4 pm.
Nov. 9: Fall Lecture Series—Zachary Long will present "A Taste of the Eighteenth Century: The Original Farm to Table Cooking." The program will explore the origins of popular Pennsylvania foods, the types of seeds and livestock available, and tools and techniques of cooking. Suggested donation: $2 (regular admission rates apply for self-guided and guided tours of the historic area). 2 pm.
Nov. 16: Fall Lecture Series—Jim Lewars, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, will talk about "Rural Eighteenth-Century Pennsylvania Chairs," drawing on his knowledge of the Daniel Boone Homestead collections and those of the surrounding area (several pieces from Boone are included in Landis Valley's current exhibit, Chairs! Chairs! Chairs!). Suggested donation: $2 (regular admission rates apply for self-guided or guided tours of the historic area). 2 pm.

Drake Well Museum
UPDATED 11/5/14: this event has been postponed until spring.Nov. 13: Heritage Lecture Series—save the date and check back for details. 6:30 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Nov. 8: Tickets for Christmas at the Cloister—as of today, the general public can purchase tickets for this limited-seating event, scheduled for Dec. 8 and 9. Tickets are $6. Call 717/733-6600.
Nov. 12: Storytime—preschoolers (with an adult) enjoy a story and take part in a related activity. Admission is $6 for an adult and one child (age 3-5), $3 for each additional child (free for Family-level members or with Family Museum Pass). 10 am.
Nov. 16: Sunday Conversations—Nick Siegert will discuss the use of technology by members of the Amish community. Program is free, but regular admission rates apply to visit the site. 3-4 pm.
Nov. 22: Making History Workshop—a little DIY, a little conversation, a little history. Make a small cross-stitch embroidery piece based on Sister Petronella's 1768 sampler. Cost is $15, $10 for members. 10 am-noon.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
Nov. 8: Little Mates Kids Club—tour the ship, have lunch with Captain Billy Sabatini, and get a kid-friendly behind-the-scenes peek at the museum. (Info on signing up, including how to join the Little Mates Kids Club.) 11 am.
Nov. 18: Lecture Series—in partnership with S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie, the Museum presents Jerry Skrypzak on "Commercial Fishing on the Great Lakes." Free of charge. 6:30 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum
Nov. 8-9: Living History Program—250th Anniversary of the Return of the Captives, 10 am-5 pm.

Graeme Park
Nov. 29: A Soldier’s Christmas—see how soldiers have celebrated the holidays on the battlefront of different eras. Free admission. This year, Graeme Park will be collecting personal care items to send to servicemembers stationed overseas. Noon-6 pm.

Hope Lodge
Nov. 1-2: Whitemarsh Encampment Reenactment—this long-standing event commemorates the Nov. 2-Dec. 11, 1777, encampment of Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army in the Whitemarsh Hills. Program details and discount coupon. Admission charged - $8 (age 18-59), $5 (age 6-17 & 60+), family rate is $20 per car, free for age 5 and under. 10 am-4 pm, rain or shine.

Joseph Priestley House
Nov. 2: Heritage Day—costumed interpreters will be stationed in the house as you tour, Dr. Priestley will demonstrate chemical principles, and there will be games for children. 1-4 pm (chemistry demos at 1:30 and 2:30).

