And So It Goes

My favorite Museum Selfie Day photo (me and my long lost twin, Hannah Penn)

Ever since the first Trailheads post on August 1, 2009, it has been my good fortune to work on this blog, writing posts and editing guest posts that help shed light on the activities and people of the Pennsylvania Trails of History. Trailheads debuted just before we endured a period of severe budget and staffing cuts. Our remaining staff and volunteers persevered and continued to provide service to visitors, working to rebuild and reimagine programs, tours, and daily operations. In March 2020, Trails of History sites closed for over a year (although we had no idea it would be that long when the pandemic first hit). During that time, while some of us adjusted to telework, site staff made sure that buildings, grounds, and collections were secure and maintained. Virtual programs arose out of sheer creativity and determination to continue serving our visitors. Sites reached lots of new audiences in the process. And continue to do so in person and virtually.

As I bid farewell to my PHMC colleagues and friends and adjust to life as a retired person (a young retired person - ahem), I will be watching and cheering everyone on as they embrace whatever lies ahead. The weekly Trailheads blog will be on hiatus for a while. But please be sure to check out the PHMC Online Events Calendar and follow your favorite sites on social media to keep up with all the wonderful stuff that's happening on the Trails of History. Thank you for reading. Especially you, mom.

On a more practical note, most Trails of History sites are closed today, Nov. 10, in observance of Veterans Day and will be open tomorrow. But just to be sure, please check ahead with specific sites before you head out for a visit.

Up Next

Friday, November 10

• Soldier's Art and Presentation Honoring Cpl. Thomas Mosley (in-person); 11:30 am-2 pm; The State Museum of PA
• From 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, explore pieces of art created by Pennsylvania soldiers at the time of war. Examine their mediums, inspirations and techniques. Create your own etched work and thank-a-soldier card. Included in regular admission. At 1:30 there will be a presentation honoring Dauphin County native Corporal Thomas Mosley (1924-2016), one of the pioneer Montford Point Marines (Nov. 10 Soldier's Art program info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-3:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 10 Stargazing program info).

Saturday, November 11

• Soldier's Art (in-person); 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore pieces of art created by Pennsylvania soldiers at the time of war. Examine their mediums, inspirations and techniques. Create your own etched work and thank-a-soldier card. Included in regular admission (Nov. 11 Soldier's Art program info).

• Veterans Day (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; PA Military Museum
• The museum will offer free admission for veterans and their families today (PMM Veterans Day info).

• Harvest Fest and Flag Retirement Ceremony (in-person); 11 am-3 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Enjoy cooking, carpentry, cloth dyeing, blacksmithing, bobbin lace, flax demos, and games. Meat House Market Food Truck will be on site. At 3 pm, the site hosts Chadds Ford Township Residents Association's flag retirement ceremony (Harvest Fest event info).

• NEPADOC film screening (in-person); 2-4 pm; Anthracite Heritage Museum
• The museum will host a screening of NEPADOC, David Heineman's documentary about the intersections of environment, industry, and identity in northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) over the past 300 years. Suggested donation of $2 or free with museum admission (Documentary film screening info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-3:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 11 Stargazing program info).

• The War to End All Wars - the Movie (in-person); 6:30-8 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• The museum is one of 120 museums worldwide selected to host a free screening of The War to End All Wars, part pf the #HistoryRocks project of Swedish rock band, Sabaton. The screening will take place in O.H. Hirt Auditorium, which adjoins the museum entrance (Erie Maritime Museum movie screening info).

Sunday, November 12

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

• Eighteenth-Century Medicine (in-person); 2-3 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Paul Trainor will present an enlightening lecture and show-and-tell on colonial medicine and the traveling apothecary. He will also discuss the important role of the military surgeon during the colonial and early American periods. Suggested donation of $2 per person. Lecture will take place in the DeTurk Education Center, near the Daniel Boone Rd. entrance to the site (18th-century medicine program info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-3:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Regular admission and Planetarium fees apply (Nov. 12 Stargazing program info).

