Rounding Out August

Learn about Col. Edwin Drake's successful oil well and enjoy some live music this weekend at Drake Well Museum & Park (photo via DWM's Facebook page)

As we head into the final week of August and the end of meteorological summer, here are a few stories that came across my radar recently that I haven't shared here. Please be sure to check the calendar listings below for things to do in the coming week or so.

Earlier this month, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania announced that it will become the new home of the 1838 steam locomotive "Rocket" that has been on exhibit at The Franklin Institute since the 1930s. Built in England and purchased by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway, the locomotive is now owned by Reading successor Conrail, who will place it on loan to RMP. The Rocket is currently being prepared for display and will join other significant locomotives and railcars in the museum's Rolling Stock Hall later this year (read more about the Rocket on RMP's Facebook page).

At the Conrad Weiser Homestead, a new exhibit element in the Weiser House helps to tell the story of Anna Eve (Feg) Weiser (1700-1781). As the wife of Conrad Weiser, Anna Eve welcomed colonial politicians, diplomats, missionaries and Native American leaders to the homestead. She ran the 900-acre farm alongside her husband and on her own when Conrad was away from home. The project, which includes a 4-minute audio piece and a mannequin in colonial-era clothing, was carried out by the Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead, with support from the Berks Women's History Alliance (read more about the Anna Eve Project).

On a related note, the Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia recently found in their collections a letter signed by Conrad Weiser in 1758, along with other Reading area German Lutherans. The letter was in a folder in a back corner of the Center's vault. It has now been rehoused in archival-quality materials and joined other letters in the collection (read more about the 1758 letter on Lutheran Archives Center's Facebook page).

To mark the 35th anniversary of the U.S. Brig Niagara's current incarnation, the Erie Maritime Museum shared a couple of posts with images from the rebuilding. No ship is ever "complete," due to ongoing maintenance and upkeep, so this anniversary marks the start of the project (see photos of Niagara under construction on EMM's Facebook page).

Up Next

Today, August 25

• Family Gallery Tour: Ecology Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn more about Pennsylvania’s major ecosystems, the wildlife and plants found here and the Pennsylvanians who contributed to the environmental movement during a tour of Ecology Hall. Included in regular admission (Ecology Hall tour info).

Saturday, August 26

• Sailor's Swabs (in-person); Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, and Sunday, 1-5 pm; Erie Maritime Museum
• Interpreter Mark Zagursky will be on site for two days demonstrating the art of tying sailor's swabs (think whisk broom) using the Mathew Walker knot. Included in regular admission (Sailor's Swabs program info).

• Wayzgoose in the Print Shop (in-person); 10 am-2 pm; Old Economy Village
• As early as the 1600s, print shop owners rewarded their employees with a meal and cash, and the celebration was called a Wayzgoose. The tradition continues at OEV with a celebration of the history, tools, and techniques of printing. See demonstrations, help with printing on the 1893 press, and learn some simple activities you can do at home. Plus light refreshments. Included in regular admission (Print Shop program info).

• Magnets (in-person); 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Investigate magnets and magnetism. A variety of activities will repel or attract you to explore polarity and use critical thinking skills. Included in regular admission (Magnets program info).

• Drake Day (in-person); 11 am-4 pm; Drake Well Museum & Park
• To celebrate the 164th anniversary of Col. Edwin Drake striking oil, the museum will host a day of music in the park, featuring performances by Mitch Littler, Franklin Silver Cornet Band, Mostly Brass, and Queen City Community Band. Included in regular admission (Drake Day program info).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a private history tour of the outside tracked vehicles and discuss the history of armored vehicles with a preeminent local historian. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership. Please note that we will not be accessing the inside of the tracked vehicles, but we will walk outside on the grounds, so please dress for the weather with appropriate footwear (Exploring the Armor registration).

Sunday, August 27

• Beer Brewing and Garden Highlights (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Explore and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the recipes and plants that fed the early residents of Pennsbury. Included in regular admission (Beer Brewing and Garden program info).

Wednesday, August 30

• State Symbols: K4s Locomotive (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover why the Pennsylvania Railroad K4s became Pennsylvania’s Steam Locomotive. This innovation changed the way America traveled and explored. Learn about its historic significance and the science behind the vehicle. Included in regular admission (K4s Locomotive program info).

Thursday, August 31

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy a story and stay to explore the garden, visit with the farm animals, or have a picnic by the river. Admission is a $3 grounds pass (additional charge to tour the Manor House). Suggested for ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Geology Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• If you are interested in rocks and minerals, join a Museum Educator to tour Geology Hall. Get hands-on with the rocks and minerals of Pennsylvania. Offered 11:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm. Included in regular admission (Geology Hall tour info).

Friday, September 1

• Storytime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in Nature Lab for a reading of We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. Learn more about the Tyrannosaurus rex and create your own T-rex to take home. For kids age 3 to 5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited (State Museum Storytime).

• History Storytime (in-person); 11 am-Noon; Daniel Boone Homestead
• The first Friday of each month will feature a different history topic with a related craft activity. Designed for preschool and kindergarten ages (Boone Homestead Storytime info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3-5 pm, and Tuesday, Sept. 19, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. At 3:30 pm on Sept. 5, there will be a Story Time with the Educator aimed at kids age 2 to 5. Advance tickets required (tickets for Sept. 5 Sensory Hours and tickets for Sept. 19 Sensory Hours).

• 13th Annual Crush&Brew (in-person); Saturday, Sept. 9, 5-8 pm; Old Economy Village
• Old Economy hosts this Ambridge Historic District event that features wine and beer tastings, food trucks, tours of the Harmonist Wine Cellar, and live music. Ticket includes a $10 food voucher and admission to after parties at several local businesses. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door.

