Something for Everyone?

Please be sure to check the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (in-person and virtual). I've included highlights below. The Trailheads Rec Room pages to the right of your screen offer an array of online content generated by Trails of History sites. Also, if you're looking for a Covid vaccine provider, check out Vaccines.gov and enter your zip code.

Please note that staff and volunteers at Commonwealth of PA worksites, including the PA Trails of History, are wearing masks while indoors. Visitors are encouraged, though not required, to do so as well.

Home for the Holidays continues this Saturday at the Railroad Museum of PA (photo via RMP Facebook page)

If you're still in the market for gifts for the people in your life, don't forget to check in with your favorite Trails of History sites to see what their museum stores have to offer. Visit their website or Facebook page for info; some have online ordering available. Please be aware that operating hours vary, so you'll need to check before venturing out. Your purchases support educational programs and offerings at our sites and museums. A gift membership to any site or to the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation is also a great way to support sites and treat history lovers to visits during the coming year. And they're never the wrong size.

The Week Ahead

Today, December 10

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual): Chris Kemmerer from the Bureau of State Parks will talk about owls that live in and migrate through PA; The State Museum of PA; 12:15-12:45 pm (Learn at Lunchtime registration)
• Holiday Bonfire (in-person): musical entertainment, free refreshments, and a bonfire; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum; 6-8 pm, formal program starts at 7; event is free, LVM will be accepting donations of canned and other non-perishable food items for Lancaster Food Bank (Holiday Bonfire info)

Saturday, December 11

• Home for the Holidays (in-person): explore bygone eras, visit with Santa and send a telegram to the North Pole, and enjoy festive decorations and music; Railroad Museum of PA; 10 am-4 pm; included in regular admission (Home for the Holidays info)
• Holidays at the Homestead (in-person): discover PA German and English traditions, listen to carolers, make a paper ornament, and visit with Belsnickel; Daniel Boone Homestead; 11 am-4 pm, Belsnickel 1-3 pm (Holidays at the Homestead info)
• Holidays at Hope Lodge (in-person): enjoy the decorated rooms at your own pace, listen to holiday music, and more; Hope Lodge; 11 am-5 pm; regular admission charged, age 21+ can sample craft beers for an additional fee (Holidays at Hope Lodge info)
• Santa in the Shay (in-person): visit Santa in the cab of the Shay locomotive, take an instant pic to make an ornament, and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa; PA Lumber Museum; noon-3 pm; cost is $5 for adults, $3 for kids (Santa in the Shay info)

Sunday, December 12

• Christmas Sale (in-person): local vendors with a wide variety of wares will be on hand; Bushy Run Battlefield; 10 am-3 pm (Christmas Sale info)

Tuesday, December 14

• The Railroads of Cornwall (virtual): Mark Cain will present a program on the history of railroads in the Cornwall area and site administrator Mike Emery will facilitate a brief discussion; Cornwall Iron Furnace; 7-8 pm (Railroads at Cornwall info)
• A History of Manheim Township (virtual): Manheim Twp Historical Society president Ben Webber will present a talk on the township where the museum is located; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum; 7-8 pm (LVM virtual program info and registration)
• Christmas at the Cloister (in-person): a program of lessons and carols in the historic Meetinghouse; Ephrata Cloister; performances at 8 tonight (as of 2 pm 12/8 all others sold out); advance tickets required (Christmas at the Cloister info and ticket availability)

Wednesday, December 15

• Explore! (in-person): learn about textiles in early PA and create your own design; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; for kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission; space is limited (Explore! info)

Thursday, December 16

• Curiosity Kids (in-person): learn about dinosaurs, when they lived, and some of their unusual adaptations; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; for kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission; space is limited (Curiosity Kids info)
• PA History: Read It, See It (virtual): make a virtual visit to the Pennsylvania Military Museum and hear from State Library staff about related books and collections; noon-1 pm; email RA-edmakerspace@pa.gov with your name and date/topic to receive the meeting invitation

On Sale Now (as of 12/8; some programs will sell out)

• Lantern Tours: Dec. 27-30 at Ephrata Cloister learn about the site's history through living history tours and performances; advance tickets required, on sale starting Dec. 1 (Lantern Tour info)
• Winter Day Camp: on Dec. 29 from 9 am to 4:30 pm Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum will present a day camp for kids in grades 5-11; the focus is Christmas Around the World and includes a themed escape room; cost is $60 per camper ($54 for members) (Day Camp info and registration)
• Rails and Ales: enjoy an evening of craft beer among the museum's historic trains at the Railroad Museum of PA, April 9, 2022, 5:30-9 pm; must be 21 or older to attend; variety of ticket options, including designated driver tickets (Rails and Ales tickets)

On the Trails of History, Nov. 15-Dec. 1

This post will take you through the end of November, with just the merest smidgen of December (due to Thanksgiving and its ancillary festivities). The December program page is now available for those that like to plan ahead.

All Trails of History sites will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28. Sites open on the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29) are noted below. Winter weather can sometimes play havoc with schedules, so it’s usually best to check with the site you plan to visit if you think there’s a chance of changes (seasonal schedule changes will be in effect at some sites as well).

Learn about the art of blacksmithing at Old Economy Village Nov. 16 (details below)

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Nov. 30: Patriot’s Day—living history demonstrations, musket drills, blacksmith, house tours, and 18th-century medical "experts"--lots of activities for all ages. 10 am-4 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Nov. 23: Candlelight Tours—this annual program features living history, 18th-century music, and a chance to see the site by night. 5:30-8 pm.
Dec. 1: Christmas Open House—enjoy one last chance to visit the homestead in 2019 (site will be open by appointment only until Charter Day in March). The Visitor Center Bookstore will be open and books will be marked down 10% (more details on the Facebook event page). Admission is free; donations gratefully accepted. Noon-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
Nov. 30: Something More Saturday—today’s event is “Radio Santa,” inviting kids to speak with the big guy at the North Pole via radio. There will also be holiday craft projects and other family-friendly activities (details on Facebook). Included in regular admission. Site open 9 am-5 pm; special programming, Noon-4 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Nov. 30: Candlelight Open House—spend a lovely evening exploring the Ephrata Cloister, with music, craftspeople, and more (info on website). Cost is $6 per person (ages 3 and older). 5-8:30 pm.
Dec. 1: Museum Store Sunday—the museum store will offer a shop-wide sale and free gifts with your purchase, which supports the site and its activities. 9 am-5 pm.