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Nov. 6: Hands-on History Day—experience seasonal chores, a one-room schoolhouse, hands-on crafts, and wagon rides. $10 per person (ages 5 and under and members are free). 10 am-3 pm.
Nov. 8-9: Landis Valley Museum Store Holiday Open House—shop for locally handmade art, crafts and heirloom-quality gifts and enjoy holiday decorations in the museum store. Store event is free; regular rates apply for museum admission. 9 am-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
Nov. 2: Philadelphia: The Great Experiment—meet executive producer Sam Katz, learn about Pennsbury's role in the making of the Emmy award-winning series, and view installments 6 and 7. Reservations required. 1-3 pm.
Nov. 29: Wreaths & Greens Workshop—make a fragrant evergreen wreath and learn how to prune and care for evergreens in your yard. $35 fee. Choose morning (10 am-noon) or afternoon (1-3 pm) and bring your own clippers. Registration is required.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Nov. 5: Friends’ Richard Koontz Memorial Lecture Series—“The Art of the Military Diorama,” with model maker Mike Siggins. Donation requested. 7:30 pm.
Nov. 8: Kids Day II - Dress Up and Discover!!—Kids of all ages get to try on military uniforms from the museum education collection. Photo ops abound with three backdrops in the museum theatre. Visit the education stations in the galleries for more fun discoveries throughout the day. Parents must remain on-site while their kids participate in the activities. 10:00 am-3:00 pm.
Nov. 22: "GAS! GAS! GAS! - The Terrible Weapon of the Great War"—Dr. Ron Lenox, retired organic chemistry professor and senior scientist at Armstrong World Industries, will talk about chemical warfare in World War I. Admission charged. 1:30 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Nov. 1-2: Trains & Troops—this annual program salutes our armed forces and explores the role of the military in railroad history (and vice versa). A Swing Dance Saturday night (separate or combo ticket) lets you enjoy big band music, refreshments, and swing, swing, swing. Program details. Sat., 9 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-5 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Nov. 2: Exhibit opening—"UnCommon Modern: A Pennsylvania Glossary of Midcentury Architecture" features a series of 40 color photographs by photojournalist Betsy Manning. Manning and exhibit curator William Whitaker, of the Architectural Archives of the Univ. of Penn., will be on hand to discuss the exhibit with visitors (more info about the exhibit). The exhibit will run through April 26, 2015. Museum admission is free today. 2 pm.
Nov. 8: Annual Workshops in Archaeology—this year's focus is climate change and its impact on cultural resources. Contact Janet Johnson by Nov. 4 for a brochure (you can see part of it on Facebook).
Nov. 8: Exhibit opening—the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society presents their 35th Annual International Juried Exhibition, which will run through Feb. 8. On Nov. 14, Karen Frattali, vice president of the society, will demonstrate watercolor painting in Village Square from noon to 1:30 pm (museum admission will be free from 11 am to 1:30 pm that day).
Nov. 21: Hidden Treasures 3—a scavenger hunt for grown-ups, with food, live music, and adult beverages. Details and link to buy tickets online (online sales close Nov. 18). $30 per person, $55 per couple. 7-9 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Nov. 16: Afternoon Concert Series—this month's offering is 18th-century opera. Please check back for more details. UPDATE: Graduate students from Westminster Choir College will perform. 2 pm. 11/10/14: Unfortunately this event has been cancelled. There will be a concert in December!
Nov. 23: Historical Lecture—Paul Nagy will discuss "Spies in the Continental Capital." 1 pm. UPDATE: the lecture will now take place at 2 pm.

A Mid-Winter Roundup on the Trails of History

Sunset, Pennsbury Manor, February 2014 from Facebook

A full list of February events was posted a few weeks ago, and I’ve updated it as best I could.

In other news…

Tomorrow is Museum Curator Appreciation Day, so you have just enough time to buy a card for that special curator in your life. Seriously, I want to send out a hearty “thank you” to my curator colleagues on the Trails of History. You know who you are.

Old Economy Village has been feeling the media love. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Len Barcousky quoted from an account of the Harmonist community written by Sarah Jane Clarke in 1847 and from the announcement of the death of founder George Rapp shortly thereafter. And Bobby Cherry reported on the Rapp Houses Restoration project for Trib Total Media, including photos of the ongoing work.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, is the deadline to register for the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s “Breakfast with the Conductor and Catcher” (Catcher is the museum’s mascot) on March 8. The breakfast kicks off “Read Across America Day” at the museum. Prepaid reservations are required for breakfast, but not for the rest of the program, which is included in regular admission.

Blog roundup: You may be interested to read recent posts about winter at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Student Historians at Ephrata Cloister, or the aforementioned Rapp Houses project at Old Economy Village.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum is one of the contributing partners to a new community art exhibit at Scranton’s Everhart Museum. The exhibit, “WWII on the Homefront,” includes collages developed by area historical organizations and others incorporating letters, photos, advertising, etc. documenting life in Scranton during the war.

