Exhibits and Visits and Planning Ahead

Please be sure to check the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (in-person and virtual). I've included highlights for the coming week 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.

These yellow boots are on exhibit at Drake Well Museum & Park (photo via Drake Well Facebook page)

In the process of adding some new elements to their long-term exhibits, the folks at Drake Well Museum & Park developed a temporary exhibit called "Walking the Line: The Role of the Line Walker in the History and Safety of the Natural Gas Industry." The temporary exhibit ties into a new permanent section on pipelines and tells the story of the people employed by gas companies to check gas lines for leaks and damage in all sorts of weather. In addition to the wet-weather boots seen above, there's also a pair of snowshoes that curator Sue Beates presented in our January 2021 Virtual Collections Showcase (you can watch the recording on YouTube).

Landis Valley curator Jennifer Royer hosted redware artist Ned Foltz for a recent tour (photo shared via LVM Facebook page)

While we're on the subject of exhibits, I will note that if you have not yet seen "Thrown, Fired, and Glazed: The Redware Tradition from Pennsylvania and Beyond" at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, you have until the end of December to do so. It's a beautiful exhibit, filled with many forms of historic redware, info on the makers, and items from contemporary redware artisans as well. You have until Jan. 2 to see "Witness to History," "Why Not in Pennsylvania: Campaigning for Women's Suffrage in the Keystone State," and "Art of the State 2021" at The State Museum of Pennsylvania.

Members of the Hazleton Rotary on a recent visit to Eckley Miners' Village (photo shared by Eckley on Facebook)

The thing our sites missed the most about being closed during the height of the pandemic was welcoming visitors. Now that we've been open for a while, we're starting to see group tours again. Some in-person school visits have taken place this fall, and groups of adults have taken the opportunity for field trips, too. As shown above, Eckley Miners' Village recently hosted a visit from members of the Hazleton Rotary, who shared images from their visit on their Facebook page. And the Pennsylvania Military Museum was honored with a visit from members of the Women's Veterans Association of PA (see photo below).

These veterans visited the museum as part of a recent retreat (photo courtesy PA Military Museum and Women's Veterans Assn. of PA)

The Week Ahead

Sunday, Nov. 14

• Artists Conversations Gallery Tour (in-person): PHMC Commissioner and artist Ophelia Chambliss and artist Shelby Wormer will lead an informal tour of The Art of the State 2021; The State Museum of PA; 2-3 pm; included in regular admission (gallery tour info)

Wednesday, Nov. 17

• Explore! (in-person): explore T.M. Fowler's techniques for producing birds-eye views of PA towns; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; for kids in grades 3-5 and included in regular admission (Explore! info)
• History Speaks Series (virtual): Dr. David Preston will present a program about irregular warfare during the colonial period; Bushy Run Battlefield; 7-8 pm; cost is $10 (History Speaks tickets)

Thursday, Nov. 18

• Curiosity Kids (in-person): examine pottery designes and create your own pinch pot; The State Museum of PA; 11:30 am-12:30 pm; for kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission, sign up at the Ground Floor desk (Curiosity Kids info)
• PA History: Read It, See It (virtual): pay a virtual visit to the PA Lumber Museum and learn about related materials in your local library and the State Library's Rare Book Collection; noon-1 pm; to register, send an email to ra-edmakerspace@pa.gov with your name and title of the program

On Sale Now

• Wreaths & Greens Workshops: Pennsbury Manor will offer this workshop twice on Saturday, Nov. 27, 10 am-noon and 1-3 pm. Make a festive wreath to take home and learn some tips for caring for evergreens in your yard. Cost is $35 ($31.50 for members) and pre-registration is required (Wreath workshop details).
• Candlelight Open House: Ephrata Cloister welcomes you with an evening of art, spinning, and music, Saturday, Nov. 27, 5-8:30 pm; tickets are $7 for age 3 and up; purchase tickets at the door or in advance via Ticketleap (Ephrata Open House tickets online)
• Holly Nights: experience Pennsbury Manor by candlelight Dec. 2 and 3 from 6 to 9 pm; tickets must be purchased in advance by Dec. 1 (Holly Nights info and tickets).
• Gingerbread Cookie Kits: Railroad Museum of PA is accepting orders for train-shaped gingerbread cookies. Choose 12 cookies per box (plain) or 6 cookies per box with vanilla icing bag and sprinkles for $20. Orders must be picked up at the museum on either Dec. 4 (10 am-3 pm), Dec. 10 (4-6 pm), or Dec. 11 (10 am-3 pm). Deadline for orders is Nov. 29 (RMP cookie flyer for details).
• Christmas with the Conductor: kids ages 3 and older will get to board one of the Railroad Museum of PA's historic railroad cars to hear a classic holiday story. Other activities are also part of the program. The program is offered Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 with three storytimes each day. The $10 program fee is in addition to museum admission. Deadline for registrations is Nov. 29, but space is limited and this program usually sells out quickly (Christmas with Conductor info and tickets).
• Ethnic Traditions: Somerset Historical Center will partner with local families for a program on diverse cultural traditions, food, and music on Dec. 5, 5:30-8:30 pm, cost is $20 per person (updates on program/menu and tickets)
• Christmas at the Cloister: Ephrata Cloister presents a program of lessons and carols in the historic Meetinghouse on Dec. 13 and 14, with performances at 6:30 and 8 pm each evening. Tickets available online via Ticketleap (Christmas at the Cloister info and tickets).

