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.

The Clock is Ticking

A resource fair for active duty military members and veterans will take place at the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday (Photo via PMM Facebook page)

There's not much time left to plan those last-of-summer vacations. Let the list below be one of the places you start. Safe travels!

Up Next

Today, August 11

• 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).

• Toys and Games: 1950s and '60s (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover and play with the toys, games and puzzles from the 1950’s and 60’s. Test your skills at the Hula Hoop, walk the Slinky down the stairs and play a round of Twister. Included in regular admission (1950s-60s Toys and Games program info).

• Made in PA (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• From the practical to the tasty, discover the many revolutionary products that were made in Pennsylvania. Explore the products that are the keystone of our economy. Included in regular admission (Made in PA program info).

Saturday, August 12

• Explore PA Industry with the Giant Map (in-person); 10 am-Noon; The State Museum of PA
• Travel across the Giant Map of Pennsylvania to discover the industries that shaped our state. Included in regular admission (Giant map program info).

• Resource Fair (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; PA Military Museum
• As part of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, organizations that support active duty military and veterans will be onsite for a resource fair. Several short presentations will be offered. Participating organizations include Humana Insurance, the V.A., The Women's Memorial, and WoVen network (PMM info).

• History Hike (in-person); 10 am-Noon; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Join us for a History Hike as we explore the history of the Daniel Boone Homestead. Please make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring some water to drink. Friendly Dogs are welcome to join us for the walk but must be on a leash and are not allowed in the historic buildings (History Hike info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky (in-person); 3-4 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).

Sunday, August 13

• Living History Sunday (in-person); Noon-3 pm; Graeme Park
• Kids can participate in a colonial school, learn proper etiquette, play colonial games, try on colonial clothing, and learn about spinning, needlework, and carding wool. Tours of the historic Keith House will also be available at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 for $5/person. Living History activities are free (Graeme Park Living History info).

• Living History Theater (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• It's 1688 and Judith Roe has been charged with the murder of a traveler who spent the night at her house. Sit in on her trial to learn the details. Included in regular admission (Pennsbury Living History info).

• Ice Cream Social (in-person); 1-4 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Ice cream, brownie sundaes, live music, textile demos, and a chance to stroll the grounds and visit the historic buildings. All-inclusive admission of $10 for age 6 and up, $5 for members (Ice Cream Social info).

• WILD Illustrations (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Ecology Hall to explore a famous Pennsylvania naturalist and his wildlife art. Discover close looking and use your new knowledge to create your own art journal and wildlife illustration. Included in regular admission (Wildlife illustration program info).

Wednesday, August 16

• Bandits of the Night (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join museum educators in Nature Lab (3rd Floor) to learn about the raccoon's life, habitat, and adaptations. Stay to craft your own paperbag raccoon puppet. Included in regular admission (Raccoon program info).

• Toys and Games: 1970s and '80s (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover and play with the toys, games and puzzles from the 1970’s and 80’s. Test your skills at the Rubik’s Cube, explore action figure and see how quickly you can solve Perfection. Included in regular admission (1970s-80s Toys and Games program info).

• Captain Vicary and Life in Beaver County (in-person); 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).

Thursday, August 17

• 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).

• State Symbols: Piper Cub (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover why the Piper J3 Cub was chosen as Pennsylvania’s state aircraft. Explore its historic importance during WWII and its revolutionary use as an affordable recreational aircraft. Test your skills at different paper airplane designs. Included in regular admission (Piper Cub program info).

Friday, 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).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• 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).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Aug. 22, 9-11 am, and Tuesday, Sept. 5, 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. Advance tickets required (tickets for Aug. 22 Sensory Hours and tickets for Sept. 5 Sensory Hours).

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

While We're Away

Learn about this art installation at The State Museum of Pennsylvania on Sunday (photo via SMOP calendar)

NOTE: Trailheads HQ has been on break this week. The info below was accurate (as far as we know) as of June 30, but it's a good idea to double check (especially weekend events) before heading to a site. Enjoy!

