On the Trails of History, Dec. 13, 2019 to Jan. 2, 2020

All sites on the Trails of History will be closed on Dec. 25 (except for Washington Crossing Historic Park) and Jan. 1. Please be aware that some sites may also adjust schedules on the days before or after the actual holiday. Some additional seasonal closures kick in during December, as well, and winter weather can be a factor. You may want to check ahead just to be sure. Better safe than sorry, as they say.

Hope Lodge will offer tours this Saturday while the mansion is decorated for Christmas; see listing below for details (photo via Facebook)

Drake Well Museum
Dec. 28: Something More Saturday—enjoy family-friendly activities and learning added to the museum's regular offerings – today’s focus is “Hands-on Oil Labs.” Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Dec. 26-29: Lantern Tours—explore Ephrata's immigration history with help from Student Historians and theatrical presentations throughout the grounds. Tours leave from the visitor center every half hour from 6:30 to 8 pm. Admission: $10 (adults), $9 (seniors), $7 (students), $5 (children); members receive a discount. Reservations are required and tickets do sell out; call 717/733-6600 to reserve your spot.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on programs and schedules.

Hope Lodge
Dec. 14: Christmas Tours—guided tours of the mansion will be offered at 11:30 am, 1 and 2:30 pm. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served. Regular site admission applies. Site open 10 am-4 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Dec. 13: Holiday at Landis Valley Bonfire—caroling, a blazing bonfire, wagon rides, hot cider and cookies (details). And it’s free—Landis Valley’s gift to the community. Return the favor by bringing non-perishable food items to donate to the Lancaster Food Bank. 6-8:30 pm.
Dec. 14: Days of the Belsnickel—enjoy lunch along with holiday shopping, storytellers, dancing, and a visit with the Belsnickel (a PA German tradition). Reservations are required and can be made online, via email, or by phone (lunch details).
Dec. 15: Redware exhibit closes—today is the last day to enjoy Part 1 of Thrown, Fired, and Glazed. The exhibit will reopen on March 8, 2020, with a new selection of redware objects and information about Pennsylvania potters. Included in regular admission.
Dec. 27: Winter Day Camp—explore favorite holiday songs and literature with a fun-filled morning of activities (more info on the website. $35 per child, $30 per child for LVA members. Registration is required, and space is limited; call the museum's education department at 717/569-0401 x208. 8:30 am-12:30 pm.

Old Economy Village
Dec. 13 and 18: Home School Children’s Tours—families with young children (preschool through 3rd grade) are invited to enjoy a tour, craft activities, and a visit with Belsnickel (a PA German tradition). Cost is $5 per person. Registration is required by Dec. 6 – contact David Miller, davmiller@pa.gov or 724/266-4500 x110. 1-2:30 pm.
Dec. 14: Meet Belsnickel—if you’re not familiar with this PA German tradition, he’s much more grumpy than Santa. Visit with him anyway and enjoy seasonal crafts and brunch. Cost is $5 per person. Reservations are preferred – contact Chloe Thomas, c-chlthoma@pa.gov or 724/266-4500, x104. 11 am-1 pm.
Dec. 17: Holiday Concert—lyric baritone David Hodge will present a program of holiday music, accompanied by David Crisci and the Reverend Rodney Smith. Cost is $15 per person, and reservations are required (more info on the website). 6-9 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Dec. 14: Santa in the Shay—St. Nick will forgo his sleigh in favor of a geared locomotive as he listens to children's requests. Take a photo with Santa, make a simple ornament, browse unique gifts from local artisans and the museum store, and eat cookies (check website for details). Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids; includes all activities plus the museum’s award-winning exhibit in the visitor center. Noon-3pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Dec. 14: Home for the Holidays—costumed railroaders and passengers representing the past century bring historic rail travel to life. Kids can visit with Santa or work with a telegrapher to send a Christmas telegram to the North Pole. Holiday music, refreshments (while supplies last), and shopping are part of the day too (lots more details). Included in regular admission. (There is an additional charge to attend “Christmas with the Conductor” parties; see program flyer for registration info). 9 am-5 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the planetarium webpage for info on shows and schedules.
Dec. 13: Learn at Lunchtime—learn more about the museum’s latest exhibit, Picturing a More Perfect Union: Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies for the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber, 1911-1919 (on view through April 26, 2020). Today’s event is a tour (included in regular admission) of the exhibit with curators Dr. Curt Miner and Amy Hammond (read more here). 12:15-12:45 pm.
Dec. 19: Curiosity Kids—children ages 3 to 6 (and their grown-ups) are invited to the Village Square for "An Old Fashioned Christmas." Included in general admission, but space is limited, so be sure to sign up at the admissions desk when you arrive. 11:30 am.
Dec. 30: Noon Year’s Celebration—the museum will have special Monday hours to ring in 2020 a little early. Check the website for all the details, including admission rates and timed tickets for the Planetarium and Curiosity Connection. 10 am-2 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the WCHP events page for details on the annual crossing and other events.

