Harvest Time

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

Up Next

Today, October 13

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

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

Saturday, October 14

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

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

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

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

Sunday, October 15

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 17

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

Wednesday, October 18

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

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

Thursday, October 19

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

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

Friday, October 20

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

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

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

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

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

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apples and Pumpkins and More

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

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

Up Next

Today, October 6

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

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

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

Saturday, October 7

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, October 8

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 10

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

Wednesday, October 11

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

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

Friday, October 13

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

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

Advance Tickets or Registrations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Falling Into History

Fall foliage at the PA Lumber Museum in October 2021 (via PLM Facebook page)

You know fall is in the air when the calendar starts to show harvest and Halloween-themed events. Over the next month or so, we'll see changing colors on the trees, crisp air, and lots of lantern tours, ghost stories, pumpkins, and apples. It's my favorite time of year, I think. Some fall events require advance tickets, so please see the list of those events below the calendar for the coming week.

For those of you who like to gauge the best time to see fall color in PA, the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources will begin tracking foliage this week. You can find weekly updates for 2022, along with foliage facts, suggested driving tours, and images from past years on DCNR's website (DCNR Fall Foliage Reports).

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, October 1

• Erntedankfest Harvest Festival (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; Old Economy Village
• Celebrate the Fall harvest and many of the tasks needed to prepare for winter in the 19th century. Artisans will be cooking, baking, and demonstrating many different crafts and skills. Music, food, and family activities make this a great tradition. Regular admission charged (Harvest Festival info).

• Pithole Lantern Tours (in-person); 6:30-9:30 pm; Historic Pithole City
• Nighttime tours against the backdrop of the remaining elements of this historic oil boomtown. There are some steep hills and rugged terrain, so please dress accordingly. Advance tickets are required and may be purchased online or at the Museum Store at Drake Well Museum & Park (Lantern Tour online tickets).

Sunday, October 2

• Guided Sustainable Forestry Trail Walk (in-person); 9-10:30 am; PA Lumber Museum
• DCNR Forester Marshall Hamilton will lead a leisurely walk on the museum's Sustainable Forestry Trail, with a focus on working forests and sustainable forest management. Please meet at the rest area parking lot just off Route 6 at the museum entrance to join the walk (Forestry Walk info).

• Open Day (in-person); noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• The Homestead will be open this afternoon, with guided tours available. Stop by and enjoy some fall weather with your history (CWH info).

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Historic trades demonstrators will be eager to talk as they showcase their skills. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades info).

Tuesday, October 4

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Reduced noise, light, and attendance plus quiet spaces when you want a break. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about several of the historic trains open for visitors. Advance tickets required (RMP Sensory Hours Oct. 4 tickets).

Wednesday, October 5

• Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore things that are "gross" - fluids, polymers, and mucus. For kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info).

• History Trivia Night (in-person); 7-? pm; Langhorne, PA
• Pennsbury Manor is a sponsor for this event, along with Grundy Museum, Historic Fallsington, and the Friends of Washington Crossing Park. Four trivia categories will span the 17th to 20th centuries. Takes place at Aristaeus Craft Brewing Company (History Trivia Night info).

Thursday, October 6

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Museum educators will use hands-on fossils of plants and animals to teach about life on Earth from the Carboniferous Period to the present. Included in regular admission (Gallery Tour info).

Friday, October 7

• Apple Dumpling Sales (in-person); Friday & Saturday, times vary; Ephrata Cloister
• Purchase delicious locally made apple dumplings and support the Back to the Cloister Fund. Dumplings are $5 each; in-person sales are Friday from 10 am to 3 pm and Saturday from 9 am until dumplings are sold out. Prepaid orders of 10 or more dumplings can be placed online for pickup at the site, and delivery is available within 10 miles of Ephrata Cloister for orders of 20 or more dumplings (Ephrata website for details).

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read Bones, Bones, Dinosaur Bones by Byron Barton and learn how scientists get fossils to a museum, then make an imprint fossil to take home. For kids age 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Haunted History Hayride (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 8, 7-10 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Visitors will tour the battlefield on hay wagons, with stops along the way where reenactors portray 18th-century characters. There may be ghosts and goblins lurking, so this tour may be too scary for children under the age of 4. Admission is $10 for age 13 and up, $5 for age 4-12, and includes entry to the Visitor Center and Museum; concessions will be available in the Stone Room. Rain date for this event is Oct. 22; in the event of inclement weather on the 22nd, there will be a Haunted History Tour through the museum (Haunted Hayride tickets).