On the Trails of History, November 1-14

The November program page is up and running if you're planning ahead. Sites scheduled to be open on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day are noted below.

Don't forget to turn your clocks (the ones that still have to be changed by hand) back one hour no later than 2 am on Nov. 3, as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end for this year.

Conrad Weiser Homestead's Fall Lecture takes place Sunday, Nov. 3 - details below (photo via Facebook)

Bushy Run Battlefield
Nov. 14: Historic Sewing Workshop Series—class will focus on basics of hand sewing from a historical perspective. A one-hour formal presentation will be followed by an “open studio” session where participants can work on their own projects at their own pace (more info on the Facebook event page). Last class in the series will be Dec. 12. Contact Bushy Run for registration details and other info. 6-8 pm.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Nov. 3: Fall Lecture—Michael Showalter, museum educator at Ephrata Cloister, will present C"We have submitted without reluctance: Ephrata Cloister and the Revolutionary War," exploring the winter of 1777-78 and Ephrata’s role as a hospital for sick and wounded soldiers. 2 pm.

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Nov. 12: Friends Lecture Series—this is the last lecture for 2019. Chris Witmer, secretary of the Historic Barn and Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania, will present "Pennsylvania Dutch Barns" (more info on the website). Lectures are held in the auditorium of Freeman Hall Community Center at Cornwall Manor, across the road from the furnace site (map and directions). Lecture is free, donations are accepted. 7 pm.

Daniel Boone Homestead
Nov. 2: Boone Birthday Program—celebrate Daniel Boone's birthday and learn about his family. First-person interpreters will be on hand from 1 to 3 pm, with cake and ice cream at 2 pm. Included in regular admission.

Ephrata Cloister
Nov. 8: Tickets for Christmas at the Cloister—as of today, the general public can purchase tickets ($7 per person) for this limited-seating event (scheduled for Dec. 9 and 10). Details are on the website.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site will be open noon-5 pm.

Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara
Nov. 14: Lecture—author Jim Kennard will present “Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario,” based on his 30-year career investigating shipwrecks (he’ll highlight the story of the sloop Washington, an Erie-built commercial vessel that sank in a storm in 1803). The program is free, but reservations are requested (see Facebook event page for details on how to sign up). 5:30-6:30 pm.

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

Hope Lodge
Nov. 2: Whitemarsh Encampment Reenactment—this long-standing event commemorates the Nov. 2-Dec. 11, 1777, encampment of Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army in the Whitemarsh Hills. Check the Facebook event page for details. Admission charged. 10 am-4 pm.

Joseph Priestley House
Nov. 3: Heritage Day—costumed docents will be stationed in the house as you tour, Dr. Priestley will demonstrate chemical principles, and there will be games for children. Admission is free; pick up tickets for the chemistry demos at the visitor center when you arrive or reserve ahead by calling 570/473-9474. 1-4 pm (chemistry demos at 1:30 and 2:30).

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Throughout the month: Fall Workshops—check the website for course descriptions and registration info.

Old Economy Village
Saturdays in November: Saturday Spotlight Programs—something different every week. Nov. 2 – 19th-Century Foodways: Bread Baking and Cooking; Nov. 9 – The Fabric of Their Lives: Textiles; Nov. 16 - The Art of Blacksmithing. Included in regular admission, so please begin at the Visitor Center. 10 am-5 pm..

Pennsbury Manor
Nov. 2: Monthly Book Club—this month’s book is America’s First Daughter, by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, which explores the life of Martha Patsy Jefferson Randolph (more info on the website). 10 – 11 am.
Nov. 10: Cooking Demonstration—join the cooks as they revel in the extravagant use of sugar and spices, using 17th-century confectionary recipes. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Nov. 1: Stream Stewardship Workshop—held in conjunction with the Potter County Conservation District. Learn about current and upcoming projects (more info on Facebook event page. 10 am-1:30 pm.
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. 3: Lecture program—Sgt. 1st Class (US Army, ret.) Gerry Mansell will present "The Tomb of the Unknown and the Sentinels Who Stand Guard." 2-3 pm.
Nov. 9: Pictures with Santa—kids of all ages get to pose with Santa. Regular admission rates apply for youth; parents and guardians are free. 10 am-3 pm.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—the museum is open noon-5 pm. Admission is free for veterans and their families.
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.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Nov. 2-3: Trains & Troops—this annual program salutes our armed forces and explores the role of the military in railroad history (and vice versa). A Swing Dance Saturday night (separate or combo ticket) lets you enjoy big band music, refreshments, and swing, swing, swing. Program details. Sat., 9 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-5 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the Planetarium page for a full schedule of shows.
Nov. 1: StoryTime—this month's program (for kids ages 3-5) takes place in the Archaeology Gallery, featuring Nancy Van Laan’s Rainbow Crow, a retelling of a traditional Lenape legend. Included in regular admission. 10:30-11:30 am.
Nov. 7: Build It!—this "Curiosity Kids" program will explore building with everyday objects (details on the museum website). Included in regular admission, but space is limited so be sure to sign up when you purchase your tickets. 11:30 am.
Nov. 8: Learn at Lunchtime—join Bob Hill, curator of military and industrial history, to learn about the World War II experiences of Major Robert Gaynor, whose uniform is currently on exhibit. Included in regular admission. 12:15-12:45 pm..
Nov. 9: Workshops in Archaeology—this year’s program is an examination of western Pennsylvania’s Monongahela Indians. Early bird registration ends Nov. 1. Registration details and parking information are on the museum website. 9 am-6 pm.