• Lagers & Lumberjacks (in-person); Saturday, Sept. 16, 4-7 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Semi-professional competitors will take on six timbersport events. Logyard Brewing will have samples and local food trucks will have tasty eats. Even try your hand at axe throwing. You must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event. Tickets are $12 in advance ($8 for designated driver) and $15 at the door ($10 for designated driver). Member discounts available (Lagers & Lumberjacks info and tickets).

• Garden Railways Tour (in-person); Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Tickets are on sale now for the 16th annual tour of garden railways located at five sites in Lancaster and York Counties. Cost is $10 for ages 6 and up. Tickets available via Eventbrite or at the Whistle Stop Shop at the museum.

So, This is August

Enjoy a tour of the gardens at Old Economy Village next Friday, Aug. 11 (photo via OEV Facebook page)

Welcome to August. I hope your summer is going well and that you've had time to do the things you want to do. The listings below might give you some ideas if you're looking for activities outdoors or indoors. There seems to be a garden theme going on. In the week ahead, you'll find a garden party at Joseph Priestley House (August 6), storytime in the garden at Pennsbury Manor (August 10), a garden tour at Old Economy Village (August 11), and tickets on sale for the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's garden railways tour in October. Gardens not your thing? We have lots of other stuff. Whatever you choose, I hope you have a great week.

Up Next

Today, August 4

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Join us in the Life Through Time Gallery for a reading of My Mastodon by Barbara Lowell with illustrations by Antonio Marinoni. Discover the story of the Peale family living in a museum in Philadelphia. Create your own admission ticket and souvenir. Included in regular admission (State Museum StoryTime info).

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us to explore the flora and fauna in Pennsylvania from the Carboniferous Period to the present. Learn about the habitats and environments that existed long ago and get hands-on with various fossils of these extinct species. Meet in Nature Lab on the 3rd floor at 11:30 am or 1:30 pm. Included in regular admission (Paleontology Tour info).

• First Fridays (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• Enjoy an evening of music, family games, tractor rides, and food trucks. Some covered seating is provided, but feel free to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Parking is $5 per car, but there is no admission fee (First Friday program info).

Saturday, August 5

• Mastodons and Mammoths (in-person); 10 am-Noon and 1-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Follow the story of mastodons and mammoths and their evolution from the earliest examples to today’s modern elephants. Create your own scientific chart. Included in regular admission (Mastodon and Mammoth program info).

• Battle Reenactment (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• This year marks the 260th anniversary of the Battle of Bushy Run (Battle reenactment program info).

• A Legacy of Service (in-person); 1-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, the museum is partnering with several agencies to present programs highlighting the history of women's military service in Pennsylvania and the nation. Keynote speaker is Brigadier General Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs. A reception follows. Registration is requested due to limited seating (Women's military history program info).

Sunday, August 6

• Garden Party/Oxygen Day (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Explore the gardens and the new outdoor exhibit starting at noon, with landscape architect Brehon Odronic and Master Gardeners from Northumberland County. Oxygen Day activities start at 1 when the house opens for self-guided tours. Dr. Priestley will conduct chemistry demos in the Pond Building at 1:30 and 2:30. There will be period music and light refreshments (Priestley House website).

• Historic Trades (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Our blacksmiths, joyners and spinners will be eager to talk to you about their work and its importance during Penn’s time. Included in regular admission (Historic Trades program info).

• Set the Scene (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us at the Conestoga Wagon on the Second Floor to discover two 19th-century landscape artists who captured Pennsylvania transportation history in their work. Learn close- looking techniques and use your new knowledge to capture your vision by creating your own landscape. Included in regular admission (landscape painting program info).

• Patriotic Concert (in-person); 5-7 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• The Ringgold Band will present a concert at the west end of Weiser Park. Please bring your own lawn chairs; water will be available. Veterans attending should register when they arrive so that they can be honored at intermission. Concert is free; donations welcome (Ringgold Band concert info).

Tuesday, August 8

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Aug. 8 Sensory Hours.

• The Colemans and Martic Forge (hybrid); Tuesday, Aug. 8, 7-8 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Jim Polczynski will present a program centered on the ownership of Martic Forge by three generations of the Coleman family (who also owned Cornwall Iron Furnace). You can attend the program in person at Freeman Hall, Cornwall Manor Retirement Community, or virtually via Zoom (Martic Forge lecture info and registration).

Wednesday, August 9

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

• Family Gallery Tour: Horse 2 Auto (in-person); 1:30-2:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Look back at the history of transitioning from horse-powered transportation to the automobile. Examine the similarities and struggles we face today as we look to transition from the internal combustion engine to a more energy-efficient system. Included in general admission (Horse 2 Auto tour info).

• Stargazing: Tonight's Sky Live Chat (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 (Stargazing program info).

Thursday, August 10

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy a story in the garden, then stay to explore the grounds, visit the farm animals, or have a snack by the river. Admission is a $3 Grounds Pass (additional fee to tour the Manor House). Suggested for ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• Seed to Bread (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover how a simple seed can turn into the bread we eat. Take home some historic recipes. Included in regular admission; takes place in the Transportation & Industry gallery on the Second Floor (Seed to Bread program info).

Friday, August 11

• Garden Tour (in-person); 11 am-Noon; Old Economy Village
• Enjoy a tour of OEV's extraordinary gardens, learning about how the Harmonists shaped the land around Old Economy to combine aspects of medieval cloistered gardens, Germanic traditions, and American flora. Explore George Rapp's use of biblical imagery and discover its hidden features. Included in regular admission (OEV Garden Tour info).