Tuesday, November 14

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

Wednesday, November 15

• Archaeology, Geology, Paleontology...what's the difference? (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us as we explore the sciences of archaeology, geology, and paleontology. Discover how each are different and how they often work together. Match artifacts, fossils, and rocks into the different scientific categories. Included in regular admission (Science program info).

• The Harmonist Connection: Redware Potter (virtual); 7-8 pm; Old Economy Village
• Author Michael Strezewski will present a virtual program based on his new book, Christoph Weber, Redware Potter of the Harmony Society. Working from 1808 to 1853, Weber made a variety of household wares such as pitchers, storage jars, jugs, plates, and mugs. His pottery was distributed among the Society’s members and sold to their neighbors. Offered in conjunction with Historic Harmony and Historic New Harmony, the program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Harmonist Connection info and registration).

Friday, November 17

• Story Time with the Educator (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Designed for children ages 2 through preK and led by a Museum educator, Story Time features a reading of a specially selected children’s book and a hands-on activity, craft, song or poem. Included in regular admission (Nov. 17 Story Time with the Educator info).

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab to learn about Memory and Logic. What are each of these things and how do they play a part in our daily lives? Put your memory and logic skills to the test by participating in a series of mind-challenging games. For grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; pick up a ticket at the front desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids program info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Sarah Goodman, museum educator at Drake Well Museum & Park, will present "The History of Drake Well and the PA Petroleum Industry." This virtual program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Nov. 17 Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Star Watch (in-person); 7:45-11:15 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Berks Astronomy will be on hand with telescopes to help visitors observe an array of celestial objects, including stars and planets. Dress warmly and bring a red light flashlight, which doesn't interfere with stargazing (Star Watch program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• POSTPONED Colonial Cocktail Hour (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 18, 3-6 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• This year's theme is the history of pirates in the North American colonies. Pirate attire is encouraged, but please omit cutlasses and other weaponry. $25 ticket includes drinks and appetizers. Must be 21 or older to purchase tickets (Colonial Cocktail Hour info and tickets).

• Autumn Arts Workshop (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 am-1 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• You will begin with a half hour tour of the 6 historical portraits located in the Manor House. Then, a trained artist will teach you the skills of portrait drawing and allow you to create your own work using a live model as a reference. This workshop is intended for all skill levels. Cost is $35 ($30 for members) and includes art supplies; call 215/946-0400 or email c-kerscott@pa.gov to reserve your spot (Arts Workshop info).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Nov. 21, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 21 Sensory Hours).

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

• Candlelight Open House (in-person); Saturday, Nov. 25, 5-8:30 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Tour the historic buildings by candlelight and visit with local craftspeople as they share their stories and wares. The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform throughout the evening in the 1741 Saal, with guest musicians. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, and hot coffee will be available for purchase in the parking lot. Tickets are $8/person ages 5 and up! Tickets available at the door or online (Ephrata Candlelight Open House info and tickets).

• The Polar Express Movie Night (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 2, 6-8:15 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Get your tickets today to watch the new classic holiday film The Polar Express™ (Rated G) on a large screen among the historic trains in the museum's climate-controlled main exhibit hall. Tickets are $10 each for ages 3 and older; admission includes the movie, a container of popcorn, and hot chocolate. Doors open at 6 and the movie starts at 6:30; running time is 1 hour and 40 minutes (RMP Movie Night tickets).

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

• Holly Nights (in-person); Thursday and Friday, Dec. 7-8, 6-9 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• A feast for the senses, this program offers crackling fires, hot-mulled cider, dancing shadows, and the merry sounds of carolers strolling the grounds. Step back into the glow of candles and lanterns, the bustle of colonial craftspeople, and the good cheer of noels and wassailing songs. Event runs Thursday and Friday nights, 6 to 9 pm. Advance ticket purchases are highly encouraged (Holly Nights tickets).