The Pennsylvania Trails of History, May 31-June 13

The Ring of Fire (shown here at 2012 event) will be part of the Arts on Fire Festival (via Facebook)

Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
May 31: Charity Cask for a Cause—as is their habit on the last Friday of every month, Cooper's Seafood will be tapping a firkin (small keg/about 10 gallons) of real ale for a special charity happy hour. This month, the beneficiary is the Anthracite Heritage Museum & Scranton Iron Furnaces. Raffles and other fun will benefit the museum and its programs. The firkin is tapped promptly at 5 pm; event ends at 8 (or sooner).
June 7-9: Arts on Fire Festival—this popular annual event returns to the Scranton Iron Furnaces. From the Friday evening fundraiser to the free admission events with art, music, food trucks and more, this is a must-see festival (more details on the Facebook event page). ADDED sign up for immersive industrial arts workshops offered on June 9 at the event (more info with links on Facebook page).

Brandywine Battlefield
June 8: Georgius Rex Day—celebrate the birthday of King George III and learn about all things British in pre-Revolutionary Pennsylvania. Admission charged. Noon-4 pm.
June 9: Kid's Day—enjoy family-friendly activities on a Sunday afternoon. Admission charged for adults, but kids get in free. Noon-4 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
June 1: Bushy Run Ghost Tour—Bushy Run tour guides and members of a visiting paranormal group will work in teams to guide visitors on a night-time tour of the battlefield (more info on Facebook event page). Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children age 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult). No advance reservations required. 9 pm-3 am.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
June 1: Summer Hours Begin—during the summer, the site is open Wednesdays 10 am-4 pm, Saturdays 10 am-4 pm, and Sundays noon-4 pm. Guided tours will be available most days.
June 2: Colonial Craft Day and Forest Diplomacy—craft demonstrators will share the historical context, materials, and equipment of a variety of mid- to late-18th-century trades. Some demonstrators will also have items for sale. 11 am-4 pm. At 2 pm, there will be a presentation of an Edge of the Woods ceremony, an important part of 18th-century diplomacy among Native American nations and between Native Americans and Europeans.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
June 11: Annual Dinner and Lecture—Dinner and program will be held at The Timbers in Mt. Gretna. Patrick Donmoyer will present "Powwowing in Pennsylvania," exploring traditional ritual healing practices. Tickets are $35 per person (more info, including how to make reservations (deadline is June 1), on website). 6:30 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
June 1: National Trails Day—the Titusville Area Trails Association will offer trail-themed, family-friendly activities and guided hikes based at the Jersey Bridge Trailhead at Drake Well Museum and Park (more info on Facebook). 10 am-3 pm.
June 8: Wildcatter Festival—help kick off the summer season at Historic Pithole City, the remains of a 19th-century oil boomtown (Pithole's visitor center is open weekends June-August). Planned activities include food, guided tours, living history demonstrations, and live music (please check website for directions). Admission will be charged. 10 am-4 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
June 1: Mariner’s Ball—enjoy live entertainment, silent and live auctions, food and drink, and fireworks. Visit the website for details on purchasing tickets (must be at least 21 years old to attend).

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt website for information on programs and events.

Graeme Park
June 2: Antiques Appraisal with Locati, LLC—an appraiser from Locati, LLC (based in Maple Glen) will give a brief talk on the antiques market and then provide an assessment of items brought by attendees (details on website). Tickets are available on Eventbrite. 3-5 pm.

Hope Lodge
June 1: Ales and Petals/Cars and Motorcycles of England—two events in one! Set up your lawn chairs and picnic blankets in the gardens to enjoy food; live music; tastings of craft beers, wines and ciders (age 21 and older with valid ID); and classic British automobiles. This event will also feature tours of the mansion. 10 am-4 pm.
June 5: Ambler Symphony Concert—bring a chair or blanket, a picnic dinner or snack, and enjoy beautiful music on the lawn. Concert and parking are free, donations are accepted. 7-8 pm (rain date is June 12).
June 9: Site open—each Sunday through October, Hope Lodge is open for tours. Admission is charged. Site is open 1-4 pm with guided tours at 1:00 and 2:30.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
June 6: History Program—this day-long program will explore the life of African American inventor, machinist, and spiritual leader William Chester Ruth and place it in the context of Lancaster and Chester County history. Attendees will also view examples of Ruth's work in the Landis Valley collection. This is a free program (thanks to a grant from the H.F. Lenfest Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation), but registration is required (program flyer has details). A light lunch will be provided. (Read more in this article from Lancaster Online.) 10 am-2:30 pm.