• Garden Railway Tours (in-person); Sun., Oct. 9, 1-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Enjoy a self-guided tour of operating model trains in various outdoor and garden settings at 7 stops around Lancaster County. Masking and social distancing may be required or requested a venues. Tickets are $10 for ages 6 and up, available only via Eventbrite. Location info will be sent after you purchase your ticket (Garden Railway Tour tickets).

• The Farms of the Gettysburg Battlefield (virtual); Tues., Oct. 11, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Tom Lehman will explore the stories of civilians in and around Gettysburg and how their lives were changed the Civil War battle on their doorsteps. Site administrator Mike Emery will moderate a brief discussion. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Gettysburg lecture registration).

• Lunch & Learn (in-person); Wed., Oct. 12, 10 am-2 pm; Graeme Park
• Jim Miller, retired professor of biology at Delaware Valley Univ., will present "Typhoid Mary, Irish Immigrant," exploring the misunderstood history of Mary Mallon and the social policies that resulted from the typhoid outbreak. Cost is $35 per person, which includes continental breakfast, lecture, lunch, and a tour of the Keith House (Lunch & Learn tickets).

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); Wed., Oct. 12, 10 am-3 pm, and Sun., Oct. 16, 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
• Background sound effects in the gallery will be turned off and volume on the orientation video will be reduced (captions always enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Register in advance for a timeslot; you can pay when you arrive (visit PMM website and select your preferred timeslot).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); Friday, Oct. 14, 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Maria Gorgo-Gourovitch, Penn State Extension educator, will talk about the history of mushroom farms in PA, their economic impact, current production data, crop production cycle, sustainability, and nutrition facts. The program is free, but you must register to get the link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Oct. 18, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Reduced noise, light, and attendance plus quiet spaces when you want a break. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about several of the historic trains open for visitors. Advance tickets required (RMP Sensory Hours Oct. 18 tickets).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Tues., Oct. 18, 7-9 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Historian, author, and teacher Michael C. Harris will present "Germantown: A Military History of the Battle for Philadelphia," which occurred on October 4, 1777. Tickets are $20 (Rev Speaker Series info and tickets).

• Harvest, Death & Renewal (in-person); Friday, Oct. 21, 6:30-8:30 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This program explores traditions of the PA Germans, including funeral and burial customs, powwowing, healing, and hexes. Recommended for adults and older teens, the event involves two hours of walking around a cemetery and the Museum grounds. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes and bring a flashlight. Tickets are $28 per person; reservations are required (Harvest, Death & Renewal info and tickets).

• Haunted Lantern Tours (in-person); Friday, Oct. 21, 7-10 pm; Graeme Park
• Tour the Keith House by lantern light and learn the ghost stories. Tours last approximately 40 minutes. Tickets are available online at $10, with option for a mini-paranormal investigation for an additional $15. Event also takes place Oct. 28 (Graeme Park Lantern Tours info and tickets).

• Halloween Lantern Tours (in-person); Saturday, Oct. 22, 6:30-9:30 pm; Hope Lodge
• This immersive tour investigates a claim of witchcraft, which was outlawed in Pennsylvania from 1718 until the 1750s. Tours are outdoors, rain or shine, and are recommended for ages 7 and up. Please be prepared for uneven ground and bring a flashlight. Tours will be limited to 10 guests at a time and will run every half hour from 6:30 to 9:30 (Hope Lodge Lantern Tours info and tickets).

Independence Day Weekend

Two-man saw demonstration from PA Lumber Museum's Bark Peelers' Festival (2018 photo by AKF)

If you can make your way to the northern tier of PA on Saturday or Sunday, you'll be able to enjoy the first Bark Peelers' Festival since 2019. They'll be demonstrating the sawmill on Saturday, along with lots of lumber heritage skills and activities both days. Bark Peelers' will mark its 50th year next summer and is almost as old as the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum itself. The event was originally called Bark Peelers' Convention, the name used for gatherings of woodhicks on or around the 4th of July to celebrate the end of logging season. It's a great way to spend some time outdoors - the weather app on my phone says it will be in the upper 70s to low 80s.

The list below includes other Trails of History events and activities this weekend, including food trucks at Somerset Historical Center, a patriotic concert at Conrad Weiser Homestead, and 18th-century trades and craft demonstrations at Brandywine Battlefield Park. Something for everyone.

With July 4th falling on a Monday, most Trails of History sites will not be open. If you're looking for a museum visit that day, you can visit the Lumber Museum and the Pennsylvania Military Museum. Additionally, Fort Pitt Museum and Graeme Park will be open and have planned special events for the holiday (see listings below). However you choose to spend the holiday, I hope it's safe, happy, and at least a little historical.