Drake Well Museum posted photos from the Historic Pithole Sledding Party on Feb. 8, so I’ll leave you with a sample (you can find the rest on their Facebook page.)

Sledding Party at Pithole from Facebook

Enjoy your weekend!

A Busy Week

It’s been a busy week here at Trailheads HQ, and I’ve barely had time to think about this week’s post. But the folks out on the Trails of History have been way busier than I have, so I’m just going to point you in their direction and let you see for yourself.

Mid-August usually means that the summer interns are wrapping up their projects and heading back to school. We had quite a few excellent interns, who have worked with the public, learned about taking care of museum collections, developed exhibits, and much more. Interns at Ephrata Cloister, Pennsbury Manor, Pennsylvania State Archives, and the State Historic Preservation Office all took to the blogosphere to share their experiences. We hope to have some follow-up on the interns’ exhibit project at Old Economy Village in the weeks ahead. Thank you to all of our summer interns and to the staff who served as mentors these past few months.

Eagles fans enjoying a day at Daniel Boone Homestead (photo by Janice Mullin)

Daniel Boone Homestead has been sharing photos on Facebook from their “Battles at Boone” event last weekend. You can read about the event here or watch a short video here, courtesy of the Reading Eagle.

The folks at the Anthracite Heritage Museumrecently shared a link to information on the launch of a postage stamp honoring coal miners, part of the US Postal Service’s new “Made in America: Building a Nation” series. The Museum’s exhibits, tours, and programs, as well as those at Eckley Miners’ Village, also honor and preserve the legacy of coal miners, their families, and the communities they built.

Want to see Flagship Niagara docked in Chicago for a tall ships event? Go here (Niagara is photo #2). You can also read about some of the crew here.

Pennsylvania Military Museum has posted video of their recent "Boot Camp for Kids" program. I'm exhausted just looking at it.

Interior view of new visitor center space (photo by Jeff Bliemeister)

Work continues on the expanded visitor center at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, and we are beginning to think ahead to the opening of the new building. We’re hard at work on the details for a long-term exhibit in the new gallery space that will look at the history of the lumber industry, changing perspectives on the forest, the conservation movement, and contemporary forest management practices.

Picture This!

Do you enjoy taking photographs? Sure, who doesn't? But have you been feeling lately that there must be more to life than posting pix of yourself (and/or your kid and/or your cat and/or your hobbies) on Facebook?

Now, thanks to two sites on the Trails of History, there is more.


Eckley in Winter
PHMC/Eckley Miners' Village, photo by Chris Deemer

Starting on Sept. 20, photographers are invited to enjoy and capture the beauty of fall foliage at Eckley Miners' Village. (Yes, I know the photo above isn't fall foliage but it's one of my favorite shots of the village.) Please register at the visitor center during regular business hours (Monday-Saturday, 9-5, and Sunday, noon-5). You'll be asked to pay $5 per day (which is a bargain) and then you're free to roam (please remember that some of the houses in the village still have people living in them).

Entries will be accepted through December 1st and must be printed for submission. The winner will receive a $25 cash prize, a certificate, and a complimentary one-year membership in the Eckley Miners' Village Associates.

J Tower (originally located in Lemoyne, PA, now in Strasburg)
PHMC/Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, photo by Ryan C. Kunkle

Those of you who love to take photos of railroad people, places, or equipment will have a chance to show off your work through the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's photo contest. Entrants can submit up to three photos (shots taken in 2012 in Pennsylvania, please). A panel of judges will select a youth division and adult division winner in each category (people, places, equipment) to receive a $100 cash prize. All entries will be included in the Museum's 2013 changing exhibit (opening in the spring) either as a framed print or as part of a video slide show. (Go here for details about the contest.) Entries will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2013.

So get out there and start snapping (see kids, in the old days, we called them snapshots--you can look it up on the google).