• Christmas at the Cloister (in-person); Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 11 and 12, 6:30 & 8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Held in the original 1741 Saal or Meetinghouse, the “lessons and carols” style program combines the Christmas story with seasonal music and familiar carols for the congregation. The program features the talents of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus under the direction of Mark Herr, with guest musicians Randy Kochel and Amanda Wells on hammer dulcimer and guitar. Advance tickets are required (Christmas at the Cloister info and tickets).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Dec. 15, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Adam Ianno, geochemist with the PA Geological Survey, will present "The Ice Volcanoes of Erie," exploring these delicate ice and sediment features that resemble volcanoes and sand dunes. The virtual program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Dec. 15 Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Belsnickle Programs (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 16, 1-3 pm and 7-9 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• The afternoon program is for all ages and features light refreshments, holiday crafts, touring the site, and meeting Belsnickle. The evening program is for ages 21 and older only and adds adult beverages to the list. Both programs involve being outdoors and indoors, so dress for the weather. Reservations required (tickets for The Belsnickle Experience, 1-3 pm and tickets for Late Night with the Belsnickle, 7-9 pm)

• Lantern Tours (in-person); Wednesday, Dec. 27, through Saturday, Dec. 30, 6-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Themed theatrical tours led byf Ephrata Cloister's Student Historians. Tours leave the Visitor Center every 30 minutes starting at 6 pm; last tour departs at 8. Tickets go on sale Dec. 1 (Lantern Tour tickets and info).

Harvest Time

Pumpkins and gourds grown at Cornwall Iron Furnace (photo via Cornwall's Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, October 13

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab to learn about the unique adaptations that make a dinosaur different from any other reptile and explore the different types of dinosaurs that existed. Create your own dinosaur sculpture to take home. For grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (Curiosity Kids info).

• Cello Concert (in-person); 8-10 pm; Old Economy Village
• Grammy Award winning cellist Eugene Friesen (and Friends) will perform a concert in the Feast Hall featuring Harmonist music. Friesen previously recorded a CD of Harmonist music titled In Harmony. Tickets are $25, $20 for OEV members, $10 for students and may be purchased at the door or in advance via Ticket Leap (Eugene Friesen concert info and tickets).

Saturday, October 14

• Fall Nature Walk (in-person); 10-11 am; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about historical and modern uses for a wide variety of plant life. Please wear sturdy shoes (such as hiking boots) and dress for the weather. Cost is $5 per person, free for members (Nature Walk info).

• Mapping Mammal Hall (in-person); 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Did you know that the dioramas in Mammal Hall are based on real locations in Pennsylvania? Locate each of these spots on the Giant Map of Pennsylvania and discover some interesting facts about our state mammals. Included in regular admission (Mammal Hall program info).

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

• Old Economy After Dark (in-person); 7-11 pm; Old Economy Village
• OEV has partnered with Beaver County Paranormal for an evening of exploration in the Village. BCP will present two lectures on paranormal investigation, and attendees are welcome to bring hand-held investigation equipment (no large equipment or metal detectors). Please note that this is not a "haunted" event with costumed figures or scares. Advance tickets only: $20 general admission, $25 VIP ticket lets you stay later in the evening and access additional spaces (Oct. 14 OEV After Dark info and tickets).

Sunday, October 15

• Paws on the Path (in-person); 9:10-10 am; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Come explore Daniel Boone Homestead with your furry friend. All dogs must be on a leash and well-behaved around other dogs. Walkers without dogs are welcome to come as well (Paws on the Path info).

• Open-Hearth Cooking (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The cooks will demonstrate different types of 17th-century puddings. Included in regular admission (Open-Hearth Cooking program info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Geology Hall (in-person); 2:30-3:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us on this family friendly tour of Geology Hall and explore Pennsylvania’s rocks and minerals. Included in regular admission (Geology Hall tour info).

Tuesday, October 17

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Oct. 17 Sensory Hours).

Wednesday, October 18

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 2-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month. Planetarium tickets must be obtained at ground floor desk at least five minutes before showtime (Stargazing program info).

• History Speaks Series (in-person); 7-8:30 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Dr. Peter Gilmore, Carlow University, will present "The Long Road from Ireland to Bushy Run," exploring the history of settlers from Northern Ireland who arrived in Westmoreland County in 1763 (History Speaks Series info and tickets).