Old Economy Village
June 2: Wedding Showcase—a wide variety of wedding vendors (including bakeries) will be on hand for this event. It's also a chance to see how the event spaces at OEV can be set up. Admission is free. Check out the Facebook event page for list of vendors and contact info for registration. 1-4 pm.
June 8: Broom-making Class—make a broom using traditional methods and antique equipment. Class is free, but space is limited (registration info). 10 am-4 pm.
June 8: Presentation—Steve Mihaly will present "Marketing the Presidency" and display pieces from his collection of campaign memorabilia, focusing on western PA (more info on website). 5:30-6:30 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
June 1: Monthly Book Club—this month's book is Paul Revere & the World He Lived In by Esther Forbes (published in 1942 and awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1943). Pennsbury's book club meets the first Saturday of every month (website has more info on how to sign up). 10-11 am.
June 2 and 9: Special Programming—June 2, Historic Trades Day—the blacksmith and the joyner will demonstrate the skills needed to make equipment for the estate; June 9, Living History Theater—“The Funeral of Phineas Pemberton.” Sunday programs included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
June 8: Conversations in History—the topic this month is "The Dark Night," exploring how changes in lighting changed our lives (more info on the website). 10-11 am.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
June 8: Youth and Family Field Day—this event is sponsored by the Black Forest Sportsman's Club and is geared for students between the ages of 10 and 16, accompanied by an adult. Qualified instructors will teach a variety of outdoor skills (more info on the museum website). Lunch and equipment will be provided. The event is free, but YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER by JUNE 6 (form and instructions).

Pennsylvania Military Museum
June 1-2, 8-9: Guided Tours—on weekends, the 1 pm guided tour is included in regular admission (normally an additional charge).
June 1: Exploring the Armor—a special guided tour of the tracked vehicles displayed on the museum grounds, including a chance to look inside the crew compartments. Cost is $15 ($5 for Friends of the PA Military Museum). Participation is limited, and the tour does sell out, so act fast by using the online registration form. 2 pm.
June 2: Friends’ Lecture Series—speaker is Rep. Sam Hayes Jr., presenting "General Westmoreland Saved My Life". Donations encouraged. 2-3 pm.

Pennsylvania State Archives
June 11 and 26: Archives Without Tears—this popular workshop presented by State Archives staff will be offered twice this summer - at Bradford County Historical Society on June 11 and at The Hershey Story Museum on June 26. Details about the workshop agenda and instructions for registering with the host organizations are available via the PA Museums website.

Somerset Historical Center
June 2: Photo contest—entries from non-members of the Laurel Highlands Photography Club will be accepted today between noon and 3 pm (rules page 1 and rules page 2 on LHPC's Facebook page). Entries will be on exhibit at SHC June 12-30 during regular hours.
June 7: First Friday Food Fest—come down and enjoy a casual dinner, selected from a variety of local food trucks and vendors (details on Facebook event page). There will be live music and tractor-drawn hay rides. This is a new event that will take place the first Friday of July and August as well. Admission is free; $2 per vehicle for parking. 5-8 pm.
June 8: Family Fun 5K Run/Walk—SHC has a groomed trail that runs through woods and meadows, circling back around to the main site; once around is 5K (but you can take more than one lap). There's no admission charge, and maps are available. This event will also be offered the first Saturday of July and August. 8 am-noon.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please check the website for schedule and descriptions of planetarium shows.
June 4: Documentary Preview—see a preview of a new documentary series, "College Behind Bars," by Peabody Award winner Lynn Novick. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion, emceed by WITF's Scott LaMar, on the role of education in Pennsylvania's prisons (details and panelists on the website). The program is free, but reservations are required (link to contact WITF to RSVP). June 7: StoryTime—this month's book is What a Treasure by Jane and Will Hillenbrand. Listen to the story and play a game to dig for treasure. This program is designed for ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Included in regular admission. 10:30 am.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing Historic Park events page for info on events and programs.

On the Pennsylvania Trails of History, May 3-16

The full May program page is now available, with info on Memorial Day schedules and events through the end of the month.

PHMC Volunteer of the Year Honorees for Service in 2018, along with PHMC Executive Director, Commissioners, and Site Administrators, April 27, 2019. Read more about our honorees in last week's post (photo by Don Giles)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
May 4: Spring Tea—this year's event is a celebration of the ethnic cultures of the Scranton region and the impact of immigration on the region's past, present, and future. Cost is $20 and includes the program, tea, savory sandwiches, and ethnic confections. Adults and youth ages 12 and up are invited. Deadline for reservations is May 1 (more info on the Facebook event page). 1-4 pm.

Brandywine Battlefield Park
May 11: Encampment Day—learn about the lives of Continental soldiers during the American Revolution (more info on website). Admission charged. Noon-4 pm.
May 12: Kid's Day—enjoy an afternoon of family fun. Kids get in free (regular admission for adults). Noon-4 pm.