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

Graeme Park
Nov. 30: Christmas in the Colonies—candlelight tours of the Keith House, where the Tapestry Dancers and costumed interpreters will illustrate Christmas and other winter holidays as the Graemes might have known them. Refreshments will be served. Tours will start approximately every 20 minutes from 4 to 6:20 pm. Craft vendors will be on hand for Small Business Saturday, from 3-6 pm (details on the website). Cost is $5 per person for tours.
Dec. 1: Museum Store Sunday—skip the mall crowds and support a historic site. Free DIY gift wrap station for purchases made in the museum store on Small Business Saturday (11/30) or Museum Store Sunday. Noon-4 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Throughout the month: Fall Workshops—check the website for course descriptions and registration info.
Nov. 30-Dec. 1: Museum Store Shop Local Open House and Museum Store Sunday—shop for locally handmade art, crafts and heirloom-quality gifts and enjoy holiday decorations in the museum store. Museum Store events are free; regular rates apply for museum admission. 9 am-5 pm both days (site opens at noon on Sunday).

Old Economy Village
November 16, 23, 30: Saturday Spotlight Programs—something different every week. Nov. 16 - The Art of Blacksmithing; Nov. 23 - Meet the Gardeners; Nov. 30 - 19th-Century Trades and Crafts. Included in regular admission, so please begin at the Visitor Center. 10 am-5 pm..

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Nov. 16: Walk and Talk—get a sneak preview of the new orientation video for the Webber Cabin and accompany Jim Hyland (from Tioga State Forest) on a short walk from the visitor center to the cabin for a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s newest exhibit building (more info on the Facebook event page). Included in regular admission. 1 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Nov. 17: Lecture—museum educator and former Navy Petty Officer Joe Horvath will present "This was NO Love Boat," based on his experiences aboard the SARATOGA during its 1984 Mediterranean cruise as part of the 6th Fleet (details on the website). 2-3 pm.
Nov. 23: Kids Day - Dress Up and Discover!!—try on field gear and head gear from the museum education collection. Visit the education stations in the galleries for more discoveries throughout the day. Parents must remain on-site while their kids participate in the activities. Included in regular admission. 10:00 am-3:00 pm.
Dec. 1: Hürtgen: A Visual Journey—writer/director Mark A. Frederick of Brush Mountain Media will discuss the history and inspiration behind his short independent film on this little-known battle between Germans and Americans during World War II. Included in regular admission. 2-3 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Nov. 29: Day After Thanksgiving—site open 9 am-5 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Dec. 1: Ethnic Traditions—each year Somerset Historical Center brings together local families from diverse cultural backgrounds to present an evening of food, music, and other traditions. This year’s menu includes foods from Pennsylvania German, Italian, Thai, and Mexican traditions. Cost is $20 for one ticket, $35 for two. Reservations are a must, and space is limited. Info on reserving your spot is on the website. 5:30 pm at Friedens Lutheran Church, Friedens, PA.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the Planetarium page for a full schedule of shows.
Nov. 21: Nature Lab—learn about Wild Canines. Included in regular admission. 11:30 am.
Nov. 21-22: Holiday Marketplace and Exhibit Opening—shop the Trails of History with representatives from numerous PHMC sites (details). Takes place in the museum’s Village Square. Hours are Thursday, 10 am to 3 pm, and Friday, 10 am to 7 pm. On Nov. 22, catch the opening of a new exhibit, Picturing a More Perfect Union: Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies for the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber, 1911-1919 from 3 to 7 pm (refreshments starting at 5).
Dec. 1: Museum Store Sunday—the State Museum Store (on the ground floor near the Third Street entrance) will hold a storewide sale today. Noon-4 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for details on this month's schedule and programs.

Gift Ideas for Your History Lovers (or Yourself)

The December program page lists events coming up this weekend and the rest of the month. Next week's post will include info (to the best of my knowledge) on site schedules around Christmas and New Year's. With luck, the January program page will be available next week as well (depends on the elves).

UPDATED 11 AM 12/15 to add Pennsbury ornament info

Luminaries and lighted fences at Daniel Boone Homestead's Christkindlmarket event (via Facebook)

We are in the midst of a multi-holiday season where the exchanging of gifts and the sharing of bounty are part and parcel of the festivities. That can be fraught with expectations, disappointment, resentment, frustration, you name it. Commercialism runs rampant. (As does, apparently, a tendency toward Dickensian language. Just me? Ok.) To combat the seasonal angst, we at Trailheads HQ have pulled together a list of suggestions to make your holiday gift-giving more meaningful, if only because your purchases help to support the programs and operations of the sites on the Trails of History. (I suppose you could also shop at other museums and historic sites, but they can get their own blog.)

A number of sites on the Trails of History are collection points for the U.S. Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" program. I have seen info from Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara, the Pennsylvania Military Museum, and the Railroad Museum of PA. There may be others (please let me know and I'll add you to this list). New, unwrapped toys will be shared with children in these communities - you can purchase items at the museum stores to donate or purchase elsewhere and bring them in. Collections continue through Dec. 20. (Search the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation website for locations in PA.)

