Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts

Looking to August

Looking to August
Three reenactors in Vietnam era US military attire with helmets, a radio, and a rifle
Photo courtesy PA Military Museum

Summer's halfway over, but there's still plenty to do on the Trails of History. It should be a bit cooler this weekend, so I hope you'll find something to entertain and educate.


Up Next*

*Please note that calendar info is subject to change; we try to keep this up to date, but it's always best to check.

Saturday, July 30

  • Life Under the Canopy: The Vietnam War (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; PA Military Museum
    • Walk through a military camp and talk to living historians about the war in Southeast Asia. The event is free; donations welcome (Life Under the Canopy info).
  • Book Talk & Signing (in-person); 1-3 pm; PA Lumber Museum
    • William Marcum will talk about his book, The Foreman's Boys, which explores Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 1333 and Camp S-63 Poe Valley. Copies of the book will be available in the museum store for purchase and signing (Book Talk info).

Sunday, July 31

  • Sunday Sewing Circle (in-person); noon-3 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
    • Bring your needlecraft projects and enjoy some company while you work. This event is free and open to the public (Sewing Circle info).
  • Animals at Pennsbury (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor

Tuesday, August 2

  • Garden Workshop Series (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
    • Join Pennsbury's gardener to learn about 17th-century and modern gardening skills - today's topic is making salve with calendula. The workshop is open to visitors age 12 and older; cost is $20 per session. Registration is required; call 215/946-0400 to reserve your spot (Aug. 2 garden workshop).

Wednesday, August 3

  • Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
    • Learn about the science of paleontology and how paleontologists study and preserve fossils. Included in regular admission (Explore! info).

Children and adults stand on brick pathways that run between garden beds with herbs and flowers
Photo via Pennsbury Manor Facebook page

Thursday, August 4

  • Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
    • Enjoy a story with the gardener, then explore the grounds. Suggested for ages 4-8 but all are welcome. Cost is $3, which is a grounds pass; additional fee to tour the Manor House (Pennsbury Storytime info).
  • Games and Puzzles of the 1950s and 1960s; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
    • Test your skills with a Barrel of Monkeys and the Hula Hoop and see if you can walk a Slinky down the stairs. Included in regular admission (Games and Puzzles info).

Friday, August 5

  • StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
    • Wear your best tea party hat or helmet to read Molly Idle's Tea Rex. For kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (SMOP StoryTime info).
  • Sawmill demo (in-person); 11 am and 2 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
    • Weather permitting, staff at Daniel Boone Homestead will demonstrate the water-powered Bertolet Sawmill, which was moved to the Homestead from its original Berks County site in 1972 (DBH info and a short video preview of what the mill looks and sounds like in operation).
  • First Fridays (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
    • Enjoy a relaxing evening with live music and food for purchase from local vendors. Some covered seating is provided but feel free to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is free with parking fee of $5 (First Fridays info).
  • Summer Movie Night (in-person); 6-9:30 pm (approx); Railroad Museum of PA
    • Watch Night at the Museum (rated PG) and enjoy popcorn and ice cream. Advance tickets are $10 each for ages 3+, $15 at the door. Tickets include museum admission from 6 pm until the movie starts outside on the lawn at dusk. Please bring your own lawn seating (Movie Night info and tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