Thursday, October 19

• Historical Archaeology (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the artifacts from the archeological dig at Fort Hunter. Uncover the hundreds of years of occupation and the mysteries the dig uncovered. Test your own archaeological skills. Included in regular admission (Archaeology program info).

• Ghouls on the Bay: Trick-or-Treat! (in-person); 6-8 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• Ghouls come to life at the Museum! Join us for a fun, (non-scary) family-friendly trick-or-treat event. Dress up in your costume, trick-or-treat, meet members of Oliver Hazard Perry’s crew, and take part in Halloween-themed maritime activities! Tickets are $5 for trick-or-treaters; parents/guardians are free (Erie Trick or Treat event info).

Friday, October 20

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

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

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

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

• POSTPONED TO NOV. 17, 7:45-11:15 pm: Star Watch (in-person); 9 pm-12:30 am; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Berks Astronomy will be on hand with telescopes to help visitors observe an array of celestial objects, including stars and planets. Dress warmly and bring a red light flashlight, which doesn't interfere with stargazing (Star Watch info and observation list).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 21, Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Jim Christ, president of the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund, will present a program addressing common myths about the Battle of Paoli (Sept. 20, 1777) and exploring its influence on the remainder of the American Revolution. Tickets are $20 and include the lecture, light refreshments, and access to the museum's exhibit gallery and afternoon tours (Revolutionary Speaker Series info and tickets).

• Halloween Lantern Tours (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 21, 6-9:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• Explore Hope Lodge by lantern light and participate in an immersive tour of the grounds. Reservations required (Hope Lodge Lantern Tours info and tickets).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Oct. 27, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Archaeology curator (retired) Janet Johnson will discuss how The State Museum's collections are used by archaeologists to understand and interpret the past and what science has contributed to our knowledge of these curated collections. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

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

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

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

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

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Nov. 7, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Nov. 21, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Nov. 7, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Nov. 7 Sensory Hours and tickets for Nov. 21 Sensory Hours).

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

Apples and Pumpkins and More

The Company Store exhibit building at Eckley Miners' Village with signs of fall foliage (photo via Eckley's Facebook page)

There's plenty to do this weekend and in the week ahead - apple dumpling sales, lectures, concerts, historical demonstrations. What's not to like? And if you want to match your travels to the progress of fall foliage across our beautiful state, don't forget to check the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources Fall Foliage Maps. Enjoy!

Up Next

Today, October 6

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

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

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

Saturday, October 7

• Fall Antique Show & Sawmill Run (in-person); Saturday, 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday, 9 am-3 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Multiple antique vendors will be on hand in the museum program room both days, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. On Saturday only the steam-powered circular sawmill will be demonstrated from 10 am to 3 pm. Other demos both days include the birch still, lumber camp kitchen, blacksmith shop, and the Eastern Loggers model railroad display. Admission charged (Antique Show & Sawmill Run info).

• Harvest Days and Silent Auction (in-person); Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday, 11 am-5 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Come for demonstrations, exhibits, live music, and children’s activities. Taste heirloom varieties of apples and watch them become apple butter and cider. Witness wool go from sheep to shawl. Pick a pumpkin of your very own and then decorate it. Admission charged; parking is free. Food will be available for purchase on-site. New this year: bid on a variety of museum passes, experiences, libations, and heritage pieces inspired by the museum's collection during the 2-day silent auction in the Firehouse (Harvest Days info).

• Benjamin Franklin's Inventions (in-person); 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Celebrate the 300th Anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s arrival to Pennsylvania. Explore the innovations that Franklin used to improve his life and the lives around him. Create your own Pennsylvania Gazette. Included in regular admission (Ben Franklin's Innovations program info).

• Patriot's Day (in-person); 11 am-3 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Learn what life was like for soldiers and camp followers during the Revolutionary War from period reenactors. Military drills and firing demonstrations will be conducted at various times during the event. Colonial trades and cooking will also be demonstrated. Tours of the Ring House (Washington’s Headquarters) are at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, and tours of the Gilpin House are at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Admission charged (Patriot's Day info).