Last weekend's Christmas Tree Ship event at Erie Maritime Museum included Santa, reindeer, and festive lights on the rigging of U.S. Brig Niagara (via Facebook)

If you have a history lover on your gift list (or want to treat yourself), why not a gift membership at your favorite Trails of History site? Or a "buy one, get one" membership deal from the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation? Or tickets to one of many popular beer and/or wine fests, which often sell out ahead of time?

Tickets to Ephrata Cloister's annual lantern tours would make a great gift.

From State Museum of PA Facebook page

If you're in the Harrisburg area today, the Museum Store at the State Museum is having a pop up sale.

Cornwall Iron Furnace was recently featured in a Lebanon Daily News article about gift ideas at area museums. Your favorite Trails of History site has loads of creative and imaginative items, many of them locally made and one-of-a-kind. You don't have to worry about sizes, either.

Thanks to the work of the Friends of the Joseph Priestley House, a modern edition of Dr. Priestley's 1799 Letters to the Inhabitants of Northumberland and its Neighborhood is now available. The new edition updates spelling, typography, and punctuation for contemporary readers who want to learn more about Joseph Priestley's views on politics and religion (the original was written in response to his critics). Read more about the book and find out where to get it on the Joseph Priestley House website.

And Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum has continued to add photos to its Museum Store Holiday 2017 album on Facebook. Lots of lovely things there.

Just saw this lovely ornament on Pennsbury Manor's Facebook page and had to share!

Wishing you lots of light, warmth, and friendship (and food!), no matter what you're celebrating.

Are We Feeling Festive Yet?

The December program page has info on this month's happenings. I've highlighted this weekend's activities below (along with a few things that happen before the next Trailheads hits the streets).

So many lovely pictures in my news feed this week.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum's Country Christmas Village event included (among other things) musical entertainment and freshly baked cookies, such as the traditional German anise-flavored springerle pictured above. You can see more photos on Landis Valley's Facebook page. (You can also find a collection of Landis Valley photos on Jennifer MacNeill Photography's Facebook page, posted at Thanksgiving.)

Another successful Cornwall Iron Furnace Holiday House Tour is in the books (see exterior view above). If you missed your chance to snoop around in other people's houses, there are interior photos of some of the featured homes on Cornwall's Facebook page. Seriously though, thank you to all the folks who opened their homes for this annual event, which benefits the public programs and educational activities of the museum.

Hooray for volunteers!! Doug O'Brien was the Railroad Museum of PA's Volunteer of the Year for 2015 and Stu Jack was their honoree for 2016. You can read about Doug and Stu in the 50plus LIFE article to learn more about their work at the Museum. Let me take this opportunity to thank all of PHMC's volunteers for their efforts. You are priceless.

Lanterns light a path at historic Hope Lodge (via Facebook)

Bushy Run Battlefield
Dec. 9: Children's Colonial Christmas Party—kids age 4-12 are invited to learn about and make homemade decorations, learn a colonial-era dance, and enjoy a snack. Cost is $2 per child. Advance registration is required: contact Marlene at 724/744-4193 or marsawayda@yahoo.com. 1-3 pm.
Dec. 10: Christmas Sale—last chance to visit the museum store for this season to find the perfect gift. Six additional vendors will be on hand in the Stone Room. 1-4 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Dec. 8-9: Christkindlmarket—crafts, wine, candlelight, and shopping (details on the Facebook event page). Admission is $7 for adults. Tickets available by calling 610/582-4900. 4-9 pm both days.

Ephrata Cloister
Dec. 11-12: Christmas at the Cloister—this popular annual program combines seasonal readings and traditional music performed by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus in the 1741 Meetinghouse (Saal). Performance times are 6:30 and 8 pm each evening. Tickets are $6 per person and seating is limited; call 717/733-6600 for availability.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
Dec. 9: Christmas Tree Ship—Niagara will be lit up for Christmas, and there will be lots of family activities, a visit with Santa and a live reindeer (due to arrive at 5:45 pm), and the story of The Christmas Tree Ship (more program details on the website). Admission is free. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the local Toys for Tots collection. 5:30-8:30 pm.

Hope Lodge
Dec. 9: Guided Tours of the Mansion—tours of the mansion will be offered at 10 and 11:30 am, 1 and 2:30 pm. Regular admission charged; fee includes cookies and cider. Site open 10 am-4 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Dec. 9: Artists Showcase at the Museum Store—meet 15 of LVM's tradespeople and artisans, learn about their work, and purchase beautiful handmade and locally produced merchandise. Regular admission rates apply to visit the exhibit buildings, but there's never a charge to visit the Museum Store. 9 am-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor celebrates the season (via Facebook)

Pennsbury Manor
Dec 8: Holly Nights—a special opportunity to see Pennsbury illuminated by candlelight, bonfires, and hearth fires. Enjoy caroling, hot cider, and throwing a green sprig on the Yule log for luck (details on the website). Admission (at the door only): Adults, $14; Seniors, $12; Children, $6. 6-9 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Dec 10: Santa in the Shay—St. Nick will forgo his sleigh in favor of a geared locomotive as he listens to children's requests. Take an instant photo and turn it into an ornament, browse unique gifts from local artisans and the museum store, and enjoy hot cocoa (details). Admission is $5 (ages 12+), $3 (ages 3-11), ages 3 and under are always free. Noon-4pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Dec. 9: Lecture—the program will explore the occult roots of nazism during its rise in the 1930s and 40s. 3-4 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Dec. 9: Home for the Holidays—costumed engineers, conductors, ticket agents, and passengers representing the past century bring historic rail travel to life. (RMP shared an article from the New York Times about the historic link between holiday travel and the railroads.) Kids can visit with Santa or work with a telegrapher to send a Christmas telegram to the North Pole. Holiday music, refreshments (while supplies last), and shopping are part of the day too (lots more details). Included in regular admission. 9 am-5 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Dec. 9: Christmas Fun—enjoy music, tree decorating, children's activities, and shopping for locally made crafts and regional foods (maple syrup and honey top the list). The site will be open extended hours today, 9 am to 7 pm.