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.

Today, July 1

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith, learn truths and legends about the Founding Fathers, and try writing with a quill pen. For kids age 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (State Museum StoryTime info).

• Bertolet Sawmill Run (in-person); 11 am and 2 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The Bertolet Sawmill is one of the oldest working water-powered vertical blade sawmills in PA. Today is a rare chance to see it in operation (Sawmill run info).

• First Fridays (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Food trucks and live music on a summer evening. Some covered seating is provided, but feel free to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is free with parking fee of $5 per vehicle (First Friday info).

Saturday, July 2

• Bark Peelers' Festival (in-person); 9 am-5 pm Saturday and Sunday; PA Lumber Museum
• This event honors and celebrates PA's lumbering heritage. Woodhick skill demos and contests, live music, food vendors, and more. Admission charged (Bark Peelers' Festival details).

• July 4th Weekend Kickoff (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Visit the 18th century with tours and blacksmithing, carpentry, and papermaking demos (Brandywine info).

• Extended Evening Hours (in-person); 4-7 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• The site will stay open later to make the most of cooler evening temps and summer light. Guided tours at 4, 5, and 6; the Museum Store will also be open. Regular admission charged (Ephrata info).

Sunday, July 3

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Historic trades demonstrators will be happy to talk with visitors as they showcase their skills. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades info).

• Patriotic Concert (in-person); 5-6 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• The Ringgold Band will present an outdoor concert on site. Admission and parking are free. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Rain date is Sept. 4 at 3 pm (Weiser concert info).

Monday, July 4

• Independence Day Celebration (in-person); 11:30 am-2:30 pm; Graeme Park
• The site opens at 11:30 am; feel free to bring a lunch to enjoy on the grounds. At noon, hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence and test your 4th of July trivia knowledge. The Keith House will open for tours when the festivities wrap up (approx. 12:30) and will be open until 2:30. Did I mention the free scoop of ice cream? The event is free; donations are welcome (Graeme Park Independence Day info).

• Fourth at the Fort (in-person); 1-4 pm; Fort Pitt Museum
• There will be a flag-raising at 1 pm, followed by outdoor living history demos throughout the afternoon. The outdoor event is free; regular admission rates apply to visit the museum's indoor exhibits (4th at the Fort info).

Tuesday, July 5

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Today's topic is compost; topics change each week. For ages 12 and up. Cost is $20 and registration is required (July 5 Garden Workshop info and registration).

Wednesday, July 6

• Reading Railroad Days (in-person); 10 am-4 pm, Wednesday thru Saturday; Railroad Museum of PA
• Reading Railroad Days continues July 6-9; learn about one of PA's most important railroads. Included in regular admission (Reading Days info).

• Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about Earth's land formations and discover how geologists study rocks and minerals. For kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info).

Thursday, July 7

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Listen to a story with the gardener and stay to explore the grounds. Suggested ages are 4-8, but all are welcome. Admission is $3, which is a grounds pass ticket; additional fees apply for Manor House tours (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Museum educators will share hands-on fossils to help visitors learn about life on Earth from the Carboniferous Period to the present. Included in regular admission (Gallery Tour info).

Friday, July 8

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Dr. Robyn Underwood from Penn State Cooperative Extension will talk about the biology and behavior of honey bees. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); continuing Tuesdays, July 12-August 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).

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); Wednesday, July 13, 10 am-3 pm; Sunday, July 17, 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
• Exhibit noises in the gallery will be turned off and the volume on the orienation video will be lowered (captions always enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Please register for a timeslot in advance; you can pay when you arrive (July 13 visit or July 17 visit).

• PHMC Virtual Collections Showcase; Thursday, July 14, 7-8 pm
• This month's theme is Crime & Punishment. Five panelists will present objects/stories, then the audience gets to vote on their favorite or the one they think best relates to the theme. The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Virtual Showcase registration).

• Hidden Sounds Musical Program (in-person); Saturday, July 16, 2-4 pm; Old Economy Village
• In partnership with the Harmony Museum, OEV presents a look at Harmonist music and examples recorded by Grammy-winning cellist Eugene Friesen in the Harmonist wine cellar in Harmony, PA. The program is free, but space is limited (Hidden Sounds info and registration).

• The Dead of Summer (in-person); Saturday, July 16, 6-8 pm; Graeme Park
• This program includes a reenactment of an early 20th-century spiritualist seance and a discussion of the history of such entertainments. Tickets are $20 per person; limit of 20 people each for 6 pm and 7:30 pm programs (Dead of Summer info and tickets).