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

Sunday, October 8

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

• Day of Music (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• The Ephrata Cloister Chorus, under the direction of Mark Herr and accompanied by Juliet Mitton, will offer a selection of music written in colonial Ephrata and from other early American communities, including the Amish and Moravians. The concerts at 2:00 and 3:00 are included with admission to the site. Tours of the historic buildings will be provided at 12:30 and 1:30 and will conclude in time for the concerts that follow (Day of Music info).

• Living History Theater (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• You are cordially invited to the wedding of Mary Lofty and John Sotcher, who work for the Penn family, as they are joined in marriage in a traditional Quaker ceremony. Included in regular admission (Living History Theater info).

Tuesday, October 10

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

Wednesday, October 11

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

• PA State Fossil (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about Eldredgeops rana, a trilobite fossil from the Cambrian period, designated PA's state fossil in 1988. Make a trilobite to take home. Included in regular admission (State Fossil program info).

Friday, October 13

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab to learn about the unique adaptations that make a dinosaur different from any other reptile and explore the different types of dinosaurs that existed. Create your own dinosaur sculpture to take home. For grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (Curiosity Kids info).

• Cello Concert (in-person); 8-10 pm; Old Economy Village
• Grammy Award winning cellist Eugene Friesen (and Friends) will perform a concert in the Feast Hall featuring Harmonist music. Friesen previously recorded a CD of Harmonist music titled In Harmony. Tickets are $25, $20 for OEV members, $10 for students and may be purchased at the door or in advance via Ticket Leap (Eugene Friesen concert info and tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

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

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Oct. 17, 9-11 am, and Tuesday, Nov. 7, 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Nov. 7, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Oct. 17 Sensory Hours and tickets for Nov. 7 Sensory Hours).

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

• Halloween Lantern Tours (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 21, 6-9:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• Explore Hope Lodge by lantern light and participate in an immersive tour of the grounds. Reservations required (Hope Lodge Lantern Tours info and tickets).

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

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

Weekend Plans

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

Up Next

Today, September 22

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

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

Saturday, September 23

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

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

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

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

Sunday, September 24

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

Thursday, September 28

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

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Oct. 3, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Oct. 17, 9-11 am ; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Oct. 3, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Oct. 3 Sensory Hours and tickets for Oct. 17 Sensory Hours).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still Feels Like Summer

A calm view of the 1830s Farmstead at Somerset Historical Center before the excitement of this weekend's Mountain Craft Days event (photo via SHC Facebook page)

Up Next

Friday, September 8

• Mountain Craft Days (in-person); Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 am-5 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Traditional crafts, country food, music, and children's activities in a beautiful woodland setting. Events run 10 am-5 pm each day. General admission, $9; children 6 to 17, $5 (Mountain Craft Days info).

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab to learn about density - can you discover what will sink and what will float? For kids in grades K to 2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so sign up at the front desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

Saturday, September 9

• Fall Gas Up (in-person); 9 am-3 pm; Drake Well Museum & Park
• Drake Well hosts the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society with displays of antique engines, farm and oil field equipment, cars, trucks, and models. Included in regular admission (Fall Gas Up program info).

• Railroad Heritage Day (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• A Marklin/LEGO® train display and coloring table for kids will be on hand, as well as three special Museum tours for this event: “Down By The Station,” “Pennsylvania Railroad Board Rooms” and “The Solari Board.” Included in the regular Museum admission (Railroad Heritage Day info).

• Garden Tour (in-person); 11 am-Noon; Old Economy Village
• Explore how the Harmonists shaped the land around Old Economy to combine aspects of medieval cloistered gardens, Germanic traditions, and American flora. Learn about George Rapp’s use of biblical imagery and discover its hidden features. Included in regular admission (Garden Tour info).

• Paws in the Park (in-person); 11 am-4 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• This free event features dog-friendly activities, crafts, vendors, and local animal adoption/rescue opportunities (Paws in the Park info).

• Film Screening (in-person); 1-3 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Join us for a screening of the new feature-length documentary NEPADOC, followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker David Heineman of Bloomsburg University. Included in regular admission (NEPADOC film screening info).