7 Trails of History Photos You Might Have Missed

The May programs page has info on events this weekend and beyond.

Greenhouse at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum in advance of this weekend's Herb and Garden Faire (via Facebook)

Sue Bowman's April 28 article on LancasterFarming.com, "Iron Stoves Were Hot Items: Historian Traces Stove Plate Style," provided a recap of Richard Martin's April 11 lecture, "Warm Your Hands Here," part of Cornwall Iron Furnace's monthly lecture series. It's an interesting read on the evolution of iron stoves and an overview of southeastern PA iron furnaces, of which Cornwall is a notable example. Visit Cornwall's website for a schedule of upcoming lectures and programs.

One of the activities at the Anthracite Heritage Museum's recent spring tea was a table of historical objects attendees were asked to identify (more photos of the tea on Facebook).

For Earth Day 2017, as they have done for several years, Eckley Miners' Village teamed with Keystone Job Corps Center to plant a tree outside the visitor center. Construction students prepared the site, planted the tree, and toured the village to learn about the lives of coal miners (via Facebook).

Reenactors at last weekend's Military Timeline at Conrad Weiser Homestead pose with the newly conserved statue honoring men of the Tulpehocken Valley who fought in World War I (via Facebook).

As a tasty complement to their annual sheep-shearing event, Pennsbury Manor featured sheep-shaped cookies from Cramer's Bakery in their museum store (via Facebook).

Visitors to last weekend's Community Day event at the PA Lumber Museum talked with representatives of numerous local organizations and agencies and braved rainy weather to tour the outdoor portions of the site (via Facebook).


Old Economy Village unveiled its newly expanded blacksmith shop last weekend with an unusual ribbon cutting ceremony...

Time Moves Pretty Fast, or Ox and Ye Shall Receive

Well, this week has gotten away from me, so I'm resorting to outright theft (thank you, Pennsbury Manor and PA Lumber Museum) and a horrible pun.

Earlier this winter, when there was snow on the ground instead of spring warmth in the air, Pennsbury Manor posted video of Bill the Ox cutting loose on a sunny afternoon.


If that doesn't bring a smile to your face, then maybe a "Bill the Ox" temporary tattoo will do the trick.

Temporary tattoo available in Museum Store at Pennsbury (via Facebook)

Also, this week...

The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum was included in a community report segment produced by Blue Ridge Communications 13 - the segment features site administrator Josh Roth showing off the visitor center exhibit and the grounds of the museum. The video is available on YouTube (or watch it below); the Lumber Museum segment is the first 10 minutes or so. Great local coverage.


The March program page will be up and running early next week, but don't miss out on these upcoming events:

• Today (2/24), State Museum of Pennsylvania, Nature Lab Program. In honor of National Engineering Week, today's program is "Simple Machines." Included in regular admission. 11:30 am-12:30 pm.
• Saturday (2/25), Drake Well Museum. This month's "Something More Saturday" explores parlor games and other low-tech entertainments, included in regular admission. Special rate: purchase two adult tickets, receive up to three youth admissions. 10 am-3 pm.

The Week in Review

The February program page is up, so you can plan ahead for the month to come. Not to rush the demise of January, though. There are still some January events, which I've listed below.

TC gets her hooves soaked in epsom salts after the farrier trims them (via Pennsbury Manor Facebook page)

It may be the off-season at Pennsbury Manor, but that doesn't mean there's nothing going on. When there are animals to be cared for, that's a full-time, all-year endeavor. The Facebook post that carried the above photo noted that most horses do not cooperate as readily as TC with the hoof-soaking, intended to prevent bacteria from entering the freshly trimmed hooves. Winter has been fairly mild so far in the southeastern part of PA, allowing for more outside time for the animals and the people who take care of them. Landis Valley posted some photos of sheep, including a new lamb, enjoying the fresh air. We didn't compete in the #CuteAnimalTweetoff this week, but we'd have been heavy contenders if we had.

Sheep outside the Log Farm at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (via Facebook)

The Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton recently hosted their annual commemoration of the Knox Mine Disaster, which took the lives of twelve miners on Jan. 22, 1959. This year's event included a tribute to Bill Hastie, 97, the last surviving employee of the Knox Coal Company and an active speaker on the history and legacy of the disaster. An article in Wilkes-Barre's Times Leader has photos and a full description of the program.

The Times Leader also reviewed the premiere of Gunpowder Joe: Joseph Priestley, Pennsylvania, and the American Experiment, a new play by Anthony Clarvoe, now in performances at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, through Feb. 5 (so still time to see it). An article in the Sunbury Daily Item explores some of the historical themes (political, religious, and scientific) and personages portrayed. Some of the action is set at Priestley's home in Northumberland, which is part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History.


Coming up...

Today, Jan. 27

• State Museum of PA Nature Lab program, "White-Tailed Deer," 11:30 am-12:30 pm.

Tomorrow, Jan. 28

• Drake Well Museum's Something More Saturday has a Valentine's Day theme, "Love Among the Derricks." More info.
• Fort Pitt Museum reopens after being closed most of the month for annual upkeep and cleaning.

Sunday, Jan. 29

• Museum Store Folk Art Class at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum - learn about about PA German painted furniture and decorate a miniature blanket chest. More details (including how to register and what kind of brushes to bring.)
• UPDATE: You can meet artists Dominick Brandt, Ralph Hocker, and Don Lenker from 2 to 3 pm at the State Museum of PA. They are featured in the current exhibit, The 7 Lively Artists, which closes on Feb. 12. Included in regular admission.

On and Off the Trails

Please consult the December program page for details on upcoming events.