• Drake Well Marathon and Half (in-person and virtual); Sunday, August 14; 7 am-?, Drake Well Museum & Park
• This race is a Boston Marathon qualifier, and there are in-person and virtual options. Online registration ends August 8 (Registration info for all categories).

Summer Camps on the Trails of History (in-person and virtual)

• Drake Well Museum & Park
• Discovery Days Camp; Ages 8-12; July 7, 14, 21, & 28

• Joseph Priestley House (updated info)
• Annual History Camp; Grades 1-5; July 27-29

• Pennsbury Manor
• Colonial Camp; Ages 6-8; July 11-15
• Time Travelers Camp; Ages 9-12; July 18-22

• Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
• History Camp; Ages 10-18; August 6-7

• Railroad Museum of PA
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 9-10; July 12-15
• SOLD OUT Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 11-12; July 26-29
• A Moveable Feast Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; Aug. 2-4

The Great Outdoors

Please check out the July program page for upcoming online programs or take a look at the Trailheads Rec Room (to the right of your screen) for jigsaw puzzles, videos, and more.

Daniel Boone Homestead on a beautiful summer day (photo via Facebook)

Although our Trails of History sites and museums remain closed, many have grounds that are available for visits during posted hours (and in accordance with guidance from the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health). The Commonwealth also has 121 state parks and 20 state forests that offer a range of outdoor activities (check their websites for details and remember that there are health and safety guidelines to follow). Thank you to my colleagues at Drake Well Museum and Park and the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum for the reminder that today, July 17, is Park and Recreation Professionals Day.

Although the outdoors is a great place to be, it's still not possible to offer our traditional events (or even plan them when COVID-19 causes so much uncertainty). The folks at the Anthracite Heritage Museum, faced with canceling the Arts on Fire event at Scranton Iron Furnaces, worked with their community partners to produce a video version. With interviews, footage of past iron pours at the Furnaces, musical performances, and a demonstration of stained glass art, they've offered a brief history of the Iron Furnaces and a glimpse of the event for folks who had to miss it. The video runs a little over an hour. You can watch it below or go directly to YouTube.



If you're interested in learning more about the comet (Neowise) that is currently visible over North America, the Franklin Institute posted some info. (For some historical perspective, you can read about the Great Comet of 1744 as documented in a book written and printed at Ephrata Cloister.)

And now, some posts about animals. Because who doesn't love photos of animals? I hope your weekend and the week ahead are filled with good things.




Just added...

Changes are Coming

The July program page is up and running; it has info on virtual programs scheduled for this month. We'll try to keep it updated to reflect site reopening plans. You'll also find links to each site's Facebook page to check out online offerings. Trailheads Rec Room (to the right of your screen) has pages for various online offerings. New this week is the Collections Gallery, with Facebook posts related to objects, photos, and documents in our collections - there's also a link to PHMC's online collections portal.

This herb garden at Conrad Weiser Homestead says "summer" to me (via Facebook)

So here's what I know. As of July 3, all Pennsylvania counties are in the "green zone." Lots of things are opening up, some are pausing, and some are closing again because COVID-19 hasn't released its grip. Our Trails of History sites are busily working on plans and guidelines and changes to keep everyone safe. UPDATE 7/7/20: reopening Trails of History sites has been delayed . We plan to start reopening sites the week of July 20; please stay tuned to PHMC's website and social media channels (such as Facebook). Individual site schedules will vary (many with reduced hours), so you'll need to be sure to check with your favorite site to see what's up.

The Charcoal Barn (Visitor Center) and Connecting Shed at Cornwall Iron Furnace on a stunning summer day (via Facebook)

It's Fourth of July weekend, and we still need to be careful out there. Most (all?) big events and festivities are off the calendar. Despite the fact that Trails of History sites have not yet reopened, many have grounds that are open to the public during posted hours. We ask that you follow all posted guidelines and practice social distancing (from people you don't live with - or maybe from them too, amiright?). If you have a picnic or bring pets along, please bag your/their trash and take it with you. As long as everyone looks out for each other, our sites are great places to enjoy some relaxing time in the summer weather. (If you visit the grounds at Hope Lodge, they've made their cell phone tour available on their Facebook page, so you can still learn a little history while you're there.)