Up Next

Today, July 7

• Reading Railroad Days, Part 2 (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Event highlights the historic Reading Railroad with an enormous, detailed HO scale model train layout of the Reading Railroad, operated by members of the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society. Visitors also may view historic Reading Company equipment from the Museum’s premier collection. Included in regular admission (Reading Railroad Days info).

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Hear a reading of Birds by Kevin Henkes, learn about the many colors of birds, and paint with bird feathers. For ages 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (State Museum StoryTime info).

• Travel by Land, Air, and Water (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover how the Scotty Trailer, Piper Cub and the Cowell Runabout changed recreational travel in Pennsylvania and beyond. Choose an adventure and create a travel itinerary and discover the items you would need along the way. Included in regular admission (Travel program 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 (July First Fridays info).

Saturday, July 8

• Kids Day: Working Animals (in-person); 9 am-3 pm; PA Military Museum
• Learn how the military has used working animals throughout the centuries, from cats to carrier pigeons (Kids Day info).

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

Sunday, July 9

• Living History Theater (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Join the townspeople of Philadelphia in the summer of 1700 as they discuss how to handle their newfound problem with pirates and rid themselves of these unwelcome intruders. Included in regular admission (Living History Theater info).

• Moving Art (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore Continuum, a large-scale cast glass and stainless-steel kinetic sculpture by Robin Stanaway. The sculpture uses different elements working together to form a visual poem of Pennsylvania. Discover close-looking techniques and use your new knowledge and creativity to design your own movable work of art. Included in regular admission (Art program info).

Wednesday, July 12

• State Symbol: Firefly (in-person); 10-11 am; The State Museum of PA
• Pennsylvania is home to more than 15 species of fireflies and this nocturnal insect family was chosen as a state symbol to represent Pennsylvania in 1988. Learn more about this bioluminescent beetle, how it communicates and why it was selected as a state symbol. Included in regular admission (Firefly 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. Admission and planetarium tickets must be purchased at least 5 minutes before showtime (Stargazing program info).

Thursday, July 13

• Giant Map of Pennsylvania (in-person); 10 am-Noon; The State Museum of PA
• Challenge your knowledge of the geography of Pennsylvania while exploring the giant map of the state. Included in regular admission (Giant Map of PA program info).

• 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 for ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• Chemistry (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This family-friendly program offers and basic introduction to chemistry. Learn about the basic components of the matter around us, the elements and periodic table, and create your own compound to take home and play with. Included in regular admission, but space is limited. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Chemistry program info).

Friday, July 14

• Family Gallery Tour: Mammal Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Touch furs, hold antlers, view skulls and ask questions during a tour of Mammal Hall. Included in regular admission (Mammal Hall tour info).

• Chill and Build (in-person); 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Unwind with the family on a Friday afternoon. 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. Included in regular admission (Chill and Build program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Acting Workshop (in-person); Saturday, July 15, 2-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Laurie McCants, co-founder of the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, will lead a two-part workshop for students age 8 to 12. Actors will choose a historical figure, research their life, write a script, and reenact them. Second session takes place July 22 (Acting Workshop info and registration).

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); Tuesday, July 25, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's workshop is about preserving produce. Geared for ages 12 and up. Registration required - $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Call 215/946-0400 (July Garden Workshop info).

• 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).

• 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).

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

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

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

• Joseph Priestley House (Priestley House camp info)
• Summer History Camp (grades 1-6), July 26-28, 9 am-Noon

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

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

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

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

Moving On to July

Enjoy traditional "woodhick" activities, crafts, food, music, and more this weekend at the Bark Peelers' Festival (photo via PA Lumber Museum Facebook page)

Most Trails of History sites will be closed Tuesday, July 4, for Independence Day. Please see below for several sites that will be open with special programming. This weekend, you can take part in the July 4 traditions of the lumber region with the PA Lumber Museum's Bark Peelers' Festival (see photo above). And if you can't visit your favorite site in person, check out our great collection of PA History 2 Go videos, a series of virtual tours and presentations highlighting the history and activities of the Trails of History sites.