Imagine yourself on this trail when you attend the Spring Nature Walk at Bushy Run Battlefield (via Facebook)

Bushy Run Battlefield
May 4: Book Tour and Signing—author Jason Cherry will be at the site to discuss and sign copies of his new book, Pittsburgh's Lost Outpost: Captain Trent's Fort. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and there will be light refreshments (more info on Facebook event page). 10 am-noon.
May 11: Spring Nature Walk—this annual event takes participants on an exploration of the woods and fields around the site; cost is $5, free for members of Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society. No registration required; wear sturdy, water-resistant walking or hiking shoes and dress for the weather. 10 am.
May 15: History Speaks Series—stay tuned for updates on topics, speakers, and future programs. 7 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
May 4: Artisans in the Park—a wide variety of artists (including food artisans!) will be on site (detailed lists on the event website). Admission is free, and the event is rain or shine. 9 am-4 pm.
May 5: Living History Sunday—Carol Lash, author of a new book, Magdalena, will be having a reading of her book at 1:30 and 2:30 pm. Stone House History will be on site, there will be a shoemaking demo, and Darius Puff will be talking Native Culture. Admission is free. Noon-4 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
May 14: Friends Lecture Series—historian Irwin Richman, research associate at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, will present "Founding Gardeners," a look at gardening and botany in early America (more info). Admission is free (donations are welcome). Lectures are held in Freeman Hall Auditorium at Cornwall Manor Retirement Community. 7 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
May 11: French and Indian War Militia Drill and Instruction—learn about soldier life in the mid-1700s. Blacksmithing demonstration also offered today (more info on website). Included in regular admission. 11 am-3 pm.

Eckley Miners' Village
ADDED New exhibit now open—Eckley has just added an exhibit on historic beekeeping to the visitor center offerings. More to learn, more to see. Open during regular hours (and special events) and included in admission.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
May 4 11 (this is the correct date): Little Mates Discovery Day—family-friendly hands-on maritime activities. Cost is $10 per person (free for members). 10 am-noon.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the website for information on events and schedules this month.

Keith House kitchen garden at Graeme Park (via Facebook)

Graeme Park
May 12: Mother's Day Breakfast—enjoy a delicious meal and tour the Keith House. Prepaid reservations are required and can be made online (link to Eventbrite). Seatings at 10:30, 11, and 11:30 am.

Hope Lodge
May 5 and 12: Site open—Hope Lodge is open for tours most Sundays through October; they will be closed on May 26. Admission is charged. Site is open 1-4 pm; guided tours are offered at 1 and 2:30.
May 5: Historian Hour—Sarah Biehl, Friends of Hope Lodge board member and curator of Peter Wentz Farmstead, will present a program on 18th-century Quaker Hannah Callender Sansom (more info). Admission is free. Noon-1 pm.

Joseph Priestley House
May 12: Mother's Day—site closed.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
May 10-11: Herb & Garden Faire—so many plants, plus lectures by gardening experts, garden furniture, herbal products and baked goods, and lots of great food by local groups and caterers. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 ages 6-11 (more info, vendor list, and link for online ticketing). 9 am-5 pm.

Old Economy Village
May 4-5: Garden Mart and Hands-On History Days—purchase heirloom varieties of plants grown in Old Economy's greenhouse (Garden Mart details) and learn about life in the 19th century through hands-on activities (Hands-On History Days info). Garden Mart is free, Hands-on History Days activities are included in regular admission. Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.
May 15: Deadline to register for Blacksmithing Class - Beyond the Basics—this class, offered May 25, is for you if you've taken OEV's intro to blacksmithing or already have basic blacksmithing skills and want to move on to an intermediate level (more details). Class is free, but space is limited; please register by May 15 by calling David Miller, 724/266-4500 x110. 10 am-1 pm.
ADDED May 16: Lecture—Jeffrey Snedden, freelance writer and historical researcher, will present "Streetcar History of Beaver County" in the Visitor Center (more info). Presentation is free. 6-7:30 pm.

Learn about the lives of Quaker women in the 17th century at the May 11 Conversations in History program (via Facebook)

Pennsbury Manor
May 4: Monthly Book Club—this month's selection is Pearl S. Buck's The Good Earth (more info). 10-11 am.
May 5 and 12—May 5, "Historic Trades and Sheep Shearing"; May 12, "Living History Theater: Women's Monthly Meeting." Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
May 11: Conversations in History—this month's topic is "Quaker Women in the 17th Century" (more info). Admission charged. 10-11:30 am.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
May 4-5: Civil War Encampment—Civil War-era reenactors will be encamped on the grounds. Members of the 3rd Pennsylvania Volunteers will demonstrate loading and firing artillery pieces as they conduct their annual safety training and recruitment event. 10 am-4 pm.
May 5: Friends’ Lecture Series—CDR Richard L. Bigelow, USNR (ret.) will lead a discussion of the Korean War and how it has shaped modern North and South Korea, including a discussion of the current nuclear crisis with North Korea. 2-3 pm.
May 16: Presentation—historian Jared Frederick will present his new book, "Dispatches of D-Day: A People's History of the Normandy Invasion." Event is free. 7-9 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
May 11: Fraktur Fest—this is an opportunity to learn more about your Pennsylvania German fraktur pieces and have them documented. Art consultant Jean Woods will present a brief lecture at 10 am. Museum staff will scan fraktur for further study and possible exhibition (more info). You may bring fraktur for documentation anytime between 10 am and 2 pm.
May 11: Baseball Lecture—a speaker from the Heinz History Center will present "Growing Up with Baseball in Pittsburgh." 2-4 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Visit the website for a complete schedule of this month's Planetarium shows.
May 3: StoryTime—this month's story is Showtime for Flip-Flop by Janice Levy (more info). The program is designed for children 3-5 years of age with an adult. Included in regular admission. 10:30 am.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the website for information on this month's events and schedules.