The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum had to cancel their popular Bark Peelers' Festival this year, but they've produced short videos with some of their usual demonstrators to bring some of the festival to you. Curious about how a shingle mill works? You can watch a demo from home. Stay tuned to the museum's video page on Facebook for more. (You might also enjoy this Trailheads post about the event in 2018, when the museum dedicated Bob and Dottie Webber's cabin.)

If fishing is your sport, Saturday is your lucky day. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has declared July 4 a "Fish-for-Free Day" on Pennsylvania waterways. No fishing license is required, but all other fishing regulations apply (visit the Fish and Boat website for details).

Some of you may be planning to watch the filmed production of Hamilton that is streaming on Disney+ as of July 3. I know I am. (If you enjoy a side order of commentary with your viewing, Historians at the Movies (follow #HATM) and the cast and crew of Hamilton (#Hamilfilm) are hosting a Twitter Watch Party starting at 7 pm EDT on July 3.) I wrote about my late-to-the-party encounter with the musical's cast album back in July of 2016. That post seems like a very long time ago, but I think it holds up.

"So, I spent the 4th of July listening to the album and totally get what the big deal is (my opinion, your mileage may vary). It was a fitting reminder of the heroic and yet complicated, messy, sometimes ugly, origins of our democracy and the importance of helping our visitors understand that life was not "simpler back then." And that we are all part of the continuum of history. "Hamilton," for all of its cultural phenomenon-ness, is also an object lesson: when history is presented as a compelling story, with an eye and ear to the intended audience, people respond. We can't create blockbuster musicals at our sites, but our staff and volunteers strive all the time to forge emotional and intellectual connections between the present and the past and to shed light on the human strengths and weaknesses we share with our collective ancestors. It's frustrating work sometimes (most of the time?), but it matters."

I hope you have a chance to spend time with family and friends in ways that keep you all healthy. I think all of us can take some time to reflect on our history and how it shapes our present. It's a moment and a movement for living up to what we can be. Together.

On the Trails of History, January 17-30

Please note that Trails of History sites will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Also, winter weather can interfere with operating schedules, so it can't hurt to check before heading to a site. Social media is the best place to look for updates. 1/26/20: February program page is now available.

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Jan. 18: Knox Mine Disaster Commemoration—the program includes speakers, music, and a display of mining memorabilia (see Facebook event for details). Admission is free. 2-3:30 pm.

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Jan. 21: Revolutionary Dining Series—Joseph Seymour, Army National Guard historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, will present a talk on the Military Association of Pennsylvania, commonly known as the Pennsylvania Associators. Cost is $50 per person and includes salad, entree, and dessert in addition to the program (see Facebook event page for more info). Program takes place at The Gables at Chadds Ford, 6-9 pm.

Bushy Run Battlefield
Jan. 25-26: Making Basic 18th-Century Accessories—learn to make a plain pocket, a triangular linen neck handkerchief, a silk bonnet, and a pair of fancy garters during this two-day hands-on workshop. Cost is $165 and includes lunch and snacks both days. Check out the Facebook event page for details on how to register. Sat., 9 am-5 pm; Sun., 10 am-4 pm.

Ephrata Cloister
Jan. 30: Winter History Class begins—learn about the history of the community at Ephrata and the world that surrounded it. Speakers include site staff as well as outside scholars. Sessions are held from 9 am to noon each Thursday through March 26, and there is a field trip (extra charge) on April 2. Cost for the entire class is $55, $45 for members; you can attend individual classes for $10 each. Call the site at 717/733-6600 for more information or to register.

Fort Pitt Museum
Fort Pitt will be closed in January for collections inventory and exhibit maintenance/upgrades. Please visit the website for information.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Jan. 18, 19, 25: Winter Workshops—check out the workshop page on Landis Valley’s website for details on a variety of hands-on classes for adults; you’ll see the schedule for February and March as well. Times and costs vary.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Jan. 25: Winter in the Lumber Camp— outdoor fun in the snow with sledding, snow men, and snow art activities. Try your hand at cross-country skis, snowshoes and ice skates (conditions permitting) with the help of equipment provided by PA DCNR and volunteer instructors. Food and drink available in the program room. Keep an eye on the Facebook event page for details. 10 am-4 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Through Feb. 9: Murder on the Orient Express at Fulton Theatre—the museum is partnering with Fulton Theatre to offer group and individual tour packages during the run of the play, for a great cross-over experience. Visit the museum’s Facebook page for details and to see video of the play's cast touring the museum to learn more about trains and their history.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the museum’s Planetarium page for a full schedule.
Jan. 17: Learn at Lunch—join the Art Docents for a tour of Picturing a More Perfect Union: Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies for the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber, 1911-1919, on view through April 26. 12:15 pm.
Jan. 23: Nature Lab—learn how to identify different kinds of rocks. Included in general admission. 11:30 am.