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

Labor Day Weekend is Here

The info below will take you through Sept. 5 and show you which sites are scheduled to be open on Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day. The full September program page does the rest.

Visit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum on Sunday, Sept. 1, to see works painted on site (details below)

Anthracite Heritage Museum
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Brandywine Battlefield
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Sept. 1: Ringgold Band Concert—bring your lawn chairs and find your spot for a rousing end-of-summer performance (learn more about the Ringgold Band). If you're a veteran, please arrive early and sign in so that your name can be read at intermission (more info on the Facebook event page). 5 pm.

Worker photo via Cornwall Iron Furnace Facebook page

Cornwall Iron Furnace
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Drake Well Museum
Aug. 31: Something More Saturday—the last Saturday of each month, Drake Well offers something extra with regular admission. Today, it's guided tours of the outdoor exhibits at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Site open 10 am-3 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Eckley Miners’ Village
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Ephrata Cloister
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.
UPDATE Sept. 4: Site closed 9 am-1 pm—due to a scheduled power outage, the museum and ship will be closed to the public Wednesday morning, Sept. 4. Check the Erie Maritime Museum Facebook page for updates and changes.

Fort Pitt Museum
Please visit the Fort Pitt Museum website for information on this month's programs and events. The museum will be open on Labor Day.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Sept. 1: Plein Air Sunday: A Celebration of Traditional Craft—visit the Yellow Barn and the Millstone Grove to see and buy the work of artists and craftspeople; featured will be artwork created en plein air (in the outdoors) at Landis Valley (see Facebook event for details and updates). Tour the museum grounds and enjoy lively music and children's art activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. This event is in partnership with the PA Guild of Craftsmen. Noon-5 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Pennsbury Manor
Sept. 1: Sunday programming—meet the joyners, smiths, and spinners to learn about their work. Included in regular admission. 1-4 pm.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Via PA Lumber Museum Facebook page

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Aug. 30: Entry deadline—today is the last day to enter the "Hooked on Science Art Contest," part of northcentral PA's Hometown Science Series and Festival. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
Aug. 31: Community Yard Sale—this takes place at the Route 6 entrance to the museum. If you're interested in reserving a space, call Bob at 814/435-2652.
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

Via Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Facebook page

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 2: Site open—check website for hours.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Please visit the Planetarium webpage for a full schedule of shows.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Archaeology at Kipona Fest—staff and volunteers from the museum's Section of Archaeology will be on Harrisburg's City Island during the annual Labor Day weekend festival (details on the museum website).

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Please visit the Washington Crossing website for information on programs and events. The site will be open on Labor Day.

Thoughts on Giving Thanks

All PA Trails of History sites are closed tomorrow (11/22) for Thanksgiving). For information on site schedules for Friday (11/23) and events going on this weekend through Nov. 29, please check out last week's post.

Through December 31, the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation (PHF) and The State Museum of Pennsylvania are excited to offer a "Buy One Get One Free" membership offer. Renew, rejoin, or join, and you can gift a free membership of equal or lesser value to a friend, family member, or co-worker. Memberships included in this offer are Heritage, Individual, and Family (visit PHF website for details or to purchase online). All categories of membership include free regular admission to sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History. (Please note, the gift membership must be for individuals or families who have never held a membership with PHF or The State Museum previously.)

This table setting from Conrad Weiser Homestead's Candlelight Tours last weekend makes me think of Thanksgiving (photo via Facebook)

Coming to you a little early this week to get ahead of the holiday. On behalf of all of us here at Trailheads HQ, I'd like to wish all of you the Thanksgiving that makes you most happy. The traditions you love, the people who make you feel special, a victory for your football team (if you celebrate that way), a winning hand at gin rummy (ditto), a nice glass of Beaujolais Nouveau (ditto ditto). Those of us lucky to have enough (or more than enough) have much to be thankful for, but we should also remember not to take it for granted. If you have the chance to help others this holiday, please take it.

Hope Lodge's Whitemarsh Encampment event earlier this month brought American Revolution reenactors to the site (via Facebook)

Following up on our Veterans Day post, I had a little time to think about some other military-related Trails of History info recently and thought I'd share some of it this week. These items illustrate the span of military history that gets covered on the Trails and the relevance of our sites to the present.