  • Garden Workshop Series (in-person); continuing Tues., Aug. 9-23, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
    • Join Pennsbury's gardener to learn about 17th-century and modern gardening skills - a new topic each week. The workshops are open to visitors age 12 and older; cost is $20 per session. Registration is required; call 215/946-0400 to reserve your spot (Garden workshop dates and topics).
  • Virtual Museum Spotlight; Tues., Aug. 9, 5-6 pm; Somerset Historical Center
    • Make a virtual visit to Somerset Historical Center and learn all the site has to offer. The program is free as part of the Heinz Center Affiliates Program; please register to receive the Zoom link (Virtual Museum Spotlight info and registration).
  • The Battle of Brandywine (virtual); Tues., Aug. 9, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
    • Historian and educator Michael C. Harris will draw on his research and experience to present a program on this important Revolutionary War battle. Cornwall site administrator Mike Emery will moderate a short discussion. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall lecture info and registration).
  • Sensory Hours (in-person); Tues., Aug. 9, 9-11 am, and Tues., Aug. 23, 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
    • Light, noise, and crowd levels will be reduced, and there will be some quiet spaces if you need a break from the activity. A few of the historic trains will be open, with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (Aug. 9 Sensory Hours or Aug. 23 Sensory Hours).
  • Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); Wed., Aug. 10, 10 am-3 pm, and Sun., Aug. 14, 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
  • Exploring the Armor (in-person); Sat., Aug. 13, 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
    • Take a guided tour of the tracked vehicles on the museum grounds. Tickets are $15. Space is limited and reservations are required; as of earlier this week there were 5 slots available (Armored tour tickets).
  • Drake Well Marathon and Half (in-person and virtual); Sun., August 14; 7 am-?, Drake Well Museum & Park
  • Virtual Talk: Drake Well Museum (virtual); Thurs., Aug. 18, 7-8 pm EDT

Potpourri

Potpourri
Purple columbine growing against a rough wooden fence. Two log buildings are in the background.
Columbine in the garden at the Log Farm (photo via Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum Facebook page)

It' a little bit of this and a little bit of that this week. Stay cool out there.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (pictured above) has posted a bunch of new craft classes on their Facebook page, ranging from needlecrafts to woodworking and pottery. If you're looking to try some new skills or build existing ones, this is a great place to start (LVM Facebook page).

One-story stone house with central door and two windows with white shutters on each side.
Photo via Conrad Weiser Homestead Facebook page

Conrad Weiser Homestead is assisting the Myerstown Community Library by serving as a drop-off spot for gently used books (no encyclopedias, please) for their Fall book sale. If you live in the Womelsdorf area or are planning to visit the site, you can drop off a box (marked for the library) during regular operating hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm, and Sundays, noon-4 pm, through the end of August. CWH also shared that Lynn Otto, a long-time volunteer and board member, appeared on "PA Dutch Live," a YouTube show hosted by Douglas Madenford, to talk about the French & Indian War and the Weiser Homestead.

T-shirt, tote bag, and sticker with "Taste of Taxation, 1794" logo
"Taste of Taxation" merch (photo via PA Military Museum Facebook page)

Last weekend, the PA Military Museum hosted "Taste of Taxation," a program featuring history presentations about whiskey distilling in Pennsylvania and the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion in southwestern PA. The museum partnered with Big Spring Spirits in Bellefonte, who provided attendees with a whiskey tasting and produced specially labeled bottles of their small batch rye whiskey for sale (more event photos on PMM's Facebook page).

Outdoor exhibit panel with map and text mounted on concrete pad. The repro of Drake's wooden derrick is in the background.
Photo via Drake Well Museum & Park Facebook page

A new outdoor story map at Drake Well Museum and Park helps visitors learn more about the exhibits on the grounds, including a wide range of oilfield equipment. Check it out the next time you're in northwestern PA.

Folded paper stars in various sizes and colors
Photo via Ephrata Cloister Facebook page

Ephrata Cloister's Museum Store is looking for volunteers to make Moravian paper stars to replenish their supply. They'll provide the materials, you provide the folding. A helpful person shared a tutorial in a comment on the store's Facebook post, but I prefer this tutorial that Pennsbury Manor posted back in December of 2020 as part of "Holly Nights at Home." I found it a bit easier to follow.

Up Next*

*Please note that calendar info is subject to change; we try to keep this up to date, but it's always best to check.

Saturday, July 23

  • Laquin: Behind the Photos (in-person); 1-2 pm; PA Lumber Museum
    • Matthew Carl, president of LeRoy Heritage Museum and executive director of the Bradford Counth Historical Society, will bring the lumber town of Laquin to live using over 100 images from the past and present (Laquin lecture info).

