Shorts

The twelfth annual art auction benefitting the Doshi Center for Contemporary Art, Central Pennsylvania’s only nonprofit gallery devoted exclusively to contemporary art, will be held Saturday, February 15, 1992, at the his­toric Harrisburg Transporta­tion Center. Dozens of works by outstanding regional artists will be showcased. To obtain additional information, write: Doshi Center for Contempo­rary Art, Harrisburg Transpor­tation Center, 441 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17101; or tele­phone (717) 233-6744. Admis­sion is charged.

Through Saturday, March 14, 1992, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania is showing “Prints, Drawings, and Photo­graphs from the Collections of the Historical Society of Penn­sylvania,” an exhibition featur­ing items drawn from the institution’s vast graphics holdings of more than three hundred thousand pieces. On view are eighty engravings, etchings, sketches, water­colors, architects’ plans, maps, and daguerreotypes spanning three centuries. The exhibit includes Thomas Holme’s 1683 map of Philadelphia and An­drew Hamilton’s original plans for the State House in Phila­delphia. To obtain more infor­mation, write: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107; or telephone (215) 732-7600 or 732-6201. Admission is charged.

The eleventh annual Canal History and Technology Sym­posium will be conducted in Easton on Saturday, March 14 [1992], by the Hugh Moore Historical Park and Museums and Lafay­ette College. Topics include discussions of the Delaware Canal, the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company’s mining operations, and the Bethle­hem, Midvale, and Homestead steel companies. For more information, write: Hugh Moore Historical Park and Museums, P.O. Box 877, Eas­ton, PA 18044-0877; or tele­phone (215) 250-6700. Registration is required.

Continuing through Wednesday, April 15, 1992, at the Historical Society of Dau­phin County, “Nelly’s World” features a selection of works by Nelly Lawson of Harris­burg, an African American artist whose bright watercolors and colorful oil paintings re­flect her life in central Pennsyl­vania. The exhibition marks the artist’s debut in a gallery setting, and showcases works spanning the past four dec­ades. To obtain additional information, write: Historical Society of Dauphin County, John Harris/Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 South Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17104; or tele­phone (717) 233-3462. Admis­sion is charged.

The internationally re­nowned Philadelphia Flower Show, hosted by The Pennsyl­vania Horticultural Society, will be held from Sunday, March 8 [1992], through Sunday, March 15 [1992], at the Philadelphia Civic Center. This year’s theme will be a lavish tribute to the age of discovery. Founded in 1827, The Philadelphia Horti­cultural Society staged its­ – and the world’s – first flower show in 1829. For more details, write: The Pennsylvania Horti­cultural Society, 325 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-2777; or telephone (215) 625-8250. There is a charge for admission.

“Portraits and History Paintings of Alonzo Chappel,” showcasing works by this once famous and influential nine­teenth century artist and illus­trator, will be on view at the Brandywine River Museum from Saturday, March 14, 1992, through Sunday, May 17 [1992]. The exhibition will include presi­dential portraits, likenesses of literary figures, and famous battle scenes in American history. Additional informa­tion may be obtained by writ­ing: Brandywine River Museum, P.O. Box 141, Chadds Ford, PA 19317; or telephone (215) 459-1900. Ad­mission is charged.

The Bucks County Histori­cal Society is presenting, through May 1992, an exhibi­tion at the Mercer Museum entitled “The Life Of A Quilt.” The exhibit explores the per­sonal aspects of the popular friendship, marriage, and memorial quilts, in addition to showcasing fancy chintz, as well as common soap, exam­ples. “The Life Of A Quilt” examines the different mean­ings, uses, and associations of older and historic quilts. For more information, write: Mer­cer Museum, Bucks County Historical Society, South Pine St., Doylestown, PA 18901; or telephone (215) 345-0210. Ad­mission is charged.

Opening Sunday, April 19, 1992, at the Westmoreland Museum of Art is an exhibition entitled “J. Howard Iams: Paintings, Pastels, and Prints Illustrating Pennsylvania’s Whiskey Rebellion, 1791-1794,” The exhibition will continue through July 26. For additional information, write: Westmoreland Museum of Art, 221 North Main St., Greensburg, PA 15601; or telephone (412) 837-1500.