So, today's post includes some items from the Trails of History and a couple from off the trails that I thought might be of interest.

Lights adorn the rigging of US Brig Niagara during last week's Christmas Tree Ship event (via Facebook)

Seasonal events continue on the Trails of History (see photo above and check the program page for details). Washington Crossing Historic Park has posted and shared photos from this year's first reenactment of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 (read a first-hand account from a first-time participant). The 174th Infantry Brigade from Ft. Dix (NJ) was there, learning first-hand about The 10 Crucial Days (following the Christmas crossing) and experiencing the crossing and march to Trenton. The Christmas Day reenactment starts on Dec. 25 at noon with a commemorative program, with the boats set to launch around 1 pm (boat crossing is dependent on favorable river conditions, but the program takes place even if the boats can't cross).

If you can't make it to the crossing reenactment but still want to be immersed in the American Revolution and the Early Republic (beyond listening to the cast album of Hamilton again), the National Archives has developed a webpage they call Founders Online. They've gathered 176,000 searchable and annotated documents (thanks to the Founding Fathers Papers project) related to George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and family, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. But you'll find many other people in these documents (for example, there are 988 letters written by Abigail Adams and 1,348 received by her). Just what every history geek needs!

UPDATE 12/20/16: WCHP will also be livestreaming the event on Dec. 25 on YouTube, starting at noon.

Still shopping for that hard-to-buy-for history lover? Consider a gift membership, museum store gift card, or admission passes to a site on the PA Trails of History. Or a one-of-a-kind item from one of our museum stores. Or a donation in honor of someone who already has all the stuff they need. That always fits.

Eckley Main Street (photo by Bode Morin)

Thanks to my Google Alerts, I ran across a Dec. 9 editorial from the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader where they were awarding diamonds (good) and coal (not-so-good) to various local organizations. And I quote: "Diamonds to Eckley Miners’ Village and the people who work to keep the historic coal patch town-turned-museum engaging. The village hosts events throughout the year, most recently the annual 'Christmas in Eckley.' Admittedly, it can be an uphill struggle to present crowd-luring options in a town from a far past, but it’s also important. This may be an aging coal area where anthracite plays a shrinking role, but its importance in our history should never be forgotten." Amen to that (and thank you, Times Leader, for recognizing the folks at Eckley.)

On a related note, but off the Trails of History, I also ran into a Kickstarter project raising funds for conservation work on a coal-region mural painted in 1946 by Franz Kline (later known for his black-and-white abstract paintings). Kline was from Lehighton and painted the mural at the local American Legion post, which has now turned it over to the Allentown Art Museum. The video that goes with the Kickstarter campaign is interesting if for no other reason than it shows the museum's conservators removing it from the wall and preparing it for transport.

And one final item for this week. You may be familiar with Comedy Central's "Drunk History" program where comedians (mostly) get drunk and recount a historical event. A cast of regulars and guests then reenact the drunk's telling of the story, word-for-sloppy-word. It sometimes sheds light (however inebriated) on lesser-known aspects of history or facets of well-known stories. It can be very funny--the Harriet Tubman episode has become very popular--or not funny at all if watching people get drunk disturbs or offends you. Anyway, the Indiana Historical Society staff, wanting to try something similar but without the public drunkenness, created "Hot Pepper History." For each segment, the narrator(s) take a bite of a habanero or other fiery pepper and then try to tell a story from Indiana history. They've compiled a highlight segment, which gives you a good idea of the premise, and you can find the full episodes (generally 3-5 minutes long) on YouTube (The Fairbanks Tea Party is worth your time, I think). Who says history can't be fun?

What Are You Thankful For?

Trailheads is a little early this week to get ahead of the holiday.

I am thankful for my husband, my family, my friends, and my colleagues. I am thankful for my health and my home. I am thankful for reminders that I should never take any of these things for granted, because there are so many people who cannot even take their next meal or a safe place to live for granted. I am thankful for all of you who read Trailheads and who support the work of everyone on the PHMC's Trails of History. What are you thankful for?

Thankful for the work of PHMC's Preservation Field Services section - this is the Getz Dry House at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, before and after restoration work (photo by Rob Coates)

All of our Trails of History sites will be closed tomorrow, Nov. 24, for Thanksgiving. The following will be open on Friday, Nov. 25:

• Daniel Boone Homestead
• Fort Pitt Museum
• Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
• Washington Crossing Historic Park

Regular schedules resume on Saturday, Nov. 26, but please be sure to check ahead. Operating schedules change seasonally at a number of sites, so it's always best to be sure the site you want to visit will be open when you plan to be there (list of all sites). And don't forget to remember your favorite site on #GivingTuesday, Nov. 29. (UPDATE: Daniel Boone Homestead sent me a link to the donation page on their website to make it easier.)

Remember to "Shop Small" at Ephrata Cloister and all Trails of History museum stores

I've posted the list of December programs for those of you who like to plan ahead (holiday programming starts on Dec. 1), but there's still stuff to do in November!

Saturday, Nov. 26

• Patriots's Day, Brandywine Battlefield Park, admission charged (details), 10 am-4pm
• Candlelight Open House, Ephrata Cloister, admission charged (details), 5-8:30 pm
• A Continental Christmas, Graeme Park, free admission (details), noon-4pm
• Wreaths & Greens Workshop, Pennsbury Manor, advance registration required (details), 10 am-noon or 1-3 pm

Starting Tuesday, Nov. 29

• Christmastime for Children, Old Economy Village, advance registration required (details)

I will all of you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving, full of good things. If you'd like to explore your family history while you have everyone gathered, The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage has developed a list of questions to help you get started.

8 Reasons I Heart History This Week

Please be sure to visit the February program page to see what's up on the Trails of History. Fort Pitt Museum and the Railroad Museum of PA will be open on Presidents Day (Mon., Feb. 15); all other Trails of History sites will be closed.