Reaching back to the 18th century, Hope Lodge's annual Whitemarsh Encampment presents the stories of Revolutionary War soldiers and civilians, especially related to the Continental Army's stay in the area during November and early December of 1777. I've shared a photo above, and you can find more on the Hope Lodge Facebook page.

As part of the centennial celebration of the end of World War I, Conrad Weiser Homestead held an Armistice Day event on Sunday, November 11. Speakers included Doug Miller, site administrator at Pennsbury Manor, and state Sen. David Argall (R - Schuylkill and Berks). Military reenactors were on hand as well. (In May of 2017, we showed you some before and after photos of a project to clean a World War I doughboy statue on the grounds at Conrad Weiser Homestead, dating from the 1920s.) The event also honored all local veterans (read more in this Reading Eagle article); keep an eye out for Weiser's annual concert honoring veterans, generally held around July 4.

We've shared info before about military reenlistment and promotion ceremonies at Trails of History sites. Back in October, the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara hosted members of the United States Marine Corps. Gunnery Sgt. Charles Bays reenlisted in USMC and then he and his wife, Kate, left for his new assignment in South Carolina; Bays was promoted to Gunnery Sgt. onboard Niagara in October 2017. Bryan Johnson and Devin Dominech were promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. (My thanks to Linda Bolla of the museum for the info and photo below.) In other Erie news, the Flagship Niagara League recently announced the promotion of Christopher Cusson to Captain of the U.S. Brig Niagara. Cusson is, among other things, a United States Coast Guard veteran (read more info here).

SSgt. Bryan Johnson (left) receives his new collar insignia from his grandfathers. (I'm not crying, you're crying.) (photo L. Bolla)

Prospective applicants for the U.S. military service academies are interviewed by a congressional panel to determine if they will receive a letter of referral from their U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative, a requirement for admission. Last weekend, the Pennsylvania Military Museum hosted 16 candidates and their families. Yesterday, the museum received a lovely note from a woman who was there with her son, who hopes to attend the United States Naval Academy. She complimented the museum on its well-kept and well-organized facilities and was impressed with the exhibits and displays, comparing them favorably to those at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia. "It is obvious a lot of time and effort has been spent to make this small museum a true gem!" Kudos to the staff and volunteers at the museum for their work and thanks to Tyler Gum, site administrator, for sharing the info.

On a related but somewhat more somber note, the PA Military Museum has been working with the Jana Marie Foundation, which is devoted to bringing attention to and addressing mental health issues in the Centre County region where the museum is located. The Foundation's STOMPERS Project was developed to embody their goal of stomping out the stigma that often surrounds talking about mental health. STOMPERS are made from shoes and boots on a life-size frame and have different themes depending on their host organization. As a participant in the initiative, the museum is now home to a STOMPER titled "SERVE," which is focused on issues of depression, suicide, and well-being among military veterans and their families. The goal is to help foster conversations between civilian and military communities, between veterans, and among families. This is another way the museum is honoring the military service of Pennsylvanians and recognizing the sacrifices of military families.

"SERVE," part of STOMPER Project, at PA Military Museum (photo AKF)

Memorial Day

Please check the May program listings to see which Trails of History sites will be open on Monday, May 28, and for info on events coming up this weekend. The June program listings are also now available for those of you who like to plan ahead (you know who you are).

Members of the PA National Guard line the 28th Division Shrine at the Pennsylvania Military Museum (via Facebook)

The annual Celebration of Service organized by the Pennsylvania National Guard took place Sunday, May 20, on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum. The event is a vibrant combination of family reunion, military equipment show, and solemn memorial service. You can get a good sense of the day by browsing the extensive photo album posted on PMM's Facebook page or see how WTAJ-TV covered the event. This weekend the museum will be offering its annual World War II Revisited living history program on Saturday and Sunday.

Remembering fallen soldiers (via Facebook)

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is working to find a photo of every Pennsylvania service member who died as a result of the Vietnam War. The photos are needed to complete the Vietnam Memorial Wall of Faces for Pennsylvania. As of this week, they are missing 30 photos from 8 counties. For a list of names still needing photos and to find out how to submit a photo, visit DMVA's Wall of Faces page.

This is also a good time to note that sites on PHMC's Trails of History participate in the Blue Star Museums program, which provides free regular admission to active duty military members and their immediate families. The Blue Star Museums program runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but the admission offer is good all year on the Trails of History.

Veterans Day

Trailheads is coming to you a little early this week to make sure to get all the Veterans Day info out there. Please note that due to an adjusted holiday for some state staff, several sites will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10. Some of those will also be closed on Nov. 11, but some will be open. I've indicated schedule changes and holiday openings below, to the best of my knowledge. As always, if you want to visit a specific site, it's best to check their schedule before you go. And please check the November program page for other events at sites on Sunday or the remainder of the month.

But first, a look at military history events that took place on the PA Trails of History prior to this week's holiday.