“Between Two Worlds: The Art of Vladimir Kandalaki,” an exhibit highlighting the contrast in themes between the former Soviet Georgian’s early cultural work and his more recent paintings, will open on Monday, March 2, 1992, at the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies in Philadelphia. The exhibit will continue through Saturday, May 9 [1992]. For more details, write: Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies, 18 South Seventh St., Philadelphia, PA 19106; or telephone (215) 925-8090. Admission is free.

Noted artist and environmentalist Robert Bateman is exhibiting many of his critically acclaimed wildlife paintings in his first one-man show in Pittsburgh at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. “Portraits of Nature: Paintings of Robert Bateman” will continue through Sunday, March 8, 1992. For more information, write: Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213; or telephone (412) 622-3328. There is an admission fee.

George Washington’s Birthday will be celebrated on Sunday, February 16, 1992, with a reenactment by the First Continental Regiment at Brandywine Battlefield Park. For more information, write: Brandywine Battlefield Park, P.O. Box 202, Chadds Ford, PA 19317; or telephone (215) 459-3342. There is an admission charge.

The Somerset Historical Center will celebrate the close of the maple season in southwestern Pennsylvania with a “Sugarin’ Off Festival,” featuring special demonstrations and presentations, on Sunday, April 26, 1992. For more information, write: Somerset Historical Society, Box 238, R.D. 2, Somerset, PA 15501; or telephone (814) 445-6077. There is a charge for admission.

Nearly two hundred artists will display their works during the nineteenth annual Yellow Springs Art Show, from Saturday, April 25, 1992, through Sunday, May 3 [1992], in the historic village. To obtain more details, write: Historic Yellow Springs, P.O. Box 627, Chester Springs, PA 19425; or telephone (215) 827-7414. Admission is free.

On Saturday, March 14, 1992, the 1696 Thomas Massey House will host an “Irish Candlelight Tour” of the historic house museum, complete with entertainment and refreshments recalling the colonial period. The event will be held from 7 to 10 P.M. For more information, write: 1696 Thomas Massey House, Lawrence and Spring House Rds., Broomall, PA 19008; or telephone (215) 353-3644. Admission is charged.

An outdoor celebration of Native American arts, crafts, and related activities will be hosted by the Museum of Indian Culture on Sunday, May 3, 1992. Additional information may be obtained by writing: Museum of Indian Culture, Lenni Lenape Historical Society, Fish Hatchery Rd., R.D. 2, Allentown, PA 18103; or by telephoning (215) 797-2121. Admission is free.

An exhibit entitled “Risk and Discovery: Columbus, Spain, and the Boal Family of Pennsylvania” will be on view at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, through Sunday, April 12, 1992. “Risk and Discovery” features a unique accumulation of objects and artifacts relating to the family of Christopher Columbus, which eventually made their way to Centre County’s Boal Mansion, when one of the world explorer’s descendants married a member of the Boal family. For additional details, write: The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, P. O. Box 1026, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026; or telephone (717) 783-9895. Admission is free.

“World Culture Day” will be hosted by The University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology on Saturday, April 11 [1992], from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. For more information about the day’s various family-oriented activities, write: The University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, Thirty-Third and Spruce Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19104; or telephone (215) 898-4000. Admission is charged.

Throughout 1992 Lancaster will celebrate its heritage and culture in a city-wide observance of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the granting of the city’s charter. Officially named “Lancaster Celebration 250,” the commemorative events and special activities will begin in May and continue through fall. For additional information, write: Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau, 501 Greenfield Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601; or telephone toll free (800) 735-2629 or (717) 299-8901. A free map and visitor’s guide to Lancaster County is available.

April 1992 will be celebrated as “Earth Month” by the Please Touch Museum for Children, Philadelphia. For additional information, write: Please Touch Museum for Children, 210 North Twenty-First St., Philadelphia, PA 19103; or telephone (215) 963-0667.

More than one hundred quilts and textiles made in – or drawn from collections throughout – eastern Pennsylvania will be featured in the annual quilt show sponsored by the Boyertown Area Historical Society. Held the weekend of May 2-3, 1992, the display includes antique heirlooms from private collections and contemporary examples by well-known local fabric artists. Additional information is available by writing: Boyer­town Area Historical Society, 43 South Chestnut St., Boyer­town, PA 19512; or by tele­phoning (215) 367-9843. Admission is charged.

The annual meeting of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association will be held on Sunday, July 12, 1992, in Valley View. For additional details, write: Johannes Schwalm Historical Society, P.O. Box 99, Pennsauken, PA 08110; or telephone (609) 663-8292. Admission is free, but advance registration is requested.