Thoughts on Giving Thanks

All PA Trails of History sites are closed tomorrow (11/22) for Thanksgiving). For information on site schedules for Friday (11/23) and events going on this weekend through Nov. 29, please check out last week's post.

Through December 31, the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation (PHF) and The State Museum of Pennsylvania are excited to offer a "Buy One Get One Free" membership offer. Renew, rejoin, or join, and you can gift a free membership of equal or lesser value to a friend, family member, or co-worker. Memberships included in this offer are Heritage, Individual, and Family (visit PHF website for details or to purchase online). All categories of membership include free regular admission to sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History. (Please note, the gift membership must be for individuals or families who have never held a membership with PHF or The State Museum previously.)

This table setting from Conrad Weiser Homestead's Candlelight Tours last weekend makes me think of Thanksgiving (photo via Facebook)

Coming to you a little early this week to get ahead of the holiday. On behalf of all of us here at Trailheads HQ, I'd like to wish all of you the Thanksgiving that makes you most happy. The traditions you love, the people who make you feel special, a victory for your football team (if you celebrate that way), a winning hand at gin rummy (ditto), a nice glass of Beaujolais Nouveau (ditto ditto). Those of us lucky to have enough (or more than enough) have much to be thankful for, but we should also remember not to take it for granted. If you have the chance to help others this holiday, please take it.

Hope Lodge's Whitemarsh Encampment event earlier this month brought American Revolution reenactors to the site (via Facebook)

Following up on our Veterans Day post, I had a little time to think about some other military-related Trails of History info recently and thought I'd share some of it this week. These items illustrate the span of military history that gets covered on the Trails and the relevance of our sites to the present.

Reaching back to the 18th century, Hope Lodge's annual Whitemarsh Encampment presents the stories of Revolutionary War soldiers and civilians, especially related to the Continental Army's stay in the area during November and early December of 1777. I've shared a photo above, and you can find more on the Hope Lodge Facebook page.

As part of the centennial celebration of the end of World War I, Conrad Weiser Homestead held an Armistice Day event on Sunday, November 11. Speakers included Doug Miller, site administrator at Pennsbury Manor, and state Sen. David Argall (R - Schuylkill and Berks). Military reenactors were on hand as well. (In May of 2017, we showed you some before and after photos of a project to clean a World War I doughboy statue on the grounds at Conrad Weiser Homestead, dating from the 1920s.) The event also honored all local veterans (read more in this Reading Eagle article); keep an eye out for Weiser's annual concert honoring veterans, generally held around July 4.

We've shared info before about military reenlistment and promotion ceremonies at Trails of History sites. Back in October, the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara hosted members of the United States Marine Corps. Gunnery Sgt. Charles Bays reenlisted in USMC and then he and his wife, Kate, left for his new assignment in South Carolina; Bays was promoted to Gunnery Sgt. onboard Niagara in October 2017. Bryan Johnson and Devin Dominech were promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. (My thanks to Linda Bolla of the museum for the info and photo below.) In other Erie news, the Flagship Niagara League recently announced the promotion of Christopher Cusson to Captain of the U.S. Brig Niagara. Cusson is, among other things, a United States Coast Guard veteran (read more info here).

SSgt. Bryan Johnson (left) receives his new collar insignia from his grandfathers. (I'm not crying, you're crying.) (photo L. Bolla)

Prospective applicants for the U.S. military service academies are interviewed by a congressional panel to determine if they will receive a letter of referral from their U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative, a requirement for admission. Last weekend, the Pennsylvania Military Museum hosted 16 candidates and their families. Yesterday, the museum received a lovely note from a woman who was there with her son, who hopes to attend the United States Naval Academy. She complimented the museum on its well-kept and well-organized facilities and was impressed with the exhibits and displays, comparing them favorably to those at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia. "It is obvious a lot of time and effort has been spent to make this small museum a true gem!" Kudos to the staff and volunteers at the museum for their work and thanks to Tyler Gum, site administrator, for sharing the info.