WWI trench display at PSU's Beaver Stadium (photo PA Military Museum)

The Pennsylvania Military Museum was invited by the Penn State University All Sports Museum to provide an interpretive display of WWI in support of their temporary exhibit of alumni who participated in the Great War. So outside Beaver Stadium on Oct. 21, as Penn State prepared to beat Michigan, PMM staff and volunteers in period uniforms manned a trench. Museum educator Joe Horvath reports that the tailgaters were quite enthusiastic about honoring veterans: "We were showered with hugs, kisses, high-fives, fist bumps, requests for selfies (many, many, many selfies), food and drink." Although their service post-dated World War I by quite a bit, PMM's representatives at the event were in fact all veterans of military service - Horvath served in the US Navy, volunteer Mark Roland is a US Army veteran, and volunteer Thomas Stoner served in the US Marine Corps. Thank you all for your service and for sharing history with the public.

From l to r: Joe Horvath, Mark Roland, and Thomas Stoner with PMM's WWI display at Beaver Stadium (photo PA Military Museum)

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania hosted their annual Trains and Troops event last weekend, commemorating and honoring the connections between the U.S. military and the railroads. This rich history is represented in the museum's collections; for this yearly event exhibitors, reenactors, and military honor guard members round out the experience for visitors. You can see photos of the event on Norfolk Southern's Facebook page.

A number of participants and attendees shared photos of Hope Lodge's annual Whitemarsh Encampment. The Revolutionary War reenactment commemorates the period of Nov. 2-Dec. 11, 1777, when General George Washington and the Continental Army encamped in the Whitemarsh Hills before settling in for the winter at Valley Forge. You'll find all sorts of photos on the Historic Hope Lodge Facebook page.

Official 2017 Veterans Day Poster (U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs)

Veterans Day-related activities this weekend...

Brandywine Battlefield Park
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site open 9 am-4 pm.

Drake Well Museum and Park
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site open 9 am-5 pm. Admission will be free for veterans. All other visitors will receive a $2.00 per ticket discount with the donation of a personal care item (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, deodorant, etc.) for the Veterans Miracle Center project. Cash donations will also be gratefully accepted.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—the museum is open 9 am-5 pm. Admission will be free for veterans and their immediate families. The museum is working with the Presque Isle Partnership to collect personal care items for military personnel; items and cash donations may be dropped off at the museum through today. Elsewhere in the Erie area, U.S. Brig Niagara’s "Ship’s Company 1813" reenactor troupe will again participate in Presque Isle State Park’s third annual Veterans Appreciation Day event, scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Park’s Rotary Pavilion.
Nov. 13: Members and Veterans Invited—to commemorate this year's Veterans Day, the museum invites members and veterans to share your stories as we honor your service and sacrifice. The morning will include light refreshments and a behind-the-scenes tour of the U.S. Brig Niagara and wood shop with Captain Sabatini and Shipwright Adam Stanisz. We encourage our members to bring any commemorative photos or memorabilia that they would like to share. Please RSVP by Sunday, November 12, to Marcus Masternak at mmasternak@flagshipniagara.org or call 814-452-2744 ext.222.

Fort Pitt Museum
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site open 10 am-5 pm.

Graeme Park
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site open 10 am-4 pm. Admission is free for veterans.

Joseph Priestley House
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—site open 1-4 pm.

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Nov. 10: Site closed in observance of Veterans Day.
Nov. 11: Site open 9 am-5 pm.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—museum open 9 am-5 pm. Locally made, hand-crafted, and holiday-themed items will be featured by a variety of vendors in the museum program room from 10 am to 4 pm.

Pennsylvania Military Museum
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—the museum is open 10 am-5 pm. Admission is free for veterans and their families.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—museum open 9 am-5 pm.

Somerset Historical Center
Nov. 11: Veterans Day—museum open 9 am-5 pm.

State Museum of Pennsylvania
Nov. 10: Museum closed in observance of Veterans Day.
Nov. 11: Museum open 9 am-5 pm.—please also note that parking in downtown Harrisburg will be free on Nov. 11.

Washington Crossing Historic Park
Nov. 10: Historic buildings and visitor center closed in observance of Veterans Day.
Nov. 11: Site open 10 am-4 pm—the park will offer free guided tours to all veterans and active-duty military personnel with military ID.

A Tradition of Service

The February program page has info about upcoming events on the PA Trails of History.

My thanks to Linda Bolla at the Erie Maritime Museum for text and photos related to our top story this week.

Echoing Erie’s long relationship with significant events and ships of the U.S. Navy, at least once a year the Erie Maritime Museum is privileged to honor a request from service personnel to hold their reenlistment ceremony at the Museum or onboard Niagara. Last month, the Museum hosted an unprecedented four reenlistments in a two-week period.

Captain James Bier, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, administered the service oath for Staff Sergeant Kristina Perieff and Sergeant Steven Aceves on Jan. 13. Museum docent Lieutenant Colonel Bill Koehle, U. S. Marine Corps Reserves (Ret’d), facilitated arrangements and gave a tour to the Marines directly following the reenlistment ceremony. Marines served in both Oliver Hazard Perry’s squadron at the Battle of Lake Erie and in USS Michigan throughout her long career on the Great Lakes, home port Erie [both stories are told in the Museum's exhibit galleries].