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

Sunday, September 10

• Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie (virtual); 11:45 am-Noon; Erie Maritime Museum
• This event commemorates the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, where an American squadron of Erie-built ships defeated the entire British Lake Erie fleet at Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The ceremony will be live-streamed on the Erie Maritime Museum's Facebook page (Battle of Lake Erie Livestream info).

• Living History Sunday (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Come meet a soldier from the German Regiment, a unit commanded at times by Gen. Peter Muhlenberg. Also there will be open hearth cooking, a leathersmith and learn about the importance of trade goods in the 18th century. Admission is free (Conrad Weiser Homestead website).

• Gallery Walk and Art of the State Exhibit Opening (in-person); Noon-4:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Admission is free today in honor of Harrisburg's annual Gallery Walk. A limited number of timed tickets for Curiosity Connection will be available at the front desk; regular fees apply for the Planetarium. Art of the State 2023 exhibit opens at noon, and the Awards Ceremony will start at 1:30 pm (Gallery Walk and Art of the State info).

• Living History Theater (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The Living History Players will dramatize a story from Pennsbury's past. Included in regular admission (Living History Theater info).

• The 1777 Philadelphia Campaign (in-person); 2-3 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Join historian and author Michael Harris as he explores the history of the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign. British commander William Howe believed capturing the colonial capital of Philadelphia in 1777 would end the American Revolution. Brandywine, Paoli, Germantown, Fort Mercer, Fort Mifflin, and Whitemarsh all saw fighting during the campaign. Beginning in northern New Jersey, the campaign did not end until George Washington's army entered Valley Forge in December. Lecture takes place at the Wayside Lodge; admission is $2 per person suggested donation (Am Rev Lecture info).

Monday, September 11

• Remembrance Day (in-person); 6-7 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• This event commemorates the 246th anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine. There will be several speakers and music by bagpiper Mark O'Donnell (Remembrance Day info).

Wednesday, September 13

• One-Room Schoolhouse (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Travel back in time to attend a one room schoolhouse. Explore the lessons and materials used in the early 1900s. Included in regular admission (Schoolhouse program info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 2-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join the Planetarium Director for a live chat exploring what you can see in the sky tonight. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets, and any special celestial events that are coming up in the next month (Stargazing program info).

Friday, September 15

• Story Time with the Educator (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Designed for children ages 2 through preK and led by a Museum educator, Story Time features a reading of a specially selected children’s book and a hands-on activity, craft, song or poem. September's book is A Lucky Dog: Owney, U.S. Rail Mascot by Dirk Wales with illustrations by Diane Kenna. Included in regular admission (Railroad Story Time info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Sept. 19, 9-11 am, and Tuesday, Oct. 3, 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Oct. 3, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Sept. 19 Sensory Hours and tickets for Oct. 3 Sensory Hours).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Sept. 22, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join Amy Hammond, Fine Arts Curator and "Art of the State" Project Director at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, as she discusses the "Art of the State 2023" exhibit. Program is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's in Your Weekend?

Look at full-size and scale model locomotives and railcars this weekend at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (photo via RMP's Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, August 18

• Model Railroading Days (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 10 am-4 pm, Sunday, Noon-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Watch the world of operating model trains in action and see static displays from a variety of different participating groups and clubs, as well as the Museum’s own two operating HO layouts. Included in regular admission (Model Railroading Days info).

• Explore PA Industry with the Giant Map (in-person); 11 am-Noon and 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Travel across the Giant Map of Pennsylvania to discover the industries that shaped our state. Offered 11 am-Noon and 1:30-2:30 pm. Included in regular admission (Giant map program info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Ryan Reed from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will explain why the leaves change color in the fall, discuss which tree species will provide those standout colors and share the best places to go to view fall foliage in Pennsylvania. Program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Saturday, August 19

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Visit the "Life Through Time" gallery for a reading of My Mastodon by Barbara Lowell with illustrations by Antonio Marinoni. Discover the story of the Peale family living in a museum in Philadelphia. Create your own admission ticket and souvenir. Designed for kids under age 5 and included in regular admission (State Museum StoryTime info).