On a related but somewhat more somber note, the PA Military Museum has been working with the Jana Marie Foundation, which is devoted to bringing attention to and addressing mental health issues in the Centre County region where the museum is located. The Foundation's STOMPERS Project was developed to embody their goal of stomping out the stigma that often surrounds talking about mental health. STOMPERS are made from shoes and boots on a life-size frame and have different themes depending on their host organization. As a participant in the initiative, the museum is now home to a STOMPER titled "SERVE," which is focused on issues of depression, suicide, and well-being among military veterans and their families. The goal is to help foster conversations between civilian and military communities, between veterans, and among families. This is another way the museum is honoring the military service of Pennsylvanians and recognizing the sacrifices of military families.

"SERVE," part of STOMPER Project, at PA Military Museum (photo AKF)

A Tradition of Service

The February program page has info about upcoming events on the PA Trails of History.

My thanks to Linda Bolla at the Erie Maritime Museum for text and photos related to our top story this week.

Echoing Erie’s long relationship with significant events and ships of the U.S. Navy, at least once a year the Erie Maritime Museum is privileged to honor a request from service personnel to hold their reenlistment ceremony at the Museum or onboard Niagara. Last month, the Museum hosted an unprecedented four reenlistments in a two-week period.

Captain James Bier, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, administered the service oath for Staff Sergeant Kristina Perieff and Sergeant Steven Aceves on Jan. 13. Museum docent Lieutenant Colonel Bill Koehle, U. S. Marine Corps Reserves (Ret’d), facilitated arrangements and gave a tour to the Marines directly following the reenlistment ceremony. Marines served in both Oliver Hazard Perry’s squadron at the Battle of Lake Erie and in USS Michigan throughout her long career on the Great Lakes, home port Erie [both stories are told in the Museum's exhibit galleries].

Sgt. Aceves (3rd from left) takes the oath of service as SSgt Perieff (far right) and other Marines look on (photo Linda Bolla)

After the oath of service is given, another important award is always made for the families of active duty personnel. At BU2(SCW) Matthew Pfadt’s reenlistment ceremony on Jan. 19, his parents and fiancee were honored for their support and sacrifices. Matt's reenlistment ceremony and his wedding to Ashley were moved up on short notice as he is soon to be deployed to the Middle East. We wish Matt and his family the very best.

LCDR Baughier (left) honors Matthew Pfadt's (right) family - fiancee Ashley, mom Pam, and dad Jerry (photo Linda Bolla)

On Jan. 26, Petty Officer Jeremy Mong reenlisted and was promoted to “NC1” – Navy Counselor, First Class. Along with some of Petty Officer Mong’s colleagues, Lieutenant Commander Peter Hoegel drove to Erie from Pittsburgh to accept his reenlistment and commend him on his excellent work in recruitment.

LCDR Hoegel (left) congratulates Petty Officer Jeremy Mong on his promotion (photo Linda Bolla)

On a related note, we mentioned last week (or week before) that the Pennsylvania Military Museum (which also serves as a venue for military commissioning ceremonies) was hosting a town hall organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Site Administrator Tyler Gum recently received a thank you letter from the acting director of the VA's James E. Van Zandt Medical Center in Altoona, Charles Becker. Becker commended the museum staff and volunteers for their exemplary support of the event and their role in making it a success. "Your facility displays respect and reverence to our Nation's Heroes, and it was our honor to be associated with the Museum."

Thank you all--active duty personnel, reservists, veterans, and families--for your service. And thank you to the staff and volunteers of the Erie Maritime Museum and the Pennsylvania Military Museum for your efforts in honoring our service personnel.

In other news...

The Railroad Museum of PA has reached a significant milestone in their $250,000 "Ready for the Roundhouse" campaign, which will support media blasting, painting, and repair of 5 PRR steam locomotives destined for exhibit in the new Roundhouse. The PA Railroad Technical and Historical Society challenged the Friends of the museum, saying they would match the first $50,000 raised when the campaign was announced in November. They set a deadline of April 15 for the Friends to raise their share. As of Jan. 31, $60,000 has been raised, triggering the match. Combined that puts the museum at not quite halfway to the ultimate fundraising goal. Congratulations to all concerned and thank you to PRRT&HS for their continued support. (Read more here from Lancaster Online.) If you'd like to help them get the rest of the way, you can donate online via the Museum website.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, State Sen. Art Haywood, State Rep. Jordan Harris, DGS Secretary Curt Topper, and PHMC officials marked the beginning of Black History Month by unveiling "Trailblazers: Notable African Americans in Pennsylvania History" at the PA State Capitol. The panel exhibit originated at the State Museum of PA.

The State Historic Preservation Office has reported out some of the results of a public survey that will help inform the next statewide historic preservation plan (covering the period 2018-2022). You can read a summary of the results on the PA Historic Preservation blog; they'll be posting about more detailed analyses periodically in coming months.

A couple of deadlines...