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

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

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Captain Vicary and Life in Beaver County (in-person); Wednesday, Aug. 16, 6-7:30 pm; Old Economy Village
• Brenda Applegate, executive director of the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation, will present a program based on the journal of Captain Vicary, a transplanted Philadelphia sea captain who settled in Beaver County as a gentleman farmer. The program will provide glimpses into everyday life in the county as well as Vicary's interactions with the Harmonists. The program is free, but registration is required (Captain Vicary lecture info and registration).

• The "Dead" of Summer (in-person); Saturday, Aug. 19, 7-9 pm; Graeme Park
• Experience a reenactment of an early 20th-century seance focused on the period when many had lost loved ones to the 1918 flu pandemic or World War I and were susceptible to this form of entertainment. Tickets are limited and will be available online (Dead of Summer info and tickets).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Aug. 22, 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be some quiet spots in the galleries to take a break. Several historic trains will be open with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (tickets for Aug. 22 Sensory Hours).

• Exploring the Armor (in-person); Saturday, Aug. 26, 2-4 pm; PA Military Museum
• Take a private history tour of the outside tracked vehicles and discuss the history of armored vehicles with a preeminent local historian. Limited space, reservations are required. $15.00 or $5.00 with annual Museum membership. Please note that we will not be accessing the inside of the tracked vehicles, but we will walk outside on the grounds, so please dress for the weather with appropriate footwear (Exploring the Armor registration).

• Garden Railways Tour (in-person); Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Tickets are on sale now for the 16th annual tour of garden railways located at five sites in Lancaster and York Counties. Cost is $10 for ages 6 and up. Tickets available via Eventbrite or at the Whistle Stop Shop at the museum.

A Busy Weekend on the Trails of History

Oilfield equipment on the grounds at Drake Well Museum & Park (as seen at the Spring Gas Up via Facebook)

This weekend is a particularly busy one on the Trails of History, with events large and not-so-large. I hope you'll find just the right thing to suit your tastes from art to industrial history to a remembrance of Sept. 11 (last year we marked the 20th anniversary with a post about the day).

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, September 9

• Mountain Craft Days (in-person); today through Sunday, 10 am-5 pm; Somerset Historical Center
• More than 125 craft booths and a dozen outdoor performance venues (not to mention food vendors) dot the grounds of the SHC for three days. Free on-site parking (or free shuttle if weather messes with the fields). Tickets are $9 for age 18 and up, $5 for age 6-17 (Mountain Craft Days info).

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us as we talk to Jeremy Banfield, Elk Biologist from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, to learn more about history of the elk reintroduction and the management of Pennsylvania’s current elk population. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Saturday, September 10

• Annual Fall Gas Up (in-person); 9 am-3 pm; Drake Well Museum & Park
• Members of the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society will be on-site with their display of operating and stationary gas engines made in PA. The museum's Olin gas engine and pumping wells will be in operation, along with the Bessemer engine. The program will also feature oilfield tractors of various vintages. Included in regular admission. In addition, the Hydetown Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary will have a food booth (Fall Gas Up info).

• Antique Pontiac Car Visit (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• The Pontiac Early Times chapter will display cars dating between 1926 and 1954 in the museum's upper parking lot. There is no charge to view the cars. Regular admission rates apply to tour the historic buildings and grounds (Pontiac Car Visit info).

• Railroad Heritage Day (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Presentations and displays focused on the Pennsylvania Railroad will take place today. Today and tomorrow Artist-in-residence Frank Crowe will be on hand as well. Included in regular admission (Heritage Day and Artist-in-residence info).

• Paws in the Park (in-person); 11 am-3 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• This event celebrates dogs and their humans with a series of activity stations spread out around the grounds. The event is free, but pre-registration is requested (Paws in the Park info and registration).

• Women in the Lumber Industry (in-person); 1-2 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Researcher Hilary Folwell Jebitsch will explore the important roles women have held in the lumber industry and provide in-depth information on the lives of some remarkable women (Women's history program info).

• 12th Annual Crush & Brew (in-person); 5-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• Wine & beer from local breweries, home brews, and more, as well as food trucks and live music. Event is presented in cooperation with the Ambridge Historic District. Tickets are $30, which includes tasting glass, a food voucher, and admission to the off-site afterparty (Crush & Brew info and tickets).

Sunday, September 11

• Living History Theatre (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• "Pennsylvania's Southern Border" explores the contentious relationship between the Penns and the Calverts over where Pennsylvania ends and Maryland begins. Join William Penn and members of his inner circle as they discuss how to deal with Lord Baltimore. Presented at 12:15, 1:45, and 3:15. Included in regular admission (Living History Theatre info).

• Living History Sunday (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Spend some time in the 18th century and enjoy the exhibits and grounds. Admission is free (Living History Sunday info).

• Art of the State Awards Ceremony & Reception (in-person); 1:30-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• This year's juried exhibit features works by 92 Pennsylvania artists (see PHMC Flickr slide show). The exhibit opens to the public at noon and will continue during regular hours through January 15, 2023. Admission is on Sept. 11 as part of Harrisburg's annual Gallery Walk (Art of the State info).

• Remembrance Day (in-person); 6-7 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Join us for the annual remembrance of the Battle of Brandywine (Sept. 11, 1777) and the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Admission is free (Remembrance Day info).

Wednesday, September 14

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); 10 am-3 pm; PA Military Museum
• Background effects in the gallery will be turned off and the orientation film's volume will be reduced (captions always enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Please sign up for a timeslot in advance; you can pay when you arrive (visit PMM website and select Sept. 14 to reserve a timeslot).