Sgt. Aceves (3rd from left) takes the oath of service as SSgt Perieff (far right) and other Marines look on (photo Linda Bolla)

After the oath of service is given, another important award is always made for the families of active duty personnel. At BU2(SCW) Matthew Pfadt’s reenlistment ceremony on Jan. 19, his parents and fiancee were honored for their support and sacrifices. Matt's reenlistment ceremony and his wedding to Ashley were moved up on short notice as he is soon to be deployed to the Middle East. We wish Matt and his family the very best.

LCDR Baughier (left) honors Matthew Pfadt's (right) family - fiancee Ashley, mom Pam, and dad Jerry (photo Linda Bolla)

On Jan. 26, Petty Officer Jeremy Mong reenlisted and was promoted to “NC1” – Navy Counselor, First Class. Along with some of Petty Officer Mong’s colleagues, Lieutenant Commander Peter Hoegel drove to Erie from Pittsburgh to accept his reenlistment and commend him on his excellent work in recruitment.

LCDR Hoegel (left) congratulates Petty Officer Jeremy Mong on his promotion (photo Linda Bolla)

On a related note, we mentioned last week (or week before) that the Pennsylvania Military Museum (which also serves as a venue for military commissioning ceremonies) was hosting a town hall organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Site Administrator Tyler Gum recently received a thank you letter from the acting director of the VA's James E. Van Zandt Medical Center in Altoona, Charles Becker. Becker commended the museum staff and volunteers for their exemplary support of the event and their role in making it a success. "Your facility displays respect and reverence to our Nation's Heroes, and it was our honor to be associated with the Museum."

Thank you all--active duty personnel, reservists, veterans, and families--for your service. And thank you to the staff and volunteers of the Erie Maritime Museum and the Pennsylvania Military Museum for your efforts in honoring our service personnel.

In other news...

The Railroad Museum of PA has reached a significant milestone in their $250,000 "Ready for the Roundhouse" campaign, which will support media blasting, painting, and repair of 5 PRR steam locomotives destined for exhibit in the new Roundhouse. The PA Railroad Technical and Historical Society challenged the Friends of the museum, saying they would match the first $50,000 raised when the campaign was announced in November. They set a deadline of April 15 for the Friends to raise their share. As of Jan. 31, $60,000 has been raised, triggering the match. Combined that puts the museum at not quite halfway to the ultimate fundraising goal. Congratulations to all concerned and thank you to PRRT&HS for their continued support. (Read more here from Lancaster Online.) If you'd like to help them get the rest of the way, you can donate online via the Museum website.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, State Sen. Art Haywood, State Rep. Jordan Harris, DGS Secretary Curt Topper, and PHMC officials marked the beginning of Black History Month by unveiling "Trailblazers: Notable African Americans in Pennsylvania History" at the PA State Capitol. The panel exhibit originated at the State Museum of PA.

The State Historic Preservation Office has reported out some of the results of a public survey that will help inform the next statewide historic preservation plan (covering the period 2018-2022). You can read a summary of the results on the PA Historic Preservation blog; they'll be posting about more detailed analyses periodically in coming months.

A couple of deadlines...

• Undergraduate and graduate students wishing to be considered for this summer's Keystone Internship Program have until next Friday, Feb. 10, to submit their applications.
• The State Museum is accepting entries for the 50th Art of the State exhibit through Feb. 28. Submitting artists must be Pennsylvania residents. All entrants will be notified of the jurors' decisions no later than April 7. The exhibit runs from June 11 to Sept. 10.

Veterans Day 2016

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, "Armistice Day" to commemorate the end of hostilities in World War I and honor veterans of that war. In 1954, November 11 became "Veterans Day" to include veterans of World War II and to honor all U.S. veterans. On the Trails of History, we mark this day, but we are working continually to honor Pennsylvania's veterans and to tell their stories to the present and future generations. As noted in last week's post, PHMC's current Pennsylvania at War initiative is focused on U.S. involvement in World War I and World War II. The State Museum will open a new exhibit on the USS Pennsylvania on December 4. And we are currently working on new long-term exhibits at the Pennsylvania Military Museum that will explore the role of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvanians in all of our nation's military conflicts.

Today, many sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History are closed for the holiday. The following will be open regular hours:

• Brandywine Battlefield
• Drake Well Museum
• Fort Pitt Museum
• Graeme Park
• Pennsylvania Military Museum (free admission for veterans)
• Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
• Somerset Historical Center
• Washington Crossing Historic Park (free admission for veterans)

Staff and volunteers from the Erie Maritime Museum will participate in Veterans Appreciation Day activities at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Presque Isle State Park. From 10 am to 2 pm today, museum personnel will provide War of 1812 and Civil War Navy living history and historical displays and participate in a flag raising service. In addition, through November 23, the museum will be a collection point for items to be sent to active duty military personnel.

The PA Military Museum has events all weekend:

• Today the museum will offer free admission for veterans and their families during regular operating hours (10 am-5 pm). In addition, the museum will partner with the Centre County Library to offer a genealogy workshop geared toward fundamentals of military history and using military records to research your family. The one-hour genealogy workshop is included in regular admission (for non-veterans) and will be offered twice - at 10 am and 2 pm.
• Tomorrow (11/12), is Kids Day IV - Dress Up and Discover!! Kids of all ages get to try on military uniforms from the museum education collection. Photo ops in the museum theatre. Visit the education stations in the galleries for more fun 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.
• Sunday, Nov. 13, the museum will show the documentary film In the Footsteps of Bud Owens, which tells the story of a World War II airman shot down over France. Donation requested. 1 pm.