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

Catching Up and Cooling Off on the Trails of History

Last week's post includes events through July 25, and the July program page does the rest. Highlights for this weekend are below.

Tips from the PA Department of Health (via Facebook)

As I write this (Thursday 7/18), the weather forecast for most of Pennsylvania is "hot, hot, hot," with the worst temps and heat index in southcentral PA. I'm not aware of any Trails of History program or schedule changes as of now, and I will do my best to add updates to this post as I can. As always, it's never a bad idea to check ahead with sites on social media or websites to be sure about schedules. Sites with outdoor events or activities will be keeping an eye on the health and safety of staff, presenters, and public (not to mention any animals that may be part of the program). Dress for the weather (as if you don't always do that), stay hydrated, and find the shady spots (more heat-related tips from ReadyPA). Of course, some Trails of History sites are fully air-conditioned - be prepared to have lots of company.



On the other hand, if you, like me, really cannot stand to leave the house when it's this hot, why not stay inside and immerse yourself in the 50th anniversary of the moon landing? I have a very sleepy memory of staying up really late to watch Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin take their first steps on the moon - truth to tell, 7-year-old me was probably asleep when Buzz left the lunar module. In the lead-up to the anniversary, I've watched (or watched again) a couple of documentaries and marveled at footage of the Apollo 11 Saturn V rocket projected onto the Washington Monument (see that and more from the National Air and Space Museum). You can find a list of NASA's anniversary events on their website. The National Archives has gathered all kinds of resources you can browse and dive into, including an item that has always fascinated me--the memo sent by White House speechwriter William Safire to Richard Nixon's chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, with a suggested speech for the President in case Armstrong and Aldrin were stranded on the moon ("In the Event of Moon Disaster").

The State Museum of Pennsylvania has been celebrating Moon Madness (see website for activities today and this weekend). Earlier this week, they had a program for kids to learn about rockets, which culminated in a launch just outside on the plaza (see video below).

Scheduled for this weekend (as of 7/18)...

Drake Well Museum and Park
July 20-21: Historic Pithole open. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.

Graeme Park
July 21: Living History Sunday—learn about the traditions, games, crafts, and foodways of the Lenni Lenape (more info on the website). Admission charged for tours of the Keith House. Noon-3 pm.

Hope Lodge
July 21—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.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
July 20-21: Civil War Days—the site is transformed into a rural Pennsylvania village in 1863, with reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians (more info). The event takes place rain or shine. Admission charged; tickets are available online from Brown Paper Tickets. Food will be available for purchase. 10 am-4 pm both days.

Pennsbury Manor
July 21: Sunday Programming—see what the cooks are up to in the kitchen. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
July 20: Paths Less Traveled—explore basements, attics, and other spaces not generally included on tours. Benefit of membership in The Pennsbury Society (joining is easy). 10-11:30 am.
July 21: Play the Past!—learn 17th-century games that families would have played during their leisure time. Fun for all ages. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Log birling competitors at the PA Lumber Museum (photo via Facebook)

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
July 20: 3rd Weekend Program—have you ever wanted to try log birling (aka log rolling)? This is your chance. Details are on the Facebook event page. Included in regular admission. 1-2 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
July 20-21: VIETNAM Revisited—living historians will be on the grounds portraying American combat and support troops “in country” in the late 1960s. 10 am-5 pm (tactical demo at 1:30 pm each day).

Somerset Historical Center
Opens July 20: 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 (exhibit will be onsite through Sept. 15).

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the State Museum website for a full schedule of Planetarium shows.
July 19: 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, a special "Learn at Lunchtime" will be offered (see events page for details). Tonight for 3rd in the Burg, join Harrisburg Young Professionals for "Moon Madness," with a variety of activities from 5:30 to 7:30 (details).

On the Trails of History, June 28-July 11

The full July program page is now available for those of you who want to look further ahead. Many sites on the PHMC's Trails of History will be open on Thursday, July 4; open sites and any special programming are noted below.

(photo Linda Bolla)

On Monday, June 24, Erie Maritime Museum hosted a celebration of the centennial of Pennsylvania's ratification of the 19th Amendment. In the photo above, Gary Lee (right), on behalf of Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, presented a proclamation to Christal Lepak (left) and Lori Morse-Dolan (center) of the Erie Chapter of the League of Women Voters. Museum staff put together a pop-up exhibit documenting women's suffrage campaigning in Erie - the first women's suffrage parade in Pennsylvania took place in Erie in 1913 as part of the centennial of Perry's victory in the Battle of Lake Erie. The League of Women Voters held a voter registration drive to highlight the importance of exercising our right to vote. For more information, see local coverage on Go Erie.