• Family Fun Day (in-person); 11 am-3 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• We are partnering with Teachers' Teammates to bring awareness to the needs of students and teachers around Delaware County and to have a fun day learning about history from our various colonial interpreters. We'll be collecting needed items; each donated item gets you one free admission per person (Fun Day info and list of needed items).

• Chill and Build (in-person); 1:30-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• A chance for families to hang out and build something. Choose the colors and shapes to make your own creation or follow the pattern on the design cards to make a tree, rocket, and more using building blocks (Chill and Build program info).

• The "Dead" of Summer (in-person); 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• Experience a reenactment of an early 20th-century séance focused on the period when many had lost loved ones to the 1918 flu pandemic or World War I and were susceptible to this form of entertainment. Tickets are limited and will be available online (Dead of Summer info and tickets).

Sunday, August 20

• Paws on the Path (in-person); 9:15 am-Noon; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Come explore Daniel Boone Homestead with your furry friend. Join us on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:15 am, starting August 20th for a monthly dog walk. All dogs must be on a leash and well-behaved around other dogs. Walkers without dogs are welcome to come as well (dogs in the park program info).

• Open-Hearth Cooking (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The cooks will prepare recipes of their choice using the bounty of the summer harvest. Included in regular admission (Open-hearth cooking program info).

• Old-Fashioned Games Day (in-person); 1-4 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Sunday was the one day of the week that woodhicks could relax and unwind. Bring the family to try some of the games woodhicks played, like checkers and horseshoes, as well as a variety of other fun 19th-century games (Games Day program info).

Tuesday, August 22

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Aug. 22 Sensory Hours).

Wednesday, August 23

• State Symbols: Crown Vetch (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn more about the State Beautification and Conservation Plant and the practice of plant pressing to preserve herbarium specimens. Included in regular admission (Crown Vetch program info).

• Music on the Lawn (in-person); 7-8:30 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• The Elegance String Quartet will perform on the riverside lawn of the Joseph Priestley House (Priestley House info).

Thursday, August 24

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

• General Store (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the General Store, discover the items that people bought to care for their families as you “shop” from the past. Experience the toys and games families would have purchased. Included in regular admission (General Store program info).

• PA Geography with the Giant Map (in-person); 1:30-3 pm; 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 (PA Giant map program info).

Friday, August 25

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

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); Saturday, Aug. 26, 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a private history tour of the outside tracked vehicles and discuss the history of armored vehicles with a preeminent local historian. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership. Please note that we will not be accessing the inside of the tracked vehicles, but we will walk outside on the grounds, so please dress for the weather with appropriate footwear (Exploring the Armor registration).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Sept. 19, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Sept. 5 Sensory Hours and tickets for Sept. 19 Sensory Hours).

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

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

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

Summer is Flying By

Pennsbury Manor's summer camp includes opportunities to meet the farm animals who live on site (photo via Pennsbury's Facebook page)

Summer camps on the Trails of History have pretty well wrapped up as of this week, and our summer interns are beginning to wind down their assignments as they get ready to head back to their colleges and universities. (You can read a bit about some of our interns on websites and social media of their host sites: Ephrata Cloister, Drake Well Museum & Park, and Erie Maritime Museum and Pennsbury Manor.) As we head into peak summer weather, don't forget that we have air-conditioned museums and visitor centers as well as cool shade and green space to help you enjoy the outdoors without roasting (be sure to hydrate).

Up Next

Today, July 28

• A Place for All Tour (in-person); 11:30 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover three stories of integration in Pennsylvania during the Civil Right movement. Hear the stories of the men and women whose courageous steps helped change our state. Included in regular admission (A Place for All Tour info).

• Returning the Wild to the Wilderness (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Thomas Keller, Furbearer Biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will share the history of wildlife loss within the Commonwealth, the legacy of rewilding, and the possibility of returning the American marten to the forests of the state. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Returning the Wild program info and registration).

Saturday, July 29

• Mapping Mammal Hall (in-person); 10-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Did you know that the dioramas in Mammal Hall are based on real locations in Pennsylvania? Locate each of these spots on the giant map of Pennsylvania and discover some interesting facts about our state mammals. Included in regular admission (Mammal Hall program info).

