Can It Already Be Fall?

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on Can It Already Be Fall? New Exhibits An exciting new long-term exhibit recently opened at Drake Well Museum and Park at Titusville, Venango County. In the Summer 2011 issue of Pennsylvania Heritage, I profiled the building renovation project at Drake Well, including plans for a geothermal climate control system and a new comprehensive exhibit. There’s a Drop of Oil and Gas in Your Life Every Day, which made its...
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Celebrating Volunteers on the Pennsylvania Trails of History

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on Celebrating Volunteers on the Pennsylvania Trails of History Every spring we honor those who contribute their experience and expertise to support the mission and work of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). In 2011–2012 volunteers donated approximately 117,000 hours at historic sites and museums along the Pennsylvania Trails of History®. This impressive collective donation is valued at nearly $2.5 million, based on data provided by...
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… and we do history, too!

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on … and we do history, too! As the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and its Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums have recently engaged in strategic planning, one of several issues identified has been the challenge of articulating our value to the public. When one thinks of a favorite destination on the Pennsylvania Trails of History, what comes to mind first? Readers of this magazine love history and...
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Exploring the Pennsylvania Energy Trail of History

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on Exploring the Pennsylvania Energy Trail of History Pennsylvania’s vast natural resources helped fuel the growth and development of both state and nation, spawning innumerable advances in transportation, industry, technology, and science. These resources propelled an economy that supported generations of men and women. The Pennsylvania Trails of History, a network of historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and...
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PHMC Highlights

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on PHMC Highlights Old Economy Village volunteer Grant Stewart, portrays the traditional Pennsylvania German figure “Belsnickel,” and talks with young visitors to an Old Economy Village Christmas program in Ambridge, Beaver County. Belsnickel is checking his book to see who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. The Belsnickel is a Santa-like figure but not as jolly; he cautions children to behave well or receive...
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Discovering Religious Diversity Along the Pennsylvania Trails of History

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on Discovering Religious Diversity Along the Pennsylvania Trails of History William Penn (1644-1718) knew well the sting of discrimination and the misery of persecution for his religious beliefs. He suffered the consequences of breaking with the Church of England, leading to estrangement from his father, Admiral Sir William Penn (1621-1670). When imprisoned for attending meetings of the Society of Friends – commonly called Quakers and Friends – the younger...
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For a Limited Time Only

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on For a Limited Time Only Before I launch into a review and preview of changing exhibits at sites on the Pennsylvania Trails of History® this summer, I take this opportunity to share with you the honorees for this year’s Volunteer of the Year awards. PHMC’s historic sites and museums rely heavily on volunteers in many capacities, and it’s always a nice occasion when we bring everyone together each spring to celebrate...
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