Up Next

Today, June 30

• Reading Railroad Days, Part 1 (in-person); Today thru July 2, 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Event highlights the historic Reading Railroad with an enormous, detailed HO scale model train layout of the Reading Railroad, operated by members of the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society. Visitors also may view historic Reading Company equipment from the Museum’s premier collection. Included in regular admission (Reading Railroad Days info).

• Scotty Trailer (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover the story of Pennsylvania’s Scotty Trailer and how it revolutionized camping. Discover the places that you could have traveled to when the Scotty was introduced. Create your own Pennsylvania travel map. Included in regular admission (Scotty Trailer program info).

Saturday, July 1

• Bark Peelers' Festival (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-5 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Lively special events, contests, and demonstrations all celebrating “wood hick” skills. Unique food and craft vendors, live music, games at the kid’s corner, operation of our sawmill and birch still, blacksmithing, and chainsaw carving. Visitors are encouraged to compete in the greased pole, log rolling, crosscut saw, and birling competitions to earn the title “Grand Champion Bark-peeler” and the associated cash prizes. New this year: PLM's first Beard & Mustache Competition. Admission charged (Bark Peelers' Festival info).

• Camp Life (in-person); 10 am-noon and 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore objects that fed and protected Civil War soldiers at camp. Interact with items that occupied and entertained the troops. Create your own legend versus fact game. Included in regular admission (Civil War Camp Life program info).

Sunday, July 2

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Blacksmiths, joyners, and spinners will be eager to talk to you about their work and its importance to life at Pennsbury. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades program info).

Tuesday, July 4

• Independence Day (in-person); 11 am-3 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Learn about the different kinds of troops who fought for America’s freedom during the Revolutionary War including the Continentals, Dragoons, and Riflemen. Guided Boone House tours will be offered regularly throughout the day, as well as blacksmithing and gun building demonstrations. There will also be plenty of activities for children, including a muster activity, colonial toys and games, and crafts. Admission fee charged. Munchiez Food Truck and Cherry On Top ice cream truck will be on site (Boone Homestead Independence Day info).

• Independence Day (in-person); 11:30 am-2:30 pm; Graeme Park
• A celebration spanning several centuries: volunteers in colonial-era dress will reenact the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will present dances popular in the late 19th-century when Independence Day became a federal holiday. There will be a free ice cream social and visitors are invited to try writing with a quill pen. And there will be tours of the Keith House. Donations welcome (Graeme Park Independence Day info).

• Fourth at the Fort (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Fort Pitt Museum
• This free event features living history demos, cannon firing, and 18th-century military music in Point State Park. Regular admission rates apply to visit the museum and its exhibits (Fourth at the Fort program info).

Wednesday, July 5

• Reading Railroad Days, Part 2 (in-person); Today thru July 8, 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Event highlights the historic Reading Railroad with an enormous, detailed HO scale model train layout of the Reading Railroad, operated by members of the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society. Visitors also may view historic Reading Company equipment from the Museum’s premier collection. Included in regular admission (Reading Railroad Days info).

• Restoring Mammal Hall (in-person); 11:30 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Tour the exhibit that explores the science and art behind the 3-year project that restored Mammal Hall's dioramas. Included in regular admission (Restoring Mammal Hall program info).

Thursday, July 6

• 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).

• Memory and Logic (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab (3rd floor) to explore how people think and remember information. Test your memory and logic through a series of challenging games and puzzles. Included in regular admission, but space is limited, so it's first come, first served (Memory & Logic program info).

Friday, July 7

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Hear a reading of Birds by Kevin Henkes, learn about the many colors of birds, and paint with bird feathers. For ages 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (State Museum StoryTime info).