• Undergraduate and graduate students wishing to be considered for this summer's Keystone Internship Program have until next Friday, Feb. 10, to submit their applications.
• The State Museum is accepting entries for the 50th Art of the State exhibit through Feb. 28. Submitting artists must be Pennsylvania residents. All entrants will be notified of the jurors' decisions no later than April 7. The exhibit runs from June 11 to Sept. 10.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Many PA Trails of History sites will be open on Monday, Sept. 5, for Labor Day (list of open sites).

The full September program line-up is now available (I'll try to update as I get more info throughout the month). So much to do as fall approaches.

Intro Gallery, "Challenges and Choices in Pennsylvania's Forests" (photo by David Fox, Hilferty & Associates)

I am pleased and proud to announce that the new core exhibit at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum will receive a Leadership in History Award from the American Association for State and Local History at its annual meeting later this month. The official press release provides more details. Site administrator Josh Roth will represent the museum and the exhibit team in Detroit. Earlier this year, the exhibit and building expansion/renovation received was recognized by PA Museums. The exhibit will be a focus of discussion on Sept. 13 during PHMC's participation in #AskACurator day 2016 (stay tuned for more details on that next week).

If you live in the Lancaster area and are a public, private, or homeschool student age 14 or older, you might want to bring a parent or guardian to historic Ephrata Cloister Thursday evening, Sept. 8, to learn more about the Student Historian program. Volunteer student historians meet weekly after school to learn about site and regional history and prepare to share it with the public, primarily during the annual Lantern Tour program in late December. Work with primary research sources and material culture, hone your public speaking skills, and make a significant contribution to education in your community. Students or parents/guardians who want to know more may contact Michael Showalter, mishowalter@pa.gov or 717/733-6600.

Student Historian Jeremy talks with visitors during Ephrata Cloister Lantern Tours program

This weekend:

• on Sat. (9/3), the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum will host a community yard sale in their parking lot (and did I mention we have an award-winning exhibit that you ought to stop in to see as well?)
• on Sun. (9/4), Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum will offer make-your-own ice cream sundaes and loads of other fun stuff included in regular admission
• on Labor Day (9/5), the Pennsylvania Military Museum will include a guided tour in regular admission at 11 am and 1 pm

However you choose to spend this weekend, please be safe and responsible. That is all.

Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (Summer Camps on the Trails of History)

If you're looking for something to do this weekend or in the coming weeks, visit the June program page for ideas.

So if you're "of a certain age," the title of this post will have provided you with today's ear worm. Just one of the services we offer here at Trailheads. Although we don't have sleepaway camps, there are plenty of single-day and multi-day summer camps on the Trails of History. There are also weekend and evening programs throughout the summer designed to be family-friendly (there are also programs just for grown-ups, if that's more your style). Registration deadlines are coming up for many of these camps, so please don't wait to contact sites (info is up-to-date as of June 2, based on individual websites).

Brandywine Battlefield

• Summer History Camp - seven 1-week camps (age groups vary), starting week of June 27

Bushy Run Battlefield

• Living History Day Camp - July 11-13 (deadline to register is June 15)

Daniel Boone Homestead

• History Day Camp - July 11-15

Drake Well Museum

• History Day Camp - July 11-15

Joseph Priestley House

• History Camp - July 27-29 (deadline to register is July 25)

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

• Summer Institute (summer camp for grown-ups), June 14-17 (some classes already filled)
• Summer Sampler Camp - July 12-15, for ages 5-11
• Historic Trades Camp - July 19-22, for ages 12-15

Old Economy Village

• Art Camp - offered twice, program is different for each July 11-15 and August 1-5
• Faces and Places of Old Economy Village - offered twice, July 18-22 and July 25-29 (registration brochure for both weeks)

Pennsbury Manor

• Colonial Camp - offered twice, July 11-15 and July 18-22, for students who have completed 1st-4th grade
• Time Travelers Camp - July 25-29, for students who have completed 5th-7th grade

Pennsylvania Military Museum

• Boot Camp for Kids - August 6, for ages 8-13, registration deadline is July 27 (there will be a boot camp prep class on June 25)

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

• Barons and Builders - July 11-15, for 9-10 year olds only, and SOLD OUT July 25-29, for 11-12 year olds only. The Museum's Facebook page this week posted a "last call" for the July 11-15 program, so check with them ASAP

Somerset Historical Center

• Kids' "Way Back When" Camp - Mondays, June 20 to July 25 (no camp July 4), and Friday, August 5 (different theme each week)

Washington Crossing Historic Park

• Colonial Days Camp - August 22-26, for students in grades K-5th

5 Things You Might Want to Know about the Trails of History

(If you're a regular Trailheads reader and have noticed that several recent post titles begin with the number 5, it's because I'm conducting an experiment about readership. Just move along. These aren't the droids you're looking for.)

Please visit the December program page for info on events taking place this weekend and through the end of the month/year.

The State Museum of PA has announced that entries are now being accepted for the 2016 Art of State Exhibit. This is the 49th annual show, and entries are welcome from Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople. Deadline for submission is Feb. 29, 2016 (yep, 2016 is a Leap Year, folks).