• Colonial Games & Puzzles (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover and play with toys, games, and puzzles from colonial Pennsylvania. Test your skills with a bilbo catcher, Jacob's ladder, or a hoop-and-stick. Included in regular admission (Colonial Games info).

Thursday, September 15

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Visit the Art of the State exhibit with the museum educators and learn how artists use line in their work. Try out your drawing skills to create your own art. For kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so please sign up at the Ground Floor desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

Friday, September 16

• Taurus Star Party (in-person); 8-10 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about 18th-century astronomy and celestial folklore. The program includes identifying constellations, using a star map, and (weather permitting) using telescopes to look at the night sky. Pre-registration is required (Star Party registration).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day; Sat., Sept. 17, hours vary; several Trails of History sites participating
• Download a ticket good for two admissions to a participating site - you can only choose one museum for Museum Day free tickets
• Ephrata Cloister
• PA Lumber Museum
• Railroad Museum of PA

• Colonial Tavern Night (in-person); Sat., Sept. 17, 6-9 pm; Hope Lodge
• An evening of local brews from Round Guys Brewery, food, music, and history to support the site and its programs. General admission is $60 per person; must be 21 or older to attend. Advance tickets are required (Eventbrite site for Tavern Night tickets).

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person); Sun., Sept. 18, 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
• Background effects in the gallery will be turned off and the orientation film's volume will be reduced (captions always enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Please sign up for a timeslot in advance; you can pay when you arrive (visit PMM website and select your date and time).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); Tuesday, Sept. 20, 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 (Sensory Hours Sept. 20 tickets).

• Fall Nature Walk (in-person); Sat., Sept. 24, 10 am-noon; Bushy Run Battlefield
• Learn about the plants and animals of western PA on this naturalist-guided walk. Pre-registration is required, but you can pay for your tickets at the door (Nature Walk info and registration).

• Wine & Paint Night (in-person); Sat., Oct. 1, 5-7 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• General admission tickets include wine sampling and hors d'oeuvres (designated driver tickets available). Ten people can purchase tickets for a private art lesson. Others are welcome to bring their canvasses and paints and set up on the grounds to paint in the evening light. Advance tickets only; must be at least 21 to attend (Paint Night info and tickets).

• Pithole Lantern Tours (in-person); Sat., Oct. 1, 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).

Snapshots of World War II

Front page of Aug. 20, 1942, Reading Eagle (Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum collection, photo by Claire DeVinney)

Editor's note: Today's guest blogger is Claire DeVinney, a junior at Millersville University majoring in Atlantic World Studies and minoring in Spanish. Claire was one of this summer's PHMC Keystone Interns and worked at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum assisting curator Jennifer Royer with collections care and interpretation. One of her assignments was to create two exhibits for the museum's Collections Gallery display windows. As part of her research, Claire ran across an old newspaper that featured news of World War II, including significant events that occurred 80 years ago today. Given the timeliness of the info, I decided to feature that part of Claire's post today. Next week's post will focus on Claire's description of the two exhibits she prepared.

While looking through the Dr. Ezra Newcomer veterinary collection, I found a copy of the Reading Eagle from August 20th, 1942 (pictured above), which is eighty years ago this week. Most of the stories are focused on World War II, specifically on an attack on the German-held French town of Dieppe, which occurred on August 19th. The lead article, titled "Allies Map Europe Invasion Based on Commando Tactics," explains what Allied forces learned from the Dieppe invasion: "...it proved that a second front can be opened in the west." The Allies did utilize lessons from the Dieppe raid to open a front in France two years later with the D-Day invasion on June 6th, 1944. [Read more about the raid on Dieppe from the National WWII Museum website.]

While the front page details memorable historical events, the Reading Eagle also shows ways that local civilians contributed to the domestic war effort. One article, "Blood Donations Continue Here," reports that the Red Cross mobile blood-donor unit planned to increase monthly visits to Reading after the military announced a need for 3,000,000 pints of blood. Reading residents evidently rose to the occasion -- after the announcement, 50% of donors committed to more donation appointments. Another article explains how women could apply to join the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or "WAVES," the navy's female division. As a visual illustration, the Eagle includes a photo of a WAVE volunteer applicant having a dental exam (see below). A third article cheerfully points out the bright side of gasoline rationing: "Tire and gasoline rationing has cut Pennsylvania's highway fatality toll...Speeding has fallen off 'noticeably,' [state motor police commissioner Col. Lynn G.] Adams said, expressing a belief it was due to a 'desire to conserve rubber and gasoline.'"

Source: Reading Eagle, August 20, 1942 (Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum collection)

On a related note, the Pennsylvania Military Museum has several World War II-themed events coming up in the next few months: Kids Day: Fun on the Homefront (Aug. 27); Battle of the Huertgen Forest (lecture, Oct. 8); Holiday on the Homefront (Nov. 19 & 20); and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Tribute (Dec. 7). - AKF

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, August 19

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Chris Kemmerer from the PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources will present a virtual program about PA's state parks. The program is free; please register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

Saturday, August 20

• Games Day (in-person); 9 am-4:30 pm; Bushy Run Battlefield
• A variety of historical miniature war games will be offered for experienced gamers, beginners, and folks in between. Admission is $5 and includes museum admission and a battlefield tour. Food and drink will be available for purchase (Games Day info).

• Family Fun Day (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• The day includes house tours, carpentry and blacksmithing demos, colonial cooking and dancing, food trucks, and more. Free admission. (Family Day info).