Sunday, July 24

  • Beer Brewing and Garden Highlights (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
    • Explore the recipes and plants that helped feed Pennsbury's early residents. Included in regular admission (Garden Highlights info).
  • Summer Concert Series (in-person); 2-4 pm; Old Economy Village
    • UPDATE Betty Douglas will perform a concert with other jazz musicians in the Feast Hall. Concert is free; a $5 donation is suggested. Please bring chairs for seating (Concert Series info).

Tuesday, July 26

  • Garden Workshop Series (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
    • Join Pennsbury's gardener to learn about 17th-century and modern gardening skills - today's topic is Water. The workshops are open to visitors age 12 and older; cost is $20 per session. Registration is required; call 215/946-0400 to reserve your spot (7/26 Garden Workshop info).

Wednesday, July 27

  • Annual History Camp (in-person); 7/27-29, 9 am-noon; Joseph Priestley House
    • Camp activities focus on the life of Dr. Joseph Priestley. Fee is $10 per day. Contact the Friends of Joseph Priestley House at jphopsmanager@gmail.com to register (Priestley History Camp info).
  • Family Gallery Tour: Mammal Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
    • Using hands-on objects, museum educators will help families explore the Mammal Hall dioramas together. Included in regular admission (Gallery Tour info).

Thursday, July 28

  • Discovery Days Camp (in-person); 9 am-4 pm; Drake Well Museum & Park
    • Today is the final day of camp and students will explore the lumber industry in the Titusville area. Cost is $20, if you didn't register for previous camp days this month (Discovery Days info and registration).
  • Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
    • Enjoy a story with the gardener, then explore the grounds. Suggested for ages 4-8, but all are welcome. Cost is $3, which is a grounds pass; there is an additional fee to tour the Manor House (Pennsbury Storytime info).
  • Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
    • Explore the General Store exhibit and learn how people used to shop and what they bought. For kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

  • Garden Workshop Series (in-person); continuing Tues., Aug. 2-23, 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
    • Join Pennsbury's gardener to learn about 17th-century and modern gardening skills - a new topic each week. The workshops are open to visitors age 12 and older; cost is $20 per session. Registration is required; call 215/946-0400 to reserve your spot (Garden workshop dates and topics).
  • Summer Movie Night (in-person); Fri., Aug. 5, 6-9:30 pm (approx); Railroad Museum of PA
    • Watch Night at the Museum (rated PG) and enjoy popcorn and ice cream. Advance tickets are $10 each for ages 3+, $15 at the door. Tickets include museum admission from 6 pm until the movie starts outside on the lawn at dusk. Please bring your own lawn seating (Movie Night info and tickets).
  • Virtual Museum Spotlight; Tues., Aug. 9, 5-6 pm; Somerset Historical Center
    • Make a virtual visit to Somerset Historical Center and learn all the site has to offer. The program is free as part of the Heinz Center Affiliates Program; please register to receive the Zoom link (Virtual Museum Spotlight info and registration).
  • The Battle of Brandywine (virtual); Tues., Aug. 9, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
    • Historian and educator Michael C. Harris will draw on his research and experience to present a program on this important Revolutionary War battle. Cornwall site administrator Mike Emery will moderate a short discussion. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Cornwall lecture info and registration).
  • Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); Wed., Aug. 10, 10 am-3 pm, and Sun., Aug. 14, 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
  • Exploring the Armor (in-person); Sat., Aug. 13, 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
    • Take a guided tour of the tracked vehicles on the museum grounds. Tickets are $15. Space is limited and reservations are required; as of earlier this week there were 5 slots available (Armored tour tickets).
  • Drake Well Marathon and Half (in-person and virtual); Sun., August 14; 7 am-?, Drake Well Museum & Park