The Winter Wonderland Photo Contest at Eckley Miners' Village is underway and will run through the winter (rules and entry form). Photos may be submitted at any time between now and March 1, 2016.

Artists and craftspeople in the Berks County area might want to check out the page for the new Artisans in the Park event at Conrad Weiser Homestead. The event is scheduled for April 30, 2016, but they are recruiting now for people to participate; the event will also feature food and wine.

The first crossing of the Delaware event for 2016 was on Sunday (photos posted on Facebook), but the annual Christmas Day event at Washington Crossing Historic Park is still to come. The weather forecast is significantly warmer and clearer than the sleet and snow General Washington and his Continental Army experienced in 1776.

A little bit of whimsy from the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara (above) to usher in the season. The museum and ship hosted their annual "Christmas Tree Ship" program, which is based on a true story as told by Jeanette Winter. The event includes lots of activities for families, a chance to visit with Santa, and lots of lights. Mark your calendar for Dec. 9, 2016, if you want to be sure not to miss it next year.

Top: Lights adorn the ramp from the museum to the plaza
Bottom: Santa emerges from Niagara's winter cover to greet the assembled crowd
(photos by John Baker)

6 Relatively Safe Things to Talk about at Thanksgiving (I Think)

Looking for something to do this weekend? Be sure to check out the November program listings.

Ready or not, next week is Thanksgiving. This week, as a public service, we present some ideas for things you can talk about around the dinner table on Thursday or during the following couple of days to avoid fighting talking about religion, politics, and whether or not Mom's gravy is as good as Grandma used to make. You're welcome.

Sometimes it's fun to sit with the family and look at photos, so why not some related to the Trails of History? No need to comment on Uncle Bob's bad combover or that awful dress cousin Sue wore to the senior prom in 1979. Luzerne County Visitors Bureau (anthracite region) just announced the top 10 photos in their fall photo contest. The winning entry, by Cheryl Miller, features a streetscape at Eckley Miners' Village. Congratulations, Cheryl! (Also worth noting is that Eckley will begin accepting entries for its Winter Wonderland photo contest on Dec. 1.)

Cheryl Miller - WINNING PHOTO! Congratulations! Eckley Miners Village

Posted by Luzerne County Visitors Bureau on Friday, November 13, 2015

Okay, so this next one could turn sticky pretty quickly, but I still think it's worth sharing. StoryCorps, a project that has recorded and archived thousands of personal stories of everyday life and significant events, has launched "the Great Thanksgiving Listen." A pilot project aimed primarily at high school teachers and students, this initiative encourages students age 13 and older to take advantage of family get-togethers over the holiday to gather and save the wisdom of our elders. You don't have to be a high school student or teacher to participate, but you must be at least 13 years old (and have parental permission if you're under 18). For more information and instructions on how to get involved, visit the project website.

Even if you're not up for recording family stories, you might want to gather family history info while you have people in a weakened condition due to overuse of mashed potatoes. The PHMC has been partnering with Ancestry.com to digitize and make available family history records held by the PA State Archives. If your family is from Pennsylvania, you may be able to find birth, marriage, and death records; military service records; and census and property info. A Pennsylvania zip code is all you need to create a free account (if you already have an Ancestry.com account you can use that).

Or you might want to check out the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's new and enhanced online catalog of its library and archives. If you have railroad history fans in your household (and who of us doesn't?) you (or they) might enjoy searching for particular pieces of history or browsing through the records of this amazing collection. There's even an intro video to help you navigate.

Or you can do some brainstorming about things that have and haven't changed. Linton Weeks, national correspondent for NPR Digital News, is crowdsourcing a story on things that people still do the way people did them 100 years ago (and yes, he's aware of the potential pitfalls there). In a post on the NPR History Dept. blog, he goes into more detail on what he's looking for and provides the example of Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, OH, that is a museum and a production brewery, complete with period-costumed brewster (which is apparently what female brewers were called in the 1850s). Anyway, I'm thinking some of you out there might have info and ideas to share based on your own experience or places you've visited. The article has more info about how to get in touch with Mr. Weeks.

And, okay, this one's about pictures too, but I said 6 things, so you're getting 6 things. For more pictures to look at, Washington Crossing Historic Park announced the finalists in the fall photo contest, all of which are on display in the Visitor Center. The People's Choice award went to Justin DeRosa.

And the People's Choice winner is....Justin DeRosa, for this stunning photo of a cannon and the Mahlon Taylor House in...

Posted by Washington Crossing Historic Park on Sunday, November 15, 2015

And a little bonus, shared by the folks at Washington Crossing. A recent article in People magazine featured photographer John Olson, who has put together a team of technicians and engineers to create 3-D versions of paintings that allow people who are blind to experience paintings through touch. Guess which famous painting is among those shone in the article?