Honoring Veterans and History

Please note that the November program page and a list of Trails of History sites open on various November holidays are now available. And don't forget that we "fall back" an hour at 2 am on Sunday, as Daylight Saving Time ends.

Today (Nov. 4) at 11 am, PHMC's Pennsylvania Trails of History will be broadcasting on #FacebookLive, at the official recognition of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania as a new member of the Smithsonian Affiliates program. Friday and Saturday, Norfolk Southern's Pennsylvania Railroad Heritage Engine will be on view at the museum.

While Veterans Day is not for another week, there is a new PHMC initiative that I wanted to highlight, as well as several military history events happening over the coming week.

In late October PHMC launched an initiative called "Pennsylvania at War" that brings together public events, exhibits, and other activities commemorating U.S. entry into World War I (100th anniversary in 2017) and World War II (75th anniversary in 2016). Follow #PAatWar on Twitter to keep up to date on offerings now through the end of 2017; even if your organization is not part of PHMC you can use the hashtag to highlight your events.

This weekend
Tomorrow, Nov. 5, Historic Hope Lodge will present its annual reenactment of the Nov. 2-Dec. 11, 1777, encampment of Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army in the Whitemarsh Hills. Please note that this is now a one-day event (program details are on the Hope Lodge website). Admission cost is $8 for ages 18-59, $5 for ages 6-17 and 60+, free for members and children age 5 and younger; there is a family rate of $20 per car. Cash only for ticket sales at the gate, but you can buy tickets online (with a small service fee) via PayPal if you prefer to use a credit card (be sure to bring your receipt). The encampment is open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm (rain or shine).

Penn State University (Main Campus) is holding a Military Appreciation Day tailgate at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday (11/5) starting at 3 pm. Prior to that event, from 10 am to 2:30 pm, the Pennsylvania Military Museum will hold a pre-tailgate program of guided tours, lectures, living history reenactments, and the presentation of service pins to Vietnam veterans in attendance. The reenactments and a tour of armored vehicles will take place outside, weather permitting; the lectures and presentations will take place inside the museum. Admission will be free for veterans and their families, and is always free for active duty military and their families (regular admission rates apply for others).

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's annual "Trains & Troops" program, Nov. 5-6, salutes our armed forces and explores connections between the military and railroad history. Reenactors and displays of equipment will be in Rolling Stock Hall, military music and tributes will be offered each day, and (weather permitting) vintage airplanes will do a flyover (see more detailed schedule on the website). A special addition this year (Sat., 11/5, at 1:30 pm) will be the dedication of the newly restored "Lindbergh Engine" in Rolling Stock Hall. And Saturday night is the annual Swing Dance, featuring the big band music of the Moonlighters (tickets for the dance or combo tickets for the dance and museum admission are available online.)

Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11
Staff and volunteers from the Erie Maritime Museum will participate in Veterans Appreciation Day activities at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Presque Isle State Park. From 10 am to 2 pm, museum personnel will provide War of 1812 and Civil War Navy living history and historical displays and participate in a flag raising service. In addition, through November 23, the museum will be a collection point for items to be sent to active duty military personnel (see list below).

The Military Museum will offer free admission for veterans and their families on Veterans Day during regular operating hours (10 am-5 pm). In addition, the museum will partner with the Centre County Library to offer a genealogy workshop geared toward fundamentals of military history and using military records to research your family. The one-hour genealogy workshop is included in regular admission (for non-veterans) and will be offered twice - at 10 am and 2 pm.

Whooosh!

Summer is speeding by, and I probably always say that right about this time. But this year, I mean it! The August program page will provide you with lots of ideas for making the most of the last full month of summer. If you're still looking for something to do this evening (8/5), call Cornwall Iron Furnace to see if tickets are available for their Blast! event, featuring beer, wine, and a pig roast next to the iron furnace building.

On Thursday, July 28, Pennsbury Manor provided a beautiful setting for 47 people from 21 countries to become naturalized American citizens. As the Democratic National Convention was in its final day in nearby Philadelphia, some reporters covering the event asked many of the new citizens about their new right to vote. (You can see more from the Bucks County Courier Times or ABC6 news.) This was not the first time that Pennsbury has hosted a naturalization ceremony; the most recent was in July 2014.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has an ongoing series devoted to National Park Service sites in Pennsylvania in honor of NPS's Centennial this year. The most recent entry in the series looks at the Oil Region National Heritage Area, located in northwestern PA. One of the stars of the piece is, of course, PHMC's own Drake Well Museum, which tells the story of the birth of the oil and gas industries and features a replica of Edwin Drake's oil well. The author notes that the best souvenirs in the region are PA crude oil or pieces of the Marcellus Shale sold in Drake Well's museum store. There is also video of oil field machinery (be sure the speakers on your computer or device are on).