When I think of Valentine's Day, I think about my sweetie. And then I think about sweets (really, it's true). Somerset Historical Center has some great programs and exhibits related to maple sugaring, historically and currently important to life and commerce in Somerset County (and elsewhere in Pennsylvania as well). They were recently featured on the cover of Pennlines magazine (published by the Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative) and will be part of a maple-themed tour March 12-13, with lots of maple-related activities (and maple kettle corn, oh my).

They're already tapping maple trees at Somerset Historical Center (via FB)

Or check out an article from Lancaster Online about a recent hearth cooking class at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum. The article has lots of pictures of the sweets and savories baked by the students in the museum's outdoor bake oven.

And we can't talk about Valentine's Day and sweets without talking about chocolate! At least I can't. For Charter Day, March 13, Daniel Boone Homestead will host presenters from Mars Chocolate Company's American Heritage Chocolate program. So, okay that's a month from now. You might want to get some chocolate to tide you over. A number of sites on the ol' TOH sell American Heritage Chocolate in their museum stores. Just a thought.

I ran across a personals ad earlier this week: "Museum of lumber history ISO loveable bear that disappeared from parking lot. No questions asked. Just want you back." Seriously, though. The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum posted on Facebook this week looking for information about a large fiberglass statue of Smokey Bear that was unceremoniously chainsawed from its base (cut off at the ankles, actually) more than 35 years ago. At the time of the theft, there were no leads. The museum staff are hoping that through the power of social media, they may be able to turn up some clues. They'd like to at least know what happened to the statue, even if it's not recoverable.

In the "Romance of Ruins" department (my motto: anything for a theme), RoadsideAmerica.com posted an article about Historic Pithole City earlier this week (or maybe reposted, since the director quoted in the piece retired several years ago). To grossly oversimplify, Pithole was an oil boomtown that sprang up and disappeared in the space of a few years. It is part of the Trails of History and is under the care of Drake Well Museum. If you can stand the cold, they're hosting a sledding party tomorrow (2/13), assuming there has been enough snow (if not, it will be moved to Feb. 20, so check ahead). UPDATE, 2/12/16: it's just going to be toooooooo cold tomorrow, so the sledding party is postponed until Feb. 20.

Did you ever write the initials of your latest "crush" on the book cover of your math textbook? No? It's just me? Well, in 1835 16-year-old Amanda Degall embroidered the name and initials of her main squeeze, Matthew B. Rodgers, on a sheer muslin fichu (shawl) that is now in the collection at the State Museum of PA. Read more (including the sentimental lines Amanda also embroidered) and see photos on this week's PA Treasures feature.

And two non-Trails of History items, just because...

PA Museums tweeted a link to the Franklin Institute's Nerdy Valentines for 2016. Very cute (and there's a Ben Franklin electricity one, so that's history, too). It made me wonder if any history museums had created anything similar, but I wasn't able to find anything with a quick Google search. I did find some non-museum history-themed and very funny (some of them anyway) valentines, but they were NSFT (Not Safe for Trailheads). UPDATE 9:30 AM: Thanks to the folks at Washington Crossing, who shared the New York Public Library's Presidential Valentine Card page on FB.

Things are gearing up for Museum Dance Off 3: Tokyo Drift, a music video contest run by the wonderful folks at the "When You Work at a Museum" tumblr. To find out more about submitting a video or to mark your calendar to start viewing and voting on entries in April, visit the contest page. You can watch the official trailer for last year's contest on YouTube. I'm including this because I love Museum Dance Off almost as much as I love chocolate (but not nearly as much as I love my sweetie).

It's going to be very cold this weekend, campers. So whether you're snuggling up with a loved one, a favorite pet, or your Netflix subscription (or all three), stay warm and think about the Trails of History!

5 Things to Help You Shake Off the Post-Turkey Blues

All Trails of History sites will be closed tomorrow, Nov. 26. All of us here at Trailheads HQ wish you and yours a happy, safe, and tension-free Thanksgiving. Try for at least two out of three!

Snow at the PA Lumber Museum for Thanksgiving (via Facebook)

 Last Friday's post included some suggestions for things you can talk about around the dinner table (see what The Onion has to offer on this topic) or do to keep everyone occupied during the food coma recovery period. Today, in a special mid-week post, a few more ideas for the days ahead, in the event you actually want to leave the house.

About half a dozen sites (see the list here) will be open on Friday, Nov. 27--a museum or historic site visit gets everyone out of the house and out of the mall. If you must succumb to the cultural pressures of shopping til you drop the day after Thanksgiving, why not include a museum store in your itinerary?

Sites will be back to their regular schedules on Saturday, Nov. 28, which also happens to be Small Business Saturday. You can shop small AND shop local at our museum stores.

Ephrata Cloister Museum Store's Shop Small event runs Nov. 28-Dec. 17
Shoppers can enter to win this gift basket

Several sites have special events scheduled for Saturday:

• Brandywine Battlefield Park: Patriot's Day, 10 am-4 pm.
• Ephrata Cloister: Candlelight Open House, 5-8 pm.
• Graeme Park: A Soldier's Christmas, 11 am-4 pm.
• Pennsbury Manor: Wreaths & Greens Workshop, reservation required.
• Pennsylvania Military Museum: Final weekend of the season (closed Nov. 30-Mar. 12). Guided tours at 1 pm Saturday and Sunday.

And if you're just too tired from all the holiday hub-bub (hubbub?), why not relax with a nice hot cup of tea or an adult beverage and consult the December program listings? Even with winter coming on, there's still plenty to do on the Trails of History. We're looking forward to seeing you.

Oh, and one more thing. Tuesday, Dec. 1, is #GivingTuesday, an online initiative to encourage generosity and make it easy to support causes near and dear to your heart. Pennsbury Manor is participating, as is the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation. I'll update this post if I learn of other Trails of History sites taking part this year.