On the PA Trails of History, July 26-August 8

The August program page is now available. This week's post wraps up July and gets us into early August.
Native American and colonial reenactors talk to visitors at Bushy Run
Visitors and reenactors at the 2018 Battle of Bushy Run anniversary event (via Facebook)
Bushy Run Battlefield
July 27: Bushy Run Market—this open air market features a changing variety of vendors (last Saturday of the month, May-September). This month, Ligonier Valley Writers will also be on hand. The concession stand will have drinks and light fare. Free for visitors and vendors (prospective vendors should contact market@bushyrunbattlefield.com to discuss participation). 8 am-noon.
Aug. 3-4: 256th Anniversary of the Battle of Bushy Run—the reenactment of the first day of the battle will take place on the afternoon of Aug. 3, with the 2nd day reenactment on the afternoon of Aug. 4 (see the website or Facebook event page for details). You'll also find military camps, period craftspeople and musical performances, and food vendors at this annual event. Admission is $10 for ages 13+, $5 for ages 4-12; a two-day pass is available for $15 (adult) and $7 (child). 10 am-4 pm both days.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Aug. 4: Living History Sunday—learn about life in Berks County in the mid-18th century. Guided tours offered. Free admission. Noon-4 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
July 31, Aug. 7: Sawmill demonstrations—the site's water-powered up-down sawmill will be demonstrated at 11 am and 2 pm.

Late 1800s streetscape with hotel and businesses in Pithole Pennsylvania
Danforth House and other businesses in Pithole during its heyday (photo from Drake Well Museum collection, via Facebook)
Drake Well Museum and Park
July 27: Something More Saturday—in addition to the regular indoor and outdoor exhibits at Drake Well Museum, learn about and try your hand at 19th-century lawn games. Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.
July 27-28, Aug. 3-4: Historic Pithole open. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.
Aug. 4: Drake Well Marathon and 1/2—this is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. Both races (full marathon and half marathon) begin and end at the Museum and make use of Titusville streets and the bike path in Oil Creek State Park. Proceeds benefit Drake Well Museum and Park. You must register to participate.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Aug. 3-4: Time Warp - From Civil War to WWII—this is a mixed-era military and homefront history event packed with reenactors, music, food, and more throughout the site. (At 6 pm on the 3rd, there will be a Swing Dance at Freeland Public Park Pavilion.) Admission charged (separate fee for dance). 10 am-5 pm.
Ephrata Cloister
Aug. 4: Ice Cream Social—enjoy ice cream sundaes and live music, meet therapy dogs from KPETS, and visit the historic buildings. $5 per person. 1-4 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Thursday-Saturday through Aug. 31: Experience History – Rolling Cart Series—the new rolling cart program presents maritime-themed activities for visitors or all ages. Find out what’s in a sailor’s seabag, learn about the busy life of a lighthouse keeper, build your own warship and more! Included with Museum admission. Stay tuned to Erie Maritime Museum’s social media accounts (such as Facebook) for more information and weekly schedules.
Through Aug. 16: Tall Ship Summer Camp—sail on board the schooner Lettie G. Howard and learn all kinds of nautical skills. Geared for ages 10-14. Details and registration info are on the website.

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

Front view of Hope Lodge showing symmetrical arrangement of windows on brick facade
Classic Georgian architecture at Hope Lodge (via Facebook)
Hope Lodge
July 28, Aug. 4:—the site is open for tours every Sunday, through mid-October. Admission is charged (cash or check only). Site is open 1-4 pm, with tours at 1 and 2:30.
UPDATE 8/6 - Due to expected weather, this event is moving to the raindate of Aug. 8 Aug. 7: Movie Night—bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in to watch A League of Their Own (1992). Presented by Whitemarsh Township Parks and Recreation. Admission is free, snacks available for purchase. 8-10 pm. Raindate is Aug. 8.

Joseph Priestley House
Aug. 4: Oxygen Day—in honor of Dr. Priestley’s best known scientific contribution, this program features costumed docents throughout the house and chemistry demonstrations (more info on the website). Admission is free, but space is limited for the chemistry demos, so be sure to pick up a ticket at the visitor center (or reserve a spot by calling 570/473-9474). 1-4 pm; chemistry demos at 1:30 and 2:30 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
July 27: Splint Reed Chair Caning Class—instructor Patti Erickson will teach participants how to weave a herringbone pattern seat for a small stool. Fee charged includes materials. Details and online registration on Landis Valley's website. 10 am-4 pm.
Aug. 6: Hands-On History Day—wind down the summer and learn what life was like for kids a century ago. Cost is $11 per person (FREE for Landis Valley Associates members and kids age 5 and under). 10 am-3 pm.