• Travel by Land, Air, and Water (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover how the Scotty Trailer, Piper Cub and the Cowell Runabout changed recreational travel in Pennsylvania and beyond. Choose an adventure and create a travel itinerary and discover the items you would need along the way. Included in regular admission (Travel program 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 (July First Fridays info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Acting Workshop (in-person); Saturday, July 15, 2-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Laurie McCants, co-founder of the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, will lead a two-part workshop for students age 8 to 12. Actors will choose a historical figure, research their life, write a script, and reenact them. Second session takes place July 22 (Acting Workshop info and registration).

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); Tuesday, July 25, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's workshop is about preserving produce. Geared for ages 12 and up. Registration required - $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Call 215/946-0400 (July Garden Workshop info).

• 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).

• 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).

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

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

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

• Joseph Priestley House (Priestley House camp info)
• Summer History Camp (grades 1-6), July 26-28, 9 am-Noon

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

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

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

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

Summer!!

Visit the Railroad Museum of PA during Reading Railroad Days to learn more about this Reading Company Crusader No. 1 passenger car (photo via RMP's Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, June 23

• Family Gallery Tour: Transportation (in-person); 11:30 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This family-friendly tour looks at transportation changes throughout Pennsylvania’s history. Join Museum Educators to learn about the vehicles that have helped move us across our state. Included in regular admission (Transportation gallery tour info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Jacob Henry, Spotted Lanternfly Operations Manager with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will discuss the spotted lanternfly in Pennsylvania. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Saturday, June 24

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (in-person); 10 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Reducing, reusing, and recycling can help you, your community, and the environment by saving money, energy, and natural resources. Create beads from magazines and learn about the benefits of vermicomposting. Included in regular admission (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle program info).

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

Tuesday, June 27

• 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 June 27 Sensory Hours).

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's workshop is "Colors of Our Lives." Open to ages 12 and up. Registration is required. Tickets are $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Call 215/946-0400 (June 27 Garden Workshop Series info).

Wednesday, June 28

• Reading Railroad Days, Part 1 (in-person); June 28-July 2, 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Event highlights the historic Reading Railroad with an enormous, detailed HO scale model train layout of the Reading Railroad, operated by members of the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society. Visitors also may view historic Reading Company equipment from the Museum’s premier collection. Included in regular admission. Event continues July 5-8 (Reading Railroad Days info).

• State Symbol: White-tailed Deer (in-person); 10 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• The white-tailed deer was chosen as the official state animal of Pennsylvania in 1959. Learn more about the history of this animal in our state, the adaptations that help this animal survive in Pennsylvania and its selection as a state symbol. Included in regular admission (White-tailed Deer program info).

Thursday, June 29

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy a story in Pennsbury's garden and then stay to explore the grounds. Suggested for ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome. Admission is $3 (Grounds Pass); upgrade to regular admission if you'd like to tour the Manor House (June 29 Storytime info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person); 11:30 am and 1:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This family-friendly tour looks at life through time in Pennsylvania. Join Museum Educators to get hands-on with fossils of the plants and animals that roamed Earth during the Carboniferous Period to the present, including dinosaurs and mastodons. Included in regular admission (Paleontology Gallery tour info).

Friday, June 30

• Scotty Trailer (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover the story of Pennsylvania’s Scotty Trailer and how it revolutionized camping. Discover the places that you could have traveled to when the Scotty was introduced. Create your own Pennsylvania travel map. Included in regular admission (Scotty Trailer program info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Acting Workshop (in-person); Saturday, July 15, 2-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Laurie McCants, co-founder of the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, will lead a two-part workshop for students age 8 to 12. Actors will choose a historical figure, research their life, write a script, and reenact them. Second session takes place July 22 (Acting Workshop info and registration).

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); Tuesday, July 25, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's workshop is about preserving produce. Geared for ages 12 and up. Registration required - $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Call 215/946-0400 (July Garden Workshop info).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Aug. 8, 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. Advance tickets required (tickets for Aug. 8 Sensory Hours).

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

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

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

• Joseph Priestley House (Priestley House camp info)
• Summer History Camp (grades 1-6), July 26-28, 9 am-Noon

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

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

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

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

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

The PA Trails of History, August 9-22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HO scale steam locomotive at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

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

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

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