On to the next 100 Posts

I'm still recovering from the big "300th post" gala at Trailheads HQ last week, so excuse me if this post is a bit short. We're still removing bits of confetti from the keyboards and cleaning up from what will hereafter be known as "that time there was milk chocolate on the ceiling." I'm advised not to go into too much detail, but if you ever have the opportunity to dive head-first into a chocolate fountain, don't do it. Don't ask me how I know.

You'll find info for this weekend's events in the November program listings.

Museum educators from the Trails of History at PA Military Museum, August 2014 (AKF photo)

Tomorrow, Nov. 15, is Museum Educator Appreciation Day, so let me take this opportunity to wish all of the museum educators on the Pennsylvania Trails of History a great day. Many, if not most, of them will spend the day at work helping visitors enjoy our sites and learn something new. If you stop by one of our sites, please tell them thank you.

Throughout the past year or so, we've periodically shared links to posts on the Old Economy Village blog, "Rapp Houses Restoration." Last week, the site held the "big reveal" as the George and Frederick Rapp Houses reopened to the public. Curator Sarah Buffington led a team that painstakingly researched period interior design and scoured the museum collections for evidence of the houses' original configurations and furnishings. An article on Trib Live provides background on the project and more wonderful photos. I have it on good authority that even the wonderful photos don't do it justice. Definitely need to schedule a visit.

One of the sure signs of the season is when the banner for the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation's Holiday Marketplace appears in the atrium of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg. This year is the 9th annual event and the PA Trails of History sites expected to participate are: the State Museum of PA, Ephrata Cloister, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, and Somerset Historical Center. Some of PHMC's partner agencies will also be on hand: Dept. of Community and Economic Development's Artisans Trail, PA Parks and Forests Foundation/Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks, Capitol Preservation Committee, and the State Employee Recreation Association. It's always a great time to see what's new in our museum stores and to support the work of our sites. The event will take place Nov. 20 and 21 from 10 am to 3 pm each day.

Also on tap for next week is the Lancaster County Community Foundation's Extraordinary Give on Friday, Nov. 21. This 24-hour online giving campaign allows you to support charities throughout the county. Ephrata Cloister, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, and the Railroad Museum of PA are all participating. Ephrata has a slate of special staff presentations throughout the day (free admission) to highlight their offerings.