• Model Railroading Days (in-person); 10 am-4 pm Saturday & noon-4 pm Sunday; Railroad Museum of PA
• Watch the world of operating model trains in action and see static displays from a variety of participating groups and clubs. Don't miss the PA Middle Division HO-scale layout or the PA Landscapes layout. Included in regular admission (Model Railroading Days info).

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Today's book is Tea Rex by Molly Idle. Feel free to wear your best tea party hat or helmet. For kids age 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (SMOP StoryTime info).

• Lecture (in-person); 1-2 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Lenora Henson, deputy director and curator at the Theodore Roosevelt Inauguration Site, will present "The Green Team: Theodore Roosevelt & Gifford Pinchot," exploring the personal and professional relationships that shaped their conservation efforts and their legacies (Green Team info).

Sunday, August 21

• Open Hearth Cooking Demo (in-person); 1-4 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• The cooks will be preparing their favorite recipes that use the bounty of the summer harvest. Included in regular admission (Cooking Demo info).

Tuesday, August 23

• Garden Workshop Series (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Join Pennsbury's gardener to learn about 17th-century and modern gardening skills - today's topic is Seed Saving. The workshop is open to visitors age 12 and older; cost is $20 per session. Registration is required; call 215/946-0400 to reserve your spot (Aug. 23 Garden workshop info).

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 3-5 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, noise, and crowd levels will be reduced, and there will be some quiet spaces if you need a break from the activity. A few of the historic trains will be open, with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets required (Aug. 23 Sensory Hours tickets).

Wednesday, August 24

• Family Gallery Tour: Mammal Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Using hands-on objects, museum educators will help visitors explore the Mammal Hall dioramas together. Included in regular admission (Mammal Hall Gallery Tour info).

Thursday, August 25

• Storytime in the Garden (in-person); 10-11 am; Pennsbury Manor
• Enjoy a story with the gardener, then explore the grounds. Suggested for ages 4 to 8, but all are welcome. Cost is $3, which is a grounds pass; additional fee to tour the Manor House (Pennsbury Storytime info).

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about ice cream and PA's story of the banana split. Create and taste some hand-cranked ice cream. For kids in grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited; please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

• Parade of Sails (in-person); 4-6 pm; Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara
• This free event kicks off the Tall Ships Erie 2022 weekend (best spots to watch according to Erie News). Ticketed events run Aug. 26-28 and include a variety of activities and ticket options (Tall Ships Erie info and tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• 12th Annual Crush & Brew (in-person); Sat., Sept. 10, 5-9 pm; Old Economy Village
• Wine & beer from local breweries, home brews, and more, as well as food trucks and live music. Event is presented in cooperation with the Ambridge Historic District. Tickets are $30, which includes tasting glass, a food voucher, and admission to the off-site afterparty (Crush & Brew info and tickets).

• Sensory Friendly Visit; Wed., Sept. 14, 10 am-3 pm, and Sun., Sept. 18, 10 am-noon; PA Military Museum
• Background effects in the gallery will be turned off and the orientation film's volume will be reduced (captions always enabled). Standard admission rates apply. Please sign up for a timeslot in advance; you can pay when you arrive (visit PMM website and select your date and time).

• Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day; Sat., Sept. 17, hours vary; several Trails of History sites participating
• Download a ticket good for two admissions to a participating site - you can only choose one museum for Museum Day free tickets
• Ephrata Cloister
• PA Lumber Museum
• Railroad Museum of PA

• Colonial Tavern Night (in-person); Sat., Sept. 17, 6-9 pm; Hope Lodge
• An evening of local brews from Round Guys Brewery, food, music, and history to support the site and its programs. General admission is $60 per person; must be 21 or older to attend. Advance tickets are required (Eventbrite site for Tavern Night tickets).

• Harvest, Death & Renewal: Late October Traditions of the PA Germans (in-person); Fri., Oct. 21, 6:30 and 8:30; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This program explores funeral and burial customs, powwowing, healing and hexes. It is recommended for adults and older teens. The event involves two hours of walking around a cemetery and the Museum grounds, so please dress for the weather (including your shoes) and bring a flashlight. Tickets are $28 per person and must be purchased in advance (Harvest, Death & Renewal event info and tickets).

Celebrating Women's History and More

From left: William Lewis, Evelyn Kegerise, and Elizabeth Bertheaud (photos courtesy Ephrata Cloister)

This past Saturday, May 14, a new state historical marker was unveiled on the grounds of Ephrata Cloister, one of our PHMC Trails of History sites. The marker, "Ephrata's Women Composers," honors Sisters Foben, Katura, and Hanna, members of the celibate sisterhood at Ephrata in the 1700s. Several years ago, while doing research on hymns written at Ephrata, music historian Christopher Herbert noticed these three women among the attributions for hymn composition. Further research has so far failed to turn up any earlier American female composers, so the marker recognizes Foben, Katura, and Hanna as the earliest known American women to be credited with musical compositions. The celibate community at Ephrata is quite well known for its music, so this is an important addition to the site's history as well as to the larger history of American music.

Craig Benner snapped this shot of members of the Chorus ready to perform during the marker dedication

Representing PHMC at the marker ceremony was Commissioner William Lewis, along with site administrator Elizabeth Bertheaud, and Evelyn Kegerise, who was a member of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus when it first formed as a program to perform the historic music of the celibate brothers and sisters. She was also a guide at the site for many years, sharing Ephrata history with countless visitors and training others to do the same. As part of the marker unveiling the Chorus performed two hymns written by Sister Foben and later in the afternoon performed a concert in the Saal, the Sisters' meetinghouse. To learn more about the history behind the marker, check out this Ephrata Cloister Facebook post or this NPR interview with Dr. Herbert that includes music recorded in the Saal.