More Exhibit News

But first, here’s a little video of a fashion designer’s photo shoot that included venues in Philadelphia and, more importantly, on the PA Trails of History. Ephrata Cloister appears not quite midway through, followed by Landis Valley.



I kept expecting the faux-Amish people, who look pretty sinister, to start chanting menacingly (those models won’t be able to run very well in their stiletto heels if the pitchforks come out). But I think our sites look beautiful (and some of the clothes aren’t bad either).

So, anyway.

Last month we brought you a sneak peek at a new exhibit installation at Old Economy Village. Well, the exhibit opened this week and it will be up at least through next June. “Faces and Places” makes full use of the museum’s extensive photographic archives, showing images from the 1870s to the 1910s. There are also photos from the 1960s restoration of the site and a model that helps put the photos into 3 dimensions.

Curator Sarah Buffington told me that they’ve also put some of the photos on Historypin.com, so I ventured onto the information superhighway to check it out. You can too (click here). If you visit Old Economy (in person) and have a smartphone with the Historypin app downloaded, you can find a historical image and add your own photo of what the same scene looks like now. I can’t wait to try it myself sometime in the coming year. I’d love to see comments to this post from people who’ve used Historypin. I’m in the metaphorical slow lane, but I’m getting there.

Way back in April (yikes!), I had the chance to visit the new exhibit at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum (and before you ask, no, I was not one of the models in the photo shoot, but I can understand your confusion). “The Golden Age of an American Art Form: the Lancaster Long Rifle” draws on the museum’s collection as well as those of other institutions and private individuals.

The exhibit is designed to make the firearms viewable from many angles, allowing viewers to soak in the details. (Pardon the less-than-optimal quality of my photos - you really should see the exhibit for yourself if you can.)

Exhibit cases and panels on the surrounding walls provide historical context and documentation, as well as showcasing gun makers’ tools and related equipage.

I’ve never been all that interested in firearms in and of themselves, so the historical context and supporting information really helped me to understand and appreciate the stars of the show. A copy of the exhibit catalogue, with gorgeous color photos keyed to the firearms cases is available in the exhibit for those who want more details (you can purchase your very own copy at the Weathervane Museum Store).

One of the exhibit panels directs visitors to the recreated gun shop on the grounds, helping very nicely to tie this temporary exhibit (which runs through December) to the more permanent displays. On July 21 and 22, Landis Valley will offer “Lancaster Long Rifle: Lock, Stock, and Barrel,” featuring the guest curators and other knowledgeable folks to talk about the exhibit and the history of the long rifle (more info here).

July's Packed

So much to do in July. Most Trails of History sites are open on July 4, but not all of them. As we like to say, please check ahead to make sure that the site you want to visit will be open when you plan to be there.

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
July 9-Aug. 19: “Ice Age Mammals”—Anthracite Heritage Museum exhibit of wood carvings by artist Gene Moyer.
July 14-Oct. 27: South Side Farmers’ Market—Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Scranton Iron Furnaces, offered in partnership with the Elm Street Revitalization Project.
July 17-20: Exploring Pennsylvania: The Keystone State—Anthracite Heritage Museum summer day camp for kids ages 7-12. Fee charged and registration is required; call the museum at 570/963-4804 for details.

Brandywine Battlefield
July 22: Historic Scavenger Hunt—children ages 9 to 14 (and their accompanying adults) learn about local history by exploring artifacts and historic places; part of a series sponsored by the Phyllis Recca Foundation, this program benefits Brandywine Battlefield. Go here for details.

Bushy Run Battlefield
July 8: Annual 5K Trail Run/Walk—Bushy Run is the site for this annual event benefitting the Penn-Trafford Area Recreation Commission (PTARC); go here for info.
July 22: 2nd Annual Classic Car Cruise—included in regular museum admission; proceeds benefit the Save Bushy Run Endowment.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
July 1: “A Patriotic Celebration”—this annual event honoring all military veterans features a concert by the Ringgold Band (formed in 1852, one of the oldest community bands in the U.S.). Admission and parking are free, contributions are gratefully accepted. Womelsdorf Fire Company will have food for sale starting at noon and the concert starts at 1:30; please bring your own chairs or picnic blankets.
July 8: Weiser Interpretive Sunday—enjoy a summer afternoon at the homestead learning about life in the Tulpehocken.