Old Economy Village
July 27: Woodworking Class: Beyond the Basics—Dave Blair will teach this class for people who have taken the Intro to Woodworking class or have a basic knowledge of 19th-century woodworking tools. Class is free, but space is limited so you must register (details on the website. 10 am-1 pm.
Aug. 1: Culture and Foods of the Native Americans—part of Old Economy's series on food and culture. This presentation focuses on the people who lived at Logstown in the mid-1700s and their uses of local flora and fauna. Food samples will be provided. The program is free, but registration is required (contact Chloe Thomas at 724-266-4500 x104 or at c-chlthoma@pa.gov). 7-8 pm.

Green leaves and vines of hops growing in Pennsbury Manor garden
Hops growing in Pennsbury's garden in June (via Facebook)
Pennsbury Manor
July 28, Aug. 4: Sunday Programming—something different every week: chat with the gardeners and the brewers (7/28); meet the joyner, blacksmith, and spinners (8/4). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Aug. 3: Monthly Book Club—this month's selection is Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin by Jill Lepore (more info on the book and the meeting). 10 am.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Aug. 3-4: Cork Camp—this 2-day program is designed with kids age 10 and older in mind (families are welcome). On Day 1, learn about the history of logging in PA and the skills needed to be a successful "woodhick." On Day 2, help demonstrate those skills at the Cherry Springs Park Woodsmen's Show. Pre-registration is required (visit the museum website for details).
Pennsylvania Military Museum
Aug. 4: Lecture—Joseph R. Fischer, PhD, will present "Road to Nowhere: The Struggle for the Hürtgen," exploring the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, which stretched from Sept. 19 to Dec. 16, 1944 (details on the website). 2-3 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Aug. 1: Garden Railway Tour and Swing Dance Tickets on saleGarden Railway Tour: this year's (self-guided) tour is on Sunday, Oct. 6 (rain or shine). Tickets may be purchased at the museum starting today and will be available at Stauffer's locations in central PA starting Sept. 1. Swing Dance: Saturday night, Nov. 2, will find 1940s dance music and dancers among the trains in Rolling Stock Hall from 7 to 10 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Through Sept. 15: Traveling Exhibit—the center is hosting "We Can Do It," an exhibit from the Heinz History Center exploring Western PA's role and impact during World War II. SHC has also teamed up with the Turkeyfoot Historical Society to add a focus on Somerset County during the same period. Included in regular admission during regular operating hours.
Aug. 2: First Friday Food Fest—local food trucks and vendors will be on site with casual dinner options. There will also be live music and tractor-drawn hayrides. Free admission; $2 per car for parking. 5-8 pm.
Aug. 3: Family Fun 5K Run/Walk—the Center's groomed trail makes a loop through woods and meadows; once around is 5K (you can make as many circuits as you want). Enjoy the scenery! No admission charged, and maps are available. 8 am-noon.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the State Museum website for a full schedule of Planetarium shows.
July 26, Aug. 2: Summer Fridays—Fridays are "Pay as You Wish" for general admission (through Aug. 23). Regular fees apply for the Planetarium, and Curiosity Connection will have timed tickets between 10 am and 3 pm. At 12:15 pm each Friday, a special "Learn at Lunchtime" will be offered (July 26 details, Aug. 2 details).
July 31, Aug. 1, 7, 8: Nature Lab—a wide assortment of programming is scheduled for the museum's Nature Lab area (July 31 details, August details). Included in regular admission. 11:30 am.
Aug. 2: StoryTime—this month's participants will enjoy a reading of Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet and then use finger paints to try to recreate the images in the story. Geared for children ages 3-5 with an adult. Included in general admission. 10:30-11:30 am.
Aug. 4: Artist's Conversations—take an informal tour of this year's Art of the State exhibit with PHMC executive director Andrea Lowery and artist Amy LeFever, whose ceramic piece, Untitled, won first prize in the craft category this year. Included in general admission. 2-3 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for a complete listing of upcoming programs and events.