Women's history will be a focus at Graeme Park this weekend, as the site celebrates the 300th birthday of the Keith House, built in 1722 for colonial governor Sir William Keith. Governor Keith's step-daughter Ann had married Dr. Thomas Graeme in 1719. Their daughter Elizabeth became well-known as a poet and intellectual in Philadelphia and her life is part of the historical narrative at Graeme Park. Tomorrow, May 21, will be a day of family fun, music, food, and history. See listing below for more info.

Speaking of historical markers, the deadline for nominating new markers is coming up on June 1. The submission process is entirely online now via the PA-SHARE portal (nomination instructions and links). To see if there is an existing marker on your topic of interest, check the list of approved markers (these haven't been placed yet) or the searchable database of existing markers.

The PHMC and Historical Records Advisory Board are now accepting applications for the Historical & Archival Records Care program; the deadline for submissions is August 1. On June 1 and June 21, PA State Archives staff will present a webinar explaining grant eligibility requirements and the web-based application process. They will also provide tips for developing competitive grant proposals. To register, check the Records Care Grants page on PHMC's website.

A quick note before the list of upcoming events: due to some utility work happening in the visitor center, Bushy Run Battlefield will not be open this weekend. They plan to reopen as scheduled on Wednesday, May 24. 

Explore the gardens at Pennsbury Manor this Sunday; info is below (photo via Pennsbury's Facebook page)

Up Next

Today, May 20

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual), 12:15-12:45 pm, The State Museum of PA
• Dr. Walter Meshaka, senior curator of zoology and botany, will talk about native and exotic species of paper wasps found in downtown Harrisburg, The program is free; please register to receive the Zoom link (Learn at Lunchtime registration).

Saturday, May 21

• Oil Creek 5 & 13 Stacked Trail Races (in-person), 7 am-?, Drake Well Museum & Park
• Run 5 miles, run 13 miles, or run both. Day-of-race registrations accepted (Stacked Trail Race details).

• William Chester Ruth Living History Tour (in-person) 9:30 am-3 pm, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Learn about the life of inventor William Chester Ruth through this living history tour featuring Keith Henley as Mr. Ruth and Tim Essig as Henry Landis. Tour times are 9:30, 12:30 and 3. Reservations are required and are available on-line (Living History Tour info and tickets).

• 300th Birthday Celebration (in-person), 10 am-6 pm, Graeme Park
• 2022 marks the 300th birthday of the Keith House at Graeme Park. A day full of family-friendly activities, food, and entertainment await. Cost is $10 per car (Birthday details).

• StoryTime (in-person), 10:30-11:30 am, The State Museum of Pennsylvania
• Read "Birds" by Kevin Henkes, learn about the world of birds, and participate in a painting activity. For kids age 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission (StoryTime details).

Sunday, May 22

• Trails of History Run (in-person), 7:30 am-?, Daniel Boone Homestead
• Races include 5K, 10K, and a 1/2-mile fun run. Awards for each race, plus best-dressed entrants reflecting the 1770s. Advance registration is required (Trails of History Run info and registration).

• A Celebration of Service: Honoring Pennsylvania Veterans (in-person), 12:30-3:30 pm, Pennsylvania Military Museum
• U.S. Army reunion and memorial service sponsored by the PA National Guard commemorating the Pennsylvania Citizen Soldier with a military concert and equipment displays. Ceremony begins at 12:30 pm (Celebration of Service info).

• Beer Brewing & Garden Highlights (in-person), 1-4 pm, Pennsbury Manor
• Explore recipes and plants that fed the early residents of Pennsbury. Included in regular admission (Beer & Garden info).

Thursday, May 26

• histERIE Week Event, 5:30-7:30 pm, Erie Maritime Museum
• The museum will be open free of charge and will spotlight a historic fife recently placed on display. Tradition holds that the fife was played at the onset of the Battle of Lake Erie by Rev War veteran Cyrus Tiffany, a free Black man serving with Oliver Hazard Perry. Curatorial research assistant Linda Bolla will be on hand to talk with visitors about the fife and Tiffany's life (EMM info)

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Sensory Hours (in-person), Tuesday, May 31, 3-5 pm, Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, noise, and crowd levels will be reduced, and their will be some quiet areas if you need a break from the action. Several historic trains will be open, with staff on hand to answer questions. Advance tickets ($7) required (Sensory Hours info and tickets).

• Ales & Petals/Cars & Motorcycles of Englad Car Show, Saturday, June 4, 10 am-4 pm, Hope Lodge
• Family fun includes food (for purchase), classic British cars and motorcycles, and live music. Those age 21+ with photo ID can also enjoy craft beer from Round Guys Brewing (for purchase). Admission for age 13 and up is $10 per person; tickets available in advance (Event info and tickets).

• Agnes and the Demise of the Cornwall Iron Mines (virtual), Tuesday, June 7, 7-8 pm, Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Mike Weber will talk about the history of the Cornwall Iron Mines, leading up to the damage from Tropical Storm Agnes that eventually caused the mines to close in 1973. The program is free; please register to receive the link (Cornwall Iron Mines info and registration).

• Sensory Friendly Visit (in-person), Wednesday, June 8, 10 am-3 pm, and Sunday, June 19, 10 am-noon, PA Military Museum
• Sound effects in the gallery will be turned off, and the volume on the orientation video will be lowered (captions always enabled). Please register in advance for a time slot; you can pay when you arrive (Sensory visit info and tickets).