Anthracite Heritage Museum
July 4: Site open—check website for hours.

Brandywine Battlefield
July 4: Site open—check website for hours.
July 8 thru week of August 5: Summer History Camp—visit Brandywine's website for more info on each week and to register.

Bushy Run Battlefield
July 6: Annual Classic Car Cruise—classic and custom cars, live music, food, drink, and more. Event is free; regular admission applies to visit the exhibits. 11 am-3 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
July 7: Living History Sunday—enjoy a summer afternoon at the homestead learning about life in the Tulpehocken. Admission is free. Noon-4 pm.

Curttis and Peter Grubb, sons of the builder of Cornwall Furnace, built this mansion in 1773. The Coleman family, whose patriarch Robert Coleman had acquired the furnace and estate, did extensive remodeling in 1865. Included in the renovation was the addition of Italianate architectural elements. Today a few residents of Cornwall Manor have apartments in this building. (photo via Facebook)

Cornwall Iron Furnace
July 4: Site open—check website for hours.
July 9: Friends Lecture Series—Henry Deemer will present "Historic Sites on Cornwall Manor Campus" (more info on Facebook event page). Admission is free (donations are welcome). Lectures are held in Freeman Hall Auditorium at Cornwall Manor Retirement Community. 7 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
June 29: Celebrating Our Country's Heritage—enjoy tours of the Boone Homestead, see blacksmithing and other demos, and support the Keystone Military Food Bank. Requested admission donation is 2 non-perishable food items per person over age 5. Regular admission fees apply to visit without donating food items. 10 am-4 pm.
July 3, 10: Sawmill demonstrations—the site's water-powered up-down sawmill will be demonstrated at 11 am and 2 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
June 29: Something More Saturday—this month's focus is the Mobile Energy Education Training Unit (MEET-U). There will also be blacksmithing demonstrations. Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.
June 29-30, July 6-7: Historic Pithole open. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.
July 4: Site open—check website for hours.
July 11: Discovery Days—children age 8-12 will experience nature, perform experiments, discover history through artifacts and exhibits and so much more (program offered Thursdays through August 1). Fees charged and registration is required (program brochure and registration form) by July 5. 9 am-4 pm.

Eckley Miners' Village
July 4: Site open—check website for hours.

Ephrata Cloister
June 29: Artisans in the Park Summer Fest—spend the day touring the site, visiting with the artisans and vendors, and enjoying delicious food - all in support of Ephrata Cloister and its programs (more info on the Facebook event page and in this article from The Ephrata Review). Event is rain or shine and admission is free. 9 am-4 pm.
July 4: Site open—check website for hours.

View of schooner Lettie G. Howard with "Don't Give Up the Ship" and LGBTQ Pride Flag (photo Linda Bolla)

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Ends June 30: Blue Star Museum exhibit—several items from the collection are on display in recognition of the museum's participation in the Blue Star Museums program. The items are related to the World War I service of William L. Morrison and William H. Stine. The collection includes the earliest use of the Blue Star Flag, incorporated into personal items and a commercially-made flag to represent a man serving in the front lines. Included in regular admission during regular operating hours.
July 1-August 16: Tall Ship Summer Camp—sail on board the schooner Lettie G. Howard and learn all kinds of nautical skills. Week-long camp sessions are still booking (first week is just 3 days), geared for ages 10-14. Details and registration info are on the website.
July 3: Lights Over Lake Erie Sail—enjoy Erie's Independence Day eve fireworks from the deck of Lettie G. Howard. Tickets and details are available online. 9-11 pm.
UPDATED INFO July 4: Friends and Family Day—free admission and tours of Lettie G. Howard (Niagara will be sailing the Great Lakes). 9 am-5 pm.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on upcoming events and programs. Fort Pitt Museum will be open on July 4.

The kitchen and garden at Graeme Park (via Facebook)

Graeme Park
July 4: Independence Day at Graeme Park—there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence and tours of the Keith House (more details on the website). Admission charged for tours of the Keith House. Noon-3 pm.

Hope Lodge
June 30, July 7—the site is open for tours most Sundays, through mid-October. Admission is charged (cash or check only). Site is open 1-4 pm, with tours at 1 and 2:30.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
July 4: Site open—please check the website for hours.
July 9-12: Summer Sampler Camp—kids ages 5-11 will enjoy a variety of activities, inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. Details and instructions for registering are on the website (Summer Sampler also offered July 16-19). 9 am-12:30 pm.