December 2014 on the Trails of History

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday, filled with lots of good things and the time to relax and enjoy them. Please be sure to check the holiday schedule to see which Trails of History sites are open today (Nov. 28). Events taking place this weekend can be found in the November program listings. And may I gently urge you to "Shop Small" at your favorite museum store this Saturday (please check the schedule - most sites will be open, but some have closed for the winter).

Ephrata Cloister's Museum Store is participating in Shop Small Saturday and the Ephrata Merchants Association "Lovin' Local" event (photo by Stephanie Harley, Ephrata Merchants Assn.)

December starts on Monday, and I don't want you to miss anything, so the December program listings follow. I'll make updates as I get new info, but always be sure to check ahead if you think winter weather may disrupt the schedule. Please note that all sites except Washington Crossing Historic Park will be closed on December 25, and Daniel Boone Homestead will be closed on December 26 as well. Schedules are subject to change, so be sure to check when visiting between Dec. 24 and Jan. 1.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Dec. 7: Christmas Open House—enjoy one last chance to visit the homestead before winter sets in (site will be open by appointment only until Charter Day in March). Noon-4 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Dec. 6: Christmas at Cornwall House Tour—This annual tour lets you explore private homes in the Cornwall/Lebanon area (list of this year's homes) while supporting the Friends of Cornwall Iron Furnace. Tickets are $15 in advance at several locations in the community and at the Furnace. Tickets are $20 on the day of the tour. (Your house tour ticket also entitles you to a tour of the Furnace during regular hours between Dec. 6 and Dec. 28.) 10 am-4 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Dec. 7: A Homestead Christmas—Explore English and German Christmas traditions, enjoy hot chocolate and wassail, visit with Santa, and shop for baked goods and gifts for the history-minded folks on your list. Admission: Adults (age 13+), $6; Children (age 5-12), $4; free for Friends of DBH. Noon-4 pm.
Dec. 13: Here Comes Santa Claus! Santa’s Workshop and Holiday Bonfire—This evening program transforms the Wayside Lodge into Santa's Workshop, with opportunities to make 18th-century style toys, sing carols by the fire, and shop for handmade ornaments and decorations. Plus a rare chance for an evening tour of the Boone house. Admission: Age 5+, $4; free for Friends of DBH. )Snow date is Dec. 20.) 6-9 pm.
Dec. 26: Site closed.

Drake Well Museum
Dec. 8-?: site closed temporarily for water line repairs
PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO CHECK Dec. 13: The Holiday Shoppe—Children in grades 1-5 are invited to make a craft, shop for gifts for family and friends, and share a snack. Admission is $5 per child; call the museum at 814/827-2797 to register. 1-4 pm.

Eckley Miners' Village
Dec. 13-14: Christmas at Eckley—This new frundraising event combines the separate "Victorian Christmas" and "Children's Christmas" programs from previous years and includes refreshments in the 1861 Sharpe House, visits with St. Nicholas, basket raffles, children's crafts, and more. Admission is $7 per person; bring a nonperishable food item for the local food pantry and receive $1 off your ticket. Noon-4 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Dec. 1: Tickets go on sale for Lantern Tours
Dec. 8-9: Christmas at the Cloister—This popular annual program combines traditional music (sung by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus) and readings. This year's program also includes Celtic/folk/bluegrass fusion group "Seasons." Admission: $6. Tickets are limited and may be purchased in the Museum Store or by calling 717/733-6600. A select number of tickets for the 7:45 and 9 pm timeslots are available online at Eventbrite.com (small surcharge applies). Programs at 6:30, 7:45, and 9 pm.
Dec. 10: Storytime—this month's featured story for preschoolers and their accompanying adults is the Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas by Chet Williamson. Admission is $6 for one adult and one child (age 3-5), $3 for each additional child (free with Family Level membership in the Ephrata Cloister Associates or with Family Museum Pass from Library System of Lancaster County). 10-11 am.
Dec. 13: Making History Workshop—visit the Printing Office and use the press to make copies of a 1769 Christmas greeting. Fee is $15, $10 for ECA members. 10 am-noon.
Dec. 26-27 and Jan. 2-3: Lantern Tours—This year's tour is focused on the Great Comet of 1743 and explores the reactions of community members. Tours are presented by junior and senior high school students under the guidance of museum staff and leave from the visitor center every half hour from 6:30 to 8 pm. Admission: $10 (age 12-64), $9 (65+), $7 (6-11), $5 (3-5); member discounts available. Reservations are required and tickets do sell out; call 717/433-6600 to reserve your spot.

Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
Dec. 1: Storytime at the Maritime—Amy from the Erie Zoo will bring along some of her animal friends to read Sheep on a Ship by Nancy Shaw. RSVP to Andrew at 814/452-2744 x225 or outreach@flagshipniagara.org. Event is free. 10 am.
Dec. 2: Giving Tuesday—the Flagship Niagara League is participating in this year's #GivingTuesday event. More info and a link for donating to support the 2015 Sail Trainee Scholarship Fund are on the website.
Dec. 3: Holiday Open House and Book Signing—visit the museum store, enjoy cocktails and light hors-d'oeuvres, and meet David Frew, author of Shipwrecks of Lake Erie. Members receive 20% off purchases (and it's not too late to join). RSVP to 814/452-2744 x208 or giftshop@flagshipniagara.org. 5-7:30 pm.
Dec. 12: Christmas Tree Ship—This program features Niagara lit up for Christmas, lots of family activities, a visit with Santa, and a reading of The Christmas Tree Ship. Admission is free; for $45 you can sponsor a tree for a local family. For more information, contact Julie Wagner, 814/452-2744 x222 or jwagner@flagshipniagara.org). 5:30-8:30 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Dec. 3: Days of the Belsnickel Dinner Tour—a little shopping, a little wine and cheese, a wagon ride, a lovely dinner, candlelight tours, and a visit with der Belsnickel. What a way to start the season. $36.50 per person. Reservations are required; call Jamie at 717/581-0590. 5:30-9 pm.
Dec. 6-7, 13-14: Country Christmas Village—Enjoy a Pennsylvania German Christmas, with all kinds of trees, der Belsnickel, plus complimentary cocoa and gingersnaps. Handbell ringer Ron Bellamy will perform at 1 pm on Dec. 6 & 7, then lead an interactive ringing and caroling session. Admission: Adults, $12; Seniors, $10; Youth (age 6-11), $8; LVA members and age 5 and under, free. Dec. 6 & 13, 10 am-4 pm; Dec. 7 & 14, noon-4 pm.
Dec. 12: Holiday at Landis Valley Bonfire—What’s not to like? Caroling, a blazing bonfire, wagon rides, hot cider and cookies. And it’s free—Landis Valley’s gift to the community. Return the favor by bringing canned goods to donate to the Lancaster Food Bank. 6-8:30 pm.
Dec. 13: Days of the Belsnickel Lunch Tour—Tour the village to see the holiday decorations and open hearth cooking, then enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal at the Landis Valley Hotel and shopping at the Landis Valley Museum Store. Der Belsnickel will be on hand to liven things up. Cost is $34.50 per person. Reservations required; call Jamie at 717/581-0590. 10 am-2 pm.
Dec. 30: Winter Day Camp—A great way to keep everyone happy and sane during school break. Cost is $35 per child, $20 per child for LVA members; includes a hot lunch. Registration is required; call the museum's education department at 717/569-0401 x228. 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

Old Economy Village
Dec. 10: Annual Holiday Dinner—Join with other supporters of Old Economy for a festive evening of dining and music, featuring a performance by the Pittsburgh Opera. Cost is $80 per person or $64 for Friends of OEV. Reservations are required by Dec. 5; call 724/266-4500 x114. Doors open at 6 pm.
Dec. 13-14: Christmas at the Village—Enjoy Christmas carols sung by local choirs, shop for handmade wares by local craftspeople, visit the Kinderhaus for children's activities and mean old Belsnickel, and stop by the Granary to purchase something yummy to eat. Please start at the Visitor Center to purchase tickets and then proceed to the village. Dec. 13, 2-9 pm; Dec. 14, 2-7 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
Dec 4-5: Holly Nights—A special opportunity to see Pennsbury illuminated by candlelight, bonfires, and hearth fires. Enjoy caroling, hot cider, and throwing a green sprig on the Yule log for luck. In honor of Pennsbury's 75th anniversary as a museum, fireworks are planned for the end of the night on Dec. 4 (or if it rains, Dec. 5). Admission: Adults (12-64), $12; Seniors (65+), $10; Children (3-11), $6. More info and a discount coupon good for $1 off adult admission. 6-9 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Dec. 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Tribute—Gather with others beneath the guns of the USS PENNSYLVANIA (adjacent to the museum parking lot) to mark the 73rd anniversary of the attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii. 12:45 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Dec. 6 and 13: Home for the Holidays—Costumed engineers, conductors, ticket agents, and passengers representing the past century bring historic rail travel to life. Kids can visit with Santa or work with a telegrapher to send a Christmas telegram to the North Pole. Holiday music (see schedule), refreshments (while supplies last), and shopping are part of the day too. Included in regular admission. 9 am-5 pm. (As I write this, it looks like tickets are still available for the Dec. 13 Christmas with the Conductor, so you might want to call now before it's sold out.)

Somerset Historical Center
UPDATE (I missed this one, sorry) Dec. 6: Ethnic Christmas Traditions of Somerset County—this new program will explore traditions handed down from Italian, Slovak, Polish, and German settlers to the region. Program will be held at Friedens Lutheran Church. Advance tickets only (some still available as of Dec. 1): cost is $20 each or $35 for 2. Call 814/445-6077.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Dec. 6: A World of Differences—Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women's Network will offer a program bringing women together for leadership and fellowship. Admission is free. 9 am-5 pm.
CORRECTED Dec. 19: 3rd in the Burg/Learn at Lunchtime—Tour the Transportation and Industry gallery with museum educator Cherie Trimble at noon. Museum admission is free from 11 am to 1:30 pm.
Dec. 20: Christmas Celebration—A collaboration of Nathaniel Gadsen’s Writers Wordshop, this program is a celebration of family. Food, music, workshops, and more. Admission is free. 10 am-3 pm.
Dec. 31: Happy Noon Year’s Celebration—Ring in 2015 without staying up until midnight at this program designed for younger children and their families. Storytime, a planetarium show, and hands-on activities leading up to the big countdown in Memorial Hall at noon. Included in regular admission. 10 am-1 pm.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Dec. 6: A Night of REBELry—A festive fundraising event to support the programs at Washington Crossing. Info on reservations is on the website. 7-11 pm.
Dec. 7: Dress Rehearsal—Historical demonstrations, activities, and the final rehearsal for the reenactment of the Christmas 1776 crossing of the Delaware by Gen. Washington and Continental troops. Admission: Adults (12+), $8; Children (5-11), $4. 10 am-4 pm (crossing is scheduled for 1 pm).
Dec. 14: Afternoon Concert Series—enjoy an afternoon of 18th-century choral music (mostly a capella) performed by the group "Mostly Motets." Tickets range from $25 to $45 and can be purchased at the Visitor Center front desk or online at etix.com.
Dec. 25: 62nd Annual Christmas Day Crossing—Thousands of folks will be on hand to watch as Gen. Washington and his troops board the Durham boats to cross the Delaware River (weather permitting). The event is free. Noon-3 pm (crossing scheduled for 1 pm).