Daniel Boone Homestead
July 4: Independence Day Program and 1st Pennsylvania Regiment Flintlock Shoot—learn about the different kinds of military troops that fought the American Revolution, drill with the local militia, tour the Boone house, watch blacksmith demonstrations, and more. Light refreshments will be available, but you can also bring a picnic. Admission is $4 for ages 4-12, $6 for anyone 13 and older.
July 8, 15, 22, 29: Interpretive Sundays—spend summer Sunday afternoons learning about 18th-century crafts, trades, and activities. Included in regular admission.
July 17-19: History Day Camp—participants will learn about the kinds of things Daniel Boone did as a child growing up in the Oley Valley. Camp is designed for kids entering grades 3-6; space is limited and pre-registration is required.
July 25: Junior History Workshop—Camp Cooking is the focus as kids entering grades 3-6 learn how Daniel Boone would have cooked in the wilderness; space is limited and pre-registration is required. You can download a registration brochure for History Day Camp and Junior History Workshop here.

Drake Well Museum
July 7: Tours at Historic Pithole City-Guides will be available from 10 a.m to 3 p.m., and the museum will be open. This is a rare opportunity. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for youths 3-11.
July 28: Blacksmith Demonstrations—monthly demonstrations take place the last Saturday of the month through October. Included in regular admission.

Eckley Miners’ Village
July 14-15: Armed Forces Tribute Weekend—celebrate veterans from the Civil War to the present day with local fraternal organizations, active duty service men and women, and living history reenactors. A swing-era USO Dance will be held off-site the evening of July 13. For more information, go here.

Fort Pitt Museum
July 14: Revolution at the Fort—explore Pittsburgh’s role in the American Revolution as you raise a liberty pole in Point State Park, drill with the local militia, and help design a historic flag.

Graeme Park
July 21: 16th Annual Celtic Heritage Festival—music, food, vendors, bagpipes and more to celebrate the Keith, Graeme, and Fergusson heritage of the site. For photos of previous festivals and updates on the entertainment schedule, go here.

Joseph Priestley House
July 25-27: History Camp—designed for elementary age students, this program takes place in the morning; check the website for registration info.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
July 10-13: Summer Sampler Camp—geared for ages 5 to 11, this camp will explore various holidays through crafts, games, and food. Go here for details.
July 17-20: Historic Trades Summer Camp—this week is geared for kids 11 and older and will focus on woodworking skills. Details are here.
July 21-22: Lancaster Long Rifle: Lock, Stock, and Barrel—panel discussions, seminars, and more related to Landis Valley’s current exhibit (on view through December). Info is here if you’re interested in attending.
July 28-29: Civil War Days—the site is transformed into a rural Pennsylvania village in 1863, with reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians.

Old Economy Village
July 7: Antique Car Show—pre-war antique cars will be on display around the village, along with food, games, entertainment, and artisans. Free admission. You can register your car by calling 724/266-4500 x 114.
July 21: Living History Day—reenactors and historical interpreters will help bring the village to life. Included in regular museum admission; start at the Visitor Center to purchase tickets.

Peace Church
July 29: Rediscovering Peace Church—program starts at 3 p.m.

Pennsbury Manor
July 1: Historic Trades—the blacksmith and the joyner will be demonstrating their skills with iron and wood.
July 8: Living History Theater—“The Request” explores slavery in 17th-century Pennsylvania through the story of Jack and Parthenia.
July 9-13 and 16-20: Colonial Camp—each week-long camp provides hands-on learning as students explore life in the 17th century. Camp is open to children who have completed 1st through 6th grade.
July 15: Open Hearth Cooking—although winter seems a long way away, the cooks will be starting to preserve some of the summer bounty for use during the cold weather that will surely come.
July 22: Garden Highlights—spend some time in the kitchen garden and see what the gardeners are up to (they’ll even let you help).
July 29: Animals at Pennsbury—meet the various animal residents of Pennsbury and learn about their ancestors.