• Fabric and Fiber in PA's Forests (virtual), Thursday, June 9, 7-8 pm, PA Lumber Museum
• Museum staff Josh Roth and Josh Fox will highlight fabric and clothing items in the collection, along with selected images from the photographic archive. The program is free and offered in partnership with the Galeton Worldwide Knitting in Public knitters and fiber artists (Fabric and Fiber info and registration).

• Log Birling Clinic (in-person), Saturday, June 11, 1-3 pm, PA Lumber Museum
• Join museum staff to learn how to stay on top of a rolling log while your opponent falls off. Registration is required (Clinic info and registration).

• 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)

• Bushy Run Battlefield
• Summer History Day Camp; Ages 6-11; June 20-22

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

• Joseph Priestley House
• Summer History Camp; Grades 1-6; 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
• Behind the Scenes of Railroading Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; June 28-30
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 9-10; July 12-15
• Barons & Builders Day Camp; Ages 11-12; July 26-29
• A Moveable Feast Virtual Summer Camp; Ages 9-12; Aug. 2-4

History in Many Forms

Please be sure to check the PHMC Events Calendar for information on upcoming programs (still mostly virtual). The Trailheads Rec Room pages to the right of your screen offer an array of online content generated by Trails of History sites.

Milk thistle from Pennsbury Manor's garden posted for National Pollinator Week (photo via Pennsbury Facebook page)

History is all around us. People talk about it all the time, sometimes heatedly. It shapes who we are today, as individuals and as a society. And there are lots of ways to learn and encounter new information, no matter your age. A number of items came across my screen recently that I'd like to share for those of you out there who may want to engage with the past.

Obviously, an in-person visit to one of our Trails of History sites is a great way to explore (find the list of all on PHMC's website). And sure, other museums besides PHMC's can be a good thing too (PA Museums has a good online directory). But as we've learned over the past year, virtual history offerings can expand your access to stories and places that you can't visit in person.

Starting in December 2020, PHMC's Virtual Collections Showcase has brought a monthly exploration of a central theme through objects and images from a selection of Trails of History sites. I'm always impressed with the variety of stories site staff convey through these objects and fascinated by their different interpretations of each theme. If you're curious about the breadth and depth of PHMC's collections and the expertise of our staff, the showcase programs, I highly recommend the showcase programs. Our next event is July 20 at 7 pm with a theme of travel and destinations (watch this space for the Zoom link when it's available). We record each program, so you can check out the Collections Showcase playlist (with edited captions) on PHMC's YouTube channel.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania has two virtual day camps coming up in July and August designed for children ages 9 to 12. Campers will experience virtual tours of historic railroad equipment, participate in activities with instructors online and at home, engage in live discussions and interactions with railroad professionals, and collaborate with each other to solve challenges. Each camp will have three one-hour sessions, scheduled for Tuesday mornings at 10 am. The cost is $75 per camper; sessions will be offered via Zoom with activity kits sent to each camper's address. "Barons and Builders" camp will take place July 13, 20, and 27 (Barons & Builders registration link) and "Behind the Scenes of Railroading" camp is set for August 3, 10, and 17 (Behind the Scenes registration link).

I missed the first week of this, but there's still time to sign your family up for Bushy Run Battlefield's Summer History Club. Club participants will pick up a themed activity box at the site to enjoy at home and will receive a link for a YouTube video centered around that week's theme and activities. Upcoming dates are July 10, July 24, and August 7. The cost is $5 per session; pre-registration and payment are required. For more information and a registration form, visit Bushy Run's Summer History Club page.

When the Pennsylvania Military Museum updated the website this spring, they archived their blog posts and organized them according to topic. You can access posts by conflict/time period, as well as themes of arms and weaponry, Medal of Honor, innovation and interest, leadership and strategy, and women's history. The posts cover a wide range of stories, and many focus on artifacts in the museum's collection. You'll find the blog archive on PMM's website.

Photo of unidentified lumber camp, possibly near Corbett, Potter County, PA, 1890s (photo from PA Lumber Museum collection, LM2019.4.1)

The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania (LHR) recently released a draft report on research into diversity in the lumber industry, forestry, and communities in the region. PHMC's Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is an important venue in the region for sharing history and culture with visitors and residents. Research focused particularly on uncovering documentation of the roles and work of women and people of color. I'm still working through the report and am finding it quite interesting. It's available on LHR's website.

Next month, the State Library of Pennsylvania will launch a new lunchtime program series in collaboration with PHMC. Each "PA History: Read It, See It" program will feature a virtual visit to a Trails of History site along with suggestions for related books available from public libraries and/or examples of rare and historic books from the vaults of the State Library's Rare Collections Library. Sessions will be offered free of charge via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month from noon to 1 pm. First up is Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum on Thursday, July 15, at noon (State Library link to register).

Spring is Here, Maybe

Please check the PHMC Events Calendar if you're looking for virtual programs. I've highlighted events below, but there's more to see in the weeks ahead. The Trailheads Rec Room to the right of your screen has all kinds of online offerings--available 24/7.

David Miller, museum educator at Old Economy Village, snapped this sign of spring recently (photo via OEV Facebook page)

Signs of Spring

I'm not going to jinx it by saying too much, but spring officially arrives tomorrow. Shhh. Don't scare it away. As you can see from the photo above, Trails of History sites are starting to post hopeful signs that warmer weather will stick around now and not just taunt us with "fake spring." I choose to believe it. For now.

What are your favorite signs of spring? Birds? Flowers? Mud? Ordering seeds? Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum recently shared an object from their collection, a countertop seed packet display case, to help us all get ready for spring.