The Lehigh County Histori­cal Society has mounted a novel exhibit – “What’s My Line?” – exploring the myriad ways in which individuals look at an object to learn about the past. Showcasing pieces from the historical society’s perma­nent collections and highlight­ing recent acquisitions, this exhibition offers insights about the methods by which muse­ums organize collections and holdings. “What’s My Line?” continues through Sunday, March 8, 1992. For more infor­mation, write: Lehigh County Historical Society, Old Court­house, 501 Hamilton St., Al­lentown, PA 18101; or telephone (215) 435-4664. Ad­mission is free.

“The Influence of Architec­ture on the Decorative Arts” is the theme of the tenth annual Antiques Forum sponsored by the Cumberland County His­torical Society on Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, 1992. Speakers include nationally recognized experts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Newark Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. A related walking tour will also be offered. For registration information, write: 1992 An­tiques Forum, Cumberland County Historical Society, 21 North Pitt St., P.O. Box 626, Carlisle, PA 17013; or tele­phone (717) 249-7610.

Continuing through mid­-April 1992, a film festival, “The Road to War,” sponsored by the National Archives – Mid-­Atlantic Region, Philadelphia, examines the events of World War II and their influence on society today. For a schedule of film screenings, write: Na­tional Archives – Mid-Atlantic Region, Ninth and Market Sts., Room 1350, Philadelphia, PA 19107; or telephone (215) 597-3000. Admission is free.

“Keystone Battleship: The U.S.S. Pennsylvania,” the first comprehensive exhibition of the battleship’s impressive silver service in nearly two decades, is on view at The State Museum of Pennsylva­nia through 1992. The service, noted for its monumental size and highly detailed ornamen­tation, was created on behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania in 1905 and used on vessels which carried the name of the Commonwealth. For more information, write: The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, P.O. Box 1026, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026; or telephone (717) 783-9895. There is no charge for admission.

The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County will host its seventh annual “Gala Gourmet” on Sunday, April 26, 1992, to benefit ongoing historic preservation activities throughout the county. The event will be held at the Trol­ley Barn in Lancaster. For res­ervation information, write: Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, 123 North Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603; or telephone (717) 291-5861.

The Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society’s fourteenth annual genealogy conference will be held on Saturday, March 28 [1992]. Topics will include organizing genealogical data, preservation of historic burial grounds, courthouse research, and introductions to resources at selected libraries and histori­cal organizations in central and southeastern Pennsylva­nia. For more information, write: Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, 2215 Mill­stream Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602; or telephone (717) 393-9745. Registration is required.

Continuing through May 1992, a series of special ex­hibits mounted by the Pack­wood House Museum in Lewisburg will commemorate the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II a half century ago. Exhibit themes include “The Enemy in Battle Attire,” in February; “Small Arms of the Combatants,” in March [1992]; “Al­lied Prisoners of War: Plight of the Captured and Interned,” in April [1992]; and “The Home Front,” through May [1992]. For more infor­mation, write: Packwood House Museum, 15 North Water St., Lewisburg, PA 17837; or telephone (717) 524-0323. There is no admission fee.

The prestigious 1992 Phila­delphia Antiques Show, the foremost exhibition of Ameri­can antiques, including furni­ture, silver, fine and decorative arts, textiles, and rugs, will be held from Saturday, April 4 [1992], through Wednesday, April 8, 1992, to benefit the Hospital of the University of Pennsylva­nia. This year’s event will feature a special loan exhibi­tion entitled “The Art of Em­bellishment: Painted and Stenciled Masterworks from the Museum of American Folk Art” that was recently acquired by the New York museum from a large private collection. Both the show and the accom­panying exhibit will be held at the 103rd Engineers Armory, Thirty-Third and Spruce streets. Information regarding the event is available by writ­ing: 1992 Philadelphia An­tiques Show, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104; or by telephoning (215) 977-7383. Admission is charged.

A traditional “Barn Raising Festival” will be at Burnside Plantation during the week­end of May 16-17 [1992]. Volunteers will actually raise a nineteenth century barn on the site of an eighteenth century farmstead owned by James Burnside, a prominent Moravian settler and colleague of Benjamin Franklin. For more details, write: Burnside Plantation, P. O. Box 559, Bethlehem, PA 18016; or telephone (215) 868-5044.