Old Economy Village
July 8-12: Art Camp—retired art teacher Dee Ruckert will lead the class. Children age 6-12 (6-year-olds must have completed kindergarten) will experience a variety of activites while exploring the historic buildings for inspiration. Please note that OEV is also offering History Camps July 15-19 and 22-26 (details and registration info are in the summer camp brochure). 9 am-12:30 pm.

Pennsbury Manor
June 29: Brews & Bites at Pennsbury Manor—sample beers from Philadelphia-area craft brewers and enjoy food, musical entertainment, and demonstrations of historic beer brewing. The event page has info on ticket options and link for online purchase. NOTE: VIP and Designated Driver tickets have sold out. Must be at least 21 to attend. 3-7 pm.
June 30: Play the Past!—learn how to play popular 17th-century games at this family-friendly event. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
June 30, July 7: Special Sunday Programming—something different every week: Meet the Animals that live and work at Pennsbury (6/30); meet the joyners, blacksmiths, and wool spinners (7/7). Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
July 4: Site open—check website for hours.
July 6: Monthly Book Club—July's book is I, Eliza Hamilton (2018) by Susan Holloway Scott. Book club is free and open to the public (light refreshments served). 10-11 am.
July 8-12: History Camp—learn about life 300 years ago. Geared for kids who have completed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade. Registration is required (details on website). 10 am-3 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
June 30: Application deadline for Cork Camp scholarships—a limited number of scholarships are available for Cork Camp attendees age 18 and under. More info and instructions are available on the website. (Cork Camp takes place August 3-4; scholarship winners will be notified by July 11.)
July 4: Site open—check website for hours.
July 6-7: Annual Bark Peelers’ Festival—this hugely popular event recreates the 4th of July celebrations of Pennsylvania’s early 20th-century lumber camp workers and “woodhicks.” The schedule for this year's event is now available online. Admission is charged. 9 am-5 pm (events start at 10 am).

Learning about soldier life by trying on military gear (photo via Facebook)

Pennsylvania Military Museum
June 29-30—the 1 pm guided tour is included in regular admission (normally an additional charge).
July 4: Kids Day—kids (of all ages) can try on uniforms from the museum's education collection and learn about soldier life. Have your photo taken behind the wheel of an authentic military Jeep. Included in regular admission. 10 am-3 pm.
July 6: Documentary screening—filmed by the British War Office in 1916, The Battle of the Somme documents the first days of a battle that lasted four months. The museum's press release for this event notes that many of the Western Front action scenes in this film were restored for Peter Jackson's recent film, They Will Not Grow Old. Included in regular admission. 2:30-3:30 pm.
July 11-14: Annual People’s Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts—celebration of arts and artisans held on the museum grounds (visit the festival website for details). Festival is free, $5 charged for on-site parking at PMM; regular museum admission applies to tour the indoor exhibits. Thurs-Sat, 10 am-9 pm (museum open 10 am-5 pm); Sun., noon-5 pm.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
June 30-July 7 (open July 4): Reading Railroad Days—offered in conjunction with the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society, this program features an enormous HO-scale model railroad and highlights Reading Company rolling stock in the Museum’s collection. Included in regular museum admission during regular hours.

Somerset Historical Center
July 5: First Friday Food Fest—come down and enjoy a casual dinner, selected from a variety of local food trucks and vendors (details on website). There will be live music and tractor-drawn hay rides. This event that will take place the first Friday of August as well. Admission is free; $2 per vehicle for parking. 5-8 pm.
July 6: Family Fun 5K Run/Walk—SHC has a groomed trail that runs through woods and meadows, circling back around to the main site; once around is 5K (but you can take more than one lap). There's no admission charge, and maps are available. This event will also be offered the first Saturday of August. 8 am-noon.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the State Museum website for a full schedule of Planetarium shows.
June 28, July 5: 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 (see events page for details).
July 3, 10, 11: Nature Lab—a wide assortment of programming is scheduled for the museum's Nature Lab area (visit the events page for details). Included in regular admission. 11:30 am.
July 5: StoryTime—this month's book, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon, is Man on the Moon by Anastasia Suen. Reading time will be followed by a planetarium show about the moon, suitable for the program's audience of 3-5 year olds (with an adult). Included in regular admission. 10:30-11:30 am.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for a complete listing of upcoming programs and events. The site will be open on July 4.