Another seed post....can you tell that the staff of Landis Valley Museum are ready for Spring. To learn more about this...

Posted by Landis Valley Museum on Monday, March 15, 2021

Saint Patrick's Day

To mark the day when lots of people celebrate their Irish roots, Eckley Miners' Village posted about a scrapbook in their collection related to the filming of The Molly Maguires.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Today we are going to showcase recent artifact donations to Eckley Miner's Village; two...

Posted by Eckley Miners' Village Museum on Wednesday, March 17, 2021

And the Erie Maritime Museum paid tribute to U.S Navy sailor Patrick Murphy, an Irish immigrant who served twice on USS Michigan and is buried in Erie, with a Medal of Honor marker on his grave.

A career #UnitedStatesNavy sailor, Patrick Murphy immigrated to the United States from Waterford, Ireland. Upon settling...

Posted by Erie Maritime Museum on Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Women's History Month

Among this week's posts highlighting women's history, Ephrata Cloister shared the story of Barbara Keiper who came to Ephrata in her late teens to care for aging members of the community.

Barbara Keiper (b. December 20, 1771) came to Ephrata in her late teens to care for the aging members living in the...

Posted by Historic Ephrata Cloister on Tuesday, March 16, 2021

And Hope Lodge posted about Susanna Heath Morris, a Quaker who traveled extensively as a preacher and whose son Samuel was the builder and first owner of Hope Lodge.

Today for Women's History Month we celebrate Susanna Heath Morris, mother of Samuel Morris, the builder and first owner...

Posted by Historic Hope Lodge on Saturday, March 13, 2021

Upcoming Virtual Events

Today, March 19

• Learn at Lunchtime series, The State Museum of PA, "Deadly Contact: Europeans, Native Americans, and Pandemics," 12:15-12:45 pm (SMP Facebook to register)

Saturday, March 20

• Boats, Ships, and Us series, Erie Maritime Museum and US Brig Niagara, "Tragedy of the Sultana," 2-3 pm (EMM Facebook to register)

Tuesday, March 23

• The History of the Landis Valley Hotel, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, 7-8 pm (LVM Facebook to register)

Wednesday, March 24

• Homeschool Presentation series, The State Museum of PA, "Pennsylvania Habitats," 10-11 am (SMP website to register)

Thursday, March 25

• Winter History Class Week 8, Ephrata Cloister, 9 am-noon (EC website to register)
• Power of Steam: Demo and Virtual Tour, Railroad Museum of PA, 10-11 am (RMP link to register)
• Industrial Immigration to PA, 1877-1914, Somerset Historical Center, 7-8 pm (SHC Facebook to register)
• Women's Voices in the Oil Story series, Drake Well Museum & Park, "Women in Labor: Giving Birth in the Oil Days," 7-8:30 pm (DWM Facebook to register)

So Many Milestones

The August page has a growing list of online events, including a couple of updates since last week's post. For online activities available 24/7, check out the Trailheads Rec Room (to the right of your screen).

A splash of color (photo by AKF)

This month - this week - included some important milestones and one that's not-so-historic but worth noting, I think (I'm sure you'll be able to tell which it is). Let's get started.

The Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) announced this week that 140 cultural nonprofits across the state had received $780,500 in PHC CARES emergency relief grants to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on their programs and operations. Six Trails of History sites were among the awardees, for a total of $29,500 (grants ranging from $4,000 to $7,000). Congratulations to Ephrata Cloister, Graeme Park, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, Old Economy Village, Pennsbury Manor, and Somerset Historical Center!

PHMC's public portal for museum collections, ARGUS, now includes more than 10,000 entries. Curators on the Trails of History have used their time very productively, turning institutional catalog records into descriptions that convey the essential history of the objects. You can browse to your heart's content by visiting the PHMC website and clicking on Museum Collection (or use this link). And speaking of curators, Susan Hanna, who retired earlier this year after a storied career with PHMC, recently received a Special Achievement Award from PA Museums, our statewide museum association. UPDATE: my sincere apologies for neglecting to mention that Pennsbury Manor received an Institutional Achievement Award for their Gathering of Governors program.

100 Years - Ratification of the 19th Amendment

75 Years - Atomic Bombs Dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

55 Years - The Voting Rights Act

50 Years - Pennsylvania Lumber Museum

11 Years - Trailheads Blog

August 1 marked the 11 year anniversary of the first Trailheads blog post. As far as I can tell, I failed to note the 10th anniversary last year. Since we'll be coming up on the 600 post milestone in the next month or so (and because the new Blogger format afforded me some additional stats), I've included the top 5 most-viewed posts. Only one of them was actually written by me, but that's fine. Really. Juuuuuust fine. But seriously, it's been a pleasure to work with staff and guest bloggers to help showcase the work of all the people who make the Pennsylvania Trails of History what it is. Thanks for reading. See you next week.

• #1 - The Last Days of William Penn, July 30, 2018, an article by Linda Ries that originally appeared in the Summer 2018 issue of Pennsylvania Heritage
• #2 - Historic Hunting: Helen Sites Miller excelled at male-dominated pastime, Dec. 8, 2016, a guest post by Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums curator Rachel Yerger
• #3 - Invention of the Jeep, Sept. 21, 2018, a piece that originally appeared in the Summer 2003 issue of Pennsylvania Heritage
• #4 - That Reminds Me of a Story, March 26, 2018
• #5 - Philadelphia and the 1918 Influenza Pandemic, Sept. 14, 2018, a guest post by Christina Stetler, then on staff at the PA Heritage Foundation

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.