Pennsylvania’s forests reflect a history of choices — from peaceful coexistence between humans and the forests to the massive harvesting of the forests in the late 1800s. Pennsylvania’s borders encompass 17 million acres of forestland, almost 4 million acres of which are publicly owned. However, more than 12 million acres are privately owned. Which of
The Lumber Heritage Region holds a key to Pennsylvania's rich forest heritage– from the struggles of pioneers to the cut-and-run practices of the early lumber industry, to the conservation efforts that led to the managed forests of today. Woodhicks Pennsylvania’s forests reflect a history of choices — from peaceful coexistence between humans
The Susquehanna is a shallow river that flows about 440 miles, from Cooperstown to the Chesapeake Bay. Nearly 200 years ago, canals were used to transport goods and people instead of the river. Canal boats would use the river where it was deeper, or where dams had raised the water level. The Susquehanna, stretching approximately
Artisan Shawn Gardner, of Fair Chase Designs, presents on prehistoric technology and Native American art. His presentation is suitable for people of all ages, including families and school-aged children. Gardner lives in Montoursville and often presents programs to people who visit his teepee on school field trips. He also offers seminars and classes. Gardner
Barbara Barnes' art vessels reflect a keen appreciation for nature in shapes and colors. She uses interactive glazes, often firing multiple times until she gets the results that mimic the hues of earth, flora, fire and water combined. She is an avid gardener and often wanders her gardens and woods for inspiration. Barbara Barnes
Joy McCracken Joy McCracken is a spinning and weaving expert. McCracken demonstrates the craft of creating fabric from animal hair to students. One of her specialties is drop spindle spinning, an early technique for making yarn without a spinning wheel. When she heard how the women of Bolivia used drop spindles as they
Muncy Historical Society and Museum of History, a not-for-profit, all-volunteer organization founded in 1936, focuses on preservation and conservation of the rich history and heritage of Muncy and surrounding communities – its people, businesses, education, arts, traditions and folklore – by sponsoring educational programs and activities, through research and publication of our history, and
DUNLAP, Kansas -- On a lonely country road in Dunlap, Kan., a monument to the memory of Exodusters soars. An engraved stainless steel plaque stretches between two limestone pillars and marks the family farm of a freed slave. Built by Jack Davis, whose family bought the farm more than a century ago, the monument
May 21 came and went and we did not experience the predicted Rapture, but we're still on alert for a Zombie Apocalypse. (See my blog entry "Shoot! It’s Either Judgment Day or a Zombie Apocalypse.") You'll recall that while some Christians kissed their loved ones goodbye and were waiting for Judgment (thank you Family
Prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse Between predictions of the Rapture and the looming threat of a Zombie Apocalypse, now more than ever people need to escape into good books. Hmmm … maybe they need good books as they make their escape, as well.The news this week has been troubling. First we have Fox News
Since he was a child, Van Wagner has been singing, strumming, rambling, and picking his way through the hills of Pennsylvania. With more than 100 original songs under his belt and co-production of nine albums, Van has developed a unique style of musical expression. He has performed several times in Europe as well as all
The Susquehanna River is a shallow river that flows about 440 miles, from Cooperstown to the Chesapeake Bay. Nearly 200 years ago, canals were used to transport goods and people instead of the river. Canal boats would use the river where it was deeper, or where dams had raised the water level. The Susquehanna, stretching
Conflict between American Indians and white people escalated during the last two decades of the 18th century. War -- both declared and undeclared -- made for "dark and gloomy days," according to historian John F. Meginness in his 1,268-page tome, "History of Lycoming County" (1892).
Richard and Miriam Mix, experts on regional history as well as America's past, authored a book, “A Bicentennial Postcard History of Williamsport,” which contains colorful postcards and illustrations of pre-World War I Williamsport and the region, and was published by the Lycoming County Genealogical Society just in time for the City of Williamsport's bicentennial in 2006.
While Michael Ross was settling the City of Williamsport, selling parcels of land to frontier families and immigrants, another enterprising resident of the West Branch Valley was being hoodwinked from her home and business. Widow Smith's Walk Catherine Smith, an old woman "of great business tact and energy," had erected gristmills and sawmills
While Gen. George Washington's Continental Army fought the British, settlers along the frontier of the Susquehanna River also considered themselves at war with the displaced Native Americans. Conflicts escalated daily. Rumors of planned attacks were taken seriously. In August 1778, the Big Runaway began along the West Branch of the river, and settlers fled