The Pennsylvania Military Museum held its annual "Vietnam Revisited" program this past weekend. Exploring the combat and non-combat experiences of serving in Vietnam, the event featured a bivouac and simulated jungle patrols. Among other features was a map of Vietnam that veterans could sign to show where they were during the war (see photo below and check out PMM's Facebook page for more).

Vietnam Remembered (via PA Military Museum Facebook page)

If you're reading this Friday morning (Aug. 5) you might still have time to get to the State Museum for a lunchtime talk on the newly renovated Carboniferous Forest exhibit on the museum's 3rd floor (even if you miss the talk, you can see the reopened gallery). Get details on the museum's website; museum is open 9 am to 5 pm, the gallery talk is 12:15-12:45 pm (or come at come at 11:30 am to learn about new plans for Mammal Hall). Programs are included in general admission.

Somerset Historical Center has announced the upcoming publication of a book on the Shade Furnace, a 19th-century iron furnace and community located in the northern part of Somerset County. Pre-publication orders are now being accepted (see form for more details).

The PA Lumber Museum reminds us that the first in a series of local Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) reunions is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 13, at Leonard Harrison State Park. As you may know, the Lumber Museum's core exhibit includes a history of CCC activity in PA and the outdoor exhibits include a CCC-built chestnut cabin and statue honoring CCC workers. (On a side note, the Lumber Museum has a couple of on-site programs coming up this month that I initially left off the August program page but have now remedied, so please check that out, too. Thx.)

Honoring Women's History in Erie County

It's October already, and you can find the monthly program listing on the sidebar.

Lucky you. We're back to guest posts! This week frequent Trailheads contributor Linda Bolla, Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara, writes about two recent PHMC historical markers dedicated in Erie County. Photos are courtesy of Allan Montgomery, Linda Bolla, and John Baker.

This has been a banner year for the Pennsylvania Historical Marker Program in Erie County, with three new markers dedicated this summer: Miracles on Maple Hill; Pennsylvania National Guard 112th Infantry Regiment; and Making of the Flag “Don’t Give Up the Ship.”

The fact that two of these recognize the efforts of women gives one pause to reflect on the nature of women’s contributions to history and culture in the age before the later 20th Century feminist movement. These words come to mind: quiet, but profoundly inspirational.

In her children’s novel Miracles on Maple Hill (1956), Virginia Sorensen reveals the miracles of nature as well as of healing body and mind. Her simple story, inspired by people she knew and experiences she had living in Edinboro, PA, was honored in 1957 with a John Newbery Medal, given for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Sorensen’s book has not lost any of its appeal, even as we approach the 60th anniversary of its publication. Generations continue to read a very old-fashioned story about a little girl and her family, because the values and bonds of family and friends are universal, and because Sorensen crafted her story in a way that transcends the modern age. Her picture of a place in time has proven to be timeless.

Children and adults met and had their books signed by Marilyn Hilburn (left), who was Virginia Sorensen's model for the character Margie, and Amy Hipple Bjork (second from left), Sorensen's model for Marly. Lisa Nathanson of Hurry Hill Maple Farm Museum (background) had Sorensen's book, Miracles on Maple Hill, for sale. Sorensen’s Newbery Medal is on exhibit at the Museum.

While the weather was not-too-cooperative for the June 27th unveiling of the Miracles on Maple Hill marker, the event was still full of old-fashioned fun, with nearly 200 people enjoying music, talks, book signings (photo above), and maple ice cream sundaes. In the photo below, Amy Hipple Bjork has the honor of unveiling the marker, located on Route 6N in Edinboro.

The women who made Oliver Hazard Perry’s “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag remained steadfast to their task amidst the fear and tension of Erie preparing for war. The flagmakers shared the common bond of family (all were part of the Forster family) and quietly made their stitches while fathers, brothers, and sons engaged in the more obvious aspects of war as soldiers. They certainly had no thoughts beyond the immediate. While they hoped their work would inspire Perry’s men, they could not have known that the flag they made in 1813 would continue to speak through centuries, inspiring generations of naval officers as well as anyone who needs to stand persistent to win the day. While their work is preserved and exhibited at the US Naval Academy Museum, their names are not remembered there – it is on the state historical marker that they are finally brought out of the shadows.

East High JROTC joined Ship’s Company, US Brig Niagara 1813 to provide a color guard for the Battle of Lake Erie Commemoration. In honoring both the 1813 period colors along with our nation’s flag, we honor the fallen of the War of 1812 as well as the veterans and those who continue to serve today.

Dedication of the “Making of the Flag” marker took place on September 10th at the Erie Maritime Museum as part of the annual commemoration of the Battle of Lake Erie. While the service itself was solemn, there certainly was a sense of joy when the marker honoring the flag makers was unveiled. In the photo below, Forster Family descendants N. Lane Nelson and Becky Forster (center, left and right), along with Sabina Freeman (left) and PHMC Commissioner Craige Pepper Victor (right) reveal Pennsylvania’s newest marker. Descendant Nancy Gorman (far left) and Master of Ceremonies Jay Breneman (far right) applaud.