Pennsylvania Civil War 150 Road Show
June 30-July 8: Kutztown, Berks County—hosted by Kutztown Folk Fest and Historical Society of Berks County
July 12-15: State College, Centre County—hosted by Centre County Historical Society
July 20-22: Harrisburg, Dauphin County—hosted by State Museum of PA at the Capitol Complex
July 30-Aug. 4: Pottsville, Schuylkill County—hosted by Schuylkill County Historical Society at the Schuylkill County Fair

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
July 7-8: 38th Annual Bark Peelers’ Convention—this hugely popular event recreates the 4th of July celebrations of Pennsylvania’s early 20th-century lumber camp workers and “woodhicks.” For more info and event schedule, go here. For photos from previous years, go here.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Sundays in July: “Gone West: A History Tour of the 28th Division Shrine”—museum staff will conduct walking tours of the 28th Division Shrine at 5:15 on Sunday evenings (through August 19). Explore the evolution of the site from training ground to officers club to memorial, and view vintage film footage in the museum auditorium immediately following the tour. Donation requested. (Go here for a news article about the tour.)
July 6: Registration deadline for Boot Camp for Kids—camp takes place August 4 and is open to boys and girls ages 8 to 13; go here for details and registration info.
July 10: “Creating Victory at Forts Henry and Donelson: General Grant, Flag Officer Foote, and the Western River Navy”—Bruce Apgar, Cmdr, USNavy, will explore Civil War events on the western front in February 1862; presented by the Central Pennsylvania Civil War Roundtable.
July 12-15: 20th Annual People’s Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Arts—celebration of arts and artisans held on the museum grounds (go here for details); parking fee charged.
July 21-22: “VIETNAM Revisited”—living historians portray American combat and support troops “in country” in the late 1960s; visitors have the opportunity to accompany squads on short range patrols (closed shoes and long pants recommended if you plan to participate in these demos).
July 28: Annual State College Last Cruise—antique, classic and hot rod car show on the museum grounds benefits Centre County Youth Service Bureau; go here for details. Parking fee charged.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
July 3-8: Reading Railroad Days—offered in conjunction with the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society, this program features an enormous HO-scale model railroad and highlights Reading Company rolling stock in the Museum’s collection. Included in regular museum admission, go here for more info.
July 14: Three Authors and an Artist—a Civil War-themed event featuring authors Herbert H. Harwood, Jr. (The Railroad that Never Was), Diana Harris (Reflections of a Civil War Locomotive Engineer), and Scott Mingus, Sr. (Flames Beyond Gettysburg). Artist Bradley Schmehl will sign reproductions of his painting, Columbia Bridge Burning. You can view the museum’s exhibit on railroads in the Civil War while you’re there. Included in regular museum admission; details and schedule here.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Fridays in July: Learn at Lunchtime—admission is free every Friday between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; free docent tours at 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m. (continues through Aug. 31).
July 15: last day for exhibit, “Art is an Entrée, Not a Dessert.”
July 18, 19, 20: Fossil Day Camps—a one-day camp for kids ages 9-12 is offered on three consecutive mornings; reservations can be made by calling 717/771-6997.
July 25, 26, 27: Archeology/Native American Camps—another one-day camp offered three times, this one for kids 7 to 10 years old; call 717/771-6997 for reservations.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
NOW: Casting Call for the next Commander in Chief for the Christmas Crossing--the Friends of Washington Crossing Park have begun the search for the next person to portray Gen. George Washington for park events. If you think you have what it takes, email info@washingtoncrossingpark.org for details and an application.
July 4: Celebrating American Independence—Glover’s 14th Continental Regiment will be on hand to provide a window into the past; there will also be readings of the Declaration of Independence several times throughout the day on the steps of McKonkey’s Ferry Inn. Admission is $8.