• Garden Tour (in-person); 11 am-noon; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a tour of OEV's extraordinary gardens, learning about how the Harmonists shaped the land around Old Economy to combine aspects of medieval cloistered gardens, Germanic traditions, and American flora. Explore George Rapp's use of biblical imagery and discover its hidden features. Included in regular admission (OEV Garden Tour info).

• Highlights Tour (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Pennsylvania is the only state named for both its people and the place, “Penn’s Woods.” Discover how this relationship of people and place shows throughout the history, art, and science of the Commonwealth with a tour of featured exhibits on each floor. Included in regular admission (July 29 Highlights Tour info).

Sunday, July 30

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

Wednesday, August 2

• State Symbols: Milk (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore why milk is Pennsylvania’s State Drink. Learn why the dairy industry is so important to our state. Test your taste buds and see if you can tell different types of milk apart. Included in regular admission (Milk program info).

• Victorian Toys & Games (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover and play with the toys, games and puzzles from Victorian Pennsylvania. Test your skills at Graces, unlock the mysteries of mechanical toys and play a round of Old Maids. Included in regular admission (Toys & Games program info).

Thursday, August 3

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

• Great-Horned Owl (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us to learn about the Great-horned Owl. Learn about its life, habitat, and the adaptations that make it a top predator. Stay to craft your own paper and feathered owl to take home. Included in regular admission (Owl program info).

• Highlights Tour (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Pennsylvania is the only state named for both its people and the place, “Penn’s Woods.” Discover how this relationship of people and place shows throughout the history, art, and science of the Commonwealth with a tour of featured exhibits on each floor. Included in regular admission (Highlights Tour info).

Friday, August 4

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in the Life Through Time Gallery for a reading of My Mastodon by Barbara Lowell with illustrations by Antonio Marinoni. Discover the story of the Peale family living in a museum in Philadelphia. Create your own admission ticket and souvenir. Included in regular admission (State Museum StoryTime info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us to explore the flora and fauna in Pennsylvania from the Carboniferous Period to the present. Learn about the habitats and environments that existed long ago and get hands-on with various fossils of these extinct species. Meet in Nature Lab on the 3rd floor at 11:30 am or 1:30 pm. Included in regular admission (Paleontology Tour info).

• First Fridays (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Enjoy an evening of music, family games, tractor rides, and food trucks. Some covered seating is provided, but feel free to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Parking is $5 per car, but there is no admission fee (First Friday program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Aug. 8, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Aug. 22, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Aug. 8 Sensory Hours and tickets for Aug. 22 Sensory Hours).

• The Colemans and Martic Forge (hybrid); Tuesday, Aug. 8, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Jim Polczynski will present a program centered on the ownership of Martic Forge by three generations of the Coleman family (who also owned Cornwall Iron Furnace). You can attend the program in person at Freeman Hall, Cornwall Manor Retirement Community, or virtually via Zoom (Martic Forge lecture info and registration).

• Captain Vicary and Life in Beaver County (in-person); Wednesday, Aug. 16, 6-7:30 pm; Old Economy Village
• Brenda Applegate, executive director of the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation, will present a program based on the journal of Captain Vicary, a transplanted Philadelphia sea captain who settled in Beaver County as a gentleman farmer. The program will provide glimpses into everyday life in the county as well as Vicary's interactions with the Harmonists. The program is free, but registration is required (Captain Vicary lecture info and registration).

• The "Dead" of Summer (in-person); Saturday, Aug. 19, 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• Experience a reenactment of an early 20th-century seance focused on the period when many had lost loved ones to the 1918 flu pandemic or World War I and were susceptible to this form of entertainment. Tickets are limited and will be available online (Dead of Summer info and tickets).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); Saturday, Aug. 26, 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a private history tour of the outside tracked vehicles and discuss the history of armored vehicles with a preeminent local historian. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership. Please note that we will not be accessing the inside of the tracked vehicles, but we will walk outside on the grounds, so please dress for the weather with appropriate footwear (Exploring the Armor registration).