2020-12-05 05:22:03
From battles of the American Revolution to the industrial revolution and beyond, the Keystone State is home to historic moments that define America. Experience the early beginnings of a fledgling country, explore the rise of industrial icons, and hear the personal tales of the pioneers, soldiers, social change-makers, and innovators who led the way through the centuries. Our museums, battlefields, historic buildings, and one-of-a-kind tours bring these stories to life. Once Upon a Nation BATTLE REENACTMENTS & LIVING HISTORY DEMOS Watch as American history comes to life with battle reenactments, weapon demonstrations, and living history experiences at battlefields, forts, and museums throughout the state. FORT NECESSITY NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD, Farmington French, British, and Native American cultures clashed at the 1754 Battle of Fort Necessity, which is regarded as the opening action of the French and Indian War, ultimately paving the way for the American Revolution. Visit during the summer, when daily living history programs include costumed staff performing firing demonstrations of black powder weaponry. FORT LIGONIER, Ligonier An important link for British supplies and communication, this fort was essential during the French and Indian War. Watch costumed interpreters, Colonial activities, and artillery and battle demonstrations at the annual 18th Century Military History Weekend every Memorial Day weekend, Living History Weekend during Labor Day weekend, and Fort Ligonier Days in October. BRANDYWINE BATTLEFIELD HISTORIC SITE, Chadds Ford In September 1777, advancing British troops sought to take over Philadelphia, the capital of the newly formed nation. In defense, General George Washington arranged his army along the Brandywine Creek in Chadds Ford—an effort that ended in defeat. Experience the Battle of Brandywine, the largest land battle of the American Revolutionary War, with annual events throughout the year, such as living history encampments and military weapon demonstrations. GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK, Gettysburg Stand in the very place where 160,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought in the heat of battle in 1863. Cannons boomed and thousands died, making it the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. Every weekend from April to October, costumed historians encamp at Gettysburg Battlefield for living history programs, bringing this era to life. Interact with these knowledgeable interpreters to learn about the weaponry, war tactics, and events of the battle. MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM, Reading Experience aviation innovation and history at this comprehensive museum, which bustles with patriotism and pilots during its annual World War II Weekend, scheduled for June 4–6, 2021. With airshows and flight experiences, this gathering of warbirds showcases fighters, transports, and bombers—not to mention 200 military vehicles, costumed military reenactors, 1940s-style concerts, and vintage movies. Uncommon History Lessons These interactive experiences go beyond browsing exhibits at a typical museum and instead, immerse Happy Travelers into different time periods through tours that touch on unexpected topics and only-in-PA history. HAUNTED HISTORY Haunted Pittsburgh Tours imparts a peculiar history lesson through the telling of good ol’ fashioned ghost stories. At Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, follow an audio tour to learn about the prison’s unusual history as you walk through eerie cells and corridors. Take the Haunted Field Hospitals Tour by candlelight with Gettysburg Ghost Tours to visit homes and churches that served as makeshift hospitals during the Battle of Gettysburg. Then, find out how the region’s leading ladies influenced history on The Women in History Graveyard Tour at Historic Doylestown Cemetery in Doylestown. FOUNDING FATHERS Take a peek into the birth of a nation on an Independence After Hours tour in Philadelphia, where you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner at the historic City Tavern and get a private tour of the Pennsylvania State House, later known as Independence Hall. On the Franklin Footsteps Walking Tour, also in Philadelphia, follow a costumed guide past some of the city’s most notable historic landmarks and Elfreth’s Alley, a picturesque alley lined with 32 original Colonial homes. Visiting in December? Watch the annual reenactment of George Washington’s River Crossing at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Washington Crossing. BOOZY BACKSTORIES Get some insight on Pennsylvania’s boozy backstory when you follow the Whiskey Rebellion Trail, a network of museums, historic sites, and distilleries that gives visitors a glimpse into the historic tax protest’s impact. Learn about the Whiskey Rebellion on a distillery tour of Liberty Pole Spirits in Washington, and visit sites that were significant to this protestation, such as the Bradford House Museum in Washington, Oliver Miller Homestead in South Park, or West Overton Village & Museums in Scottdale. Toast to all of your new knowledge at the Tall Pines Distillery in Salisbury, Thistle Finch distillery in Lancaster, or Rowhouse Spirits in Philadelphia. Or take a tour with a beer in-hand on the Historically Hilarious BYOB Trolley Tour in Philadelphia, where you’ll learn about off-the-beaten-path sites in the city. SELF-GUIDED TOURS AMISH COUNTRY COVERED BRIDGE DRIVING TOUR Take a drive through Lancaster County’s backroads and explore some of the area’s most photo-worthy covered bridges and rolling farmland. With plenty of restaurants and bed & breakfasts along the route, you can truly take your time enjoying the Amish countryside. Download the map at discoverlancaster.com. THE CONSTITUTIONAL WALKING TOUR In Philadelphia, start at the National Constitution Center and follow a 3-mile outdoor trail that goes through America’s most historic square mile. Pass by more than 20 must-see sites including the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church Burial Ground, and Old City Hall. Visit theconstitutional.com for the map. UNDERGROUND RAILROAD SELF-GUIDED DRIVING TOUR Discover the vital role Pennsylvania played in assisting enslaved people on their journey to independence with numerous secret hideaways and sites along the Underground Railroad. Explore museums and historic sites at your own pace, and learn more about the stops at visitPA.com/article/journey-freedom-underground-railroad-pa Historic Hotels of America Get a glimpse into bygone eras when you get away at one of the many Pennsylvania properties that are part of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. These beautifully preserved buildings throughout the state tell the story of Pennsylvania’s past and, to this day, the old-school charm and personalized service feels like stepping back in time. In Pittsburgh, stroll beneath the crystal chandeliers at Omni William Penn Hotel, built in 1916 by industrialist Henry Clay Frick, and take in its gilded grandeur before sipping a cocktail in the clandestine Speakeasy lounge or retiring to one of the luxurious rooms. Escape to luxury in the midst of the Pocono Mountains’ rugged wilderness at Skytop Lodge, a 1928 Dutch Colonial-style stone manor in Skytop surrounded by miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, an award-winning golf course, and picturesque Skytop Lake. Dine on farm-to-table fare at the onsite Windsor restaurant before retiring to your suite or cozy cottage. Inspired by his own travels to the Mediterranean, chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey built The Hotel Hershey in 1933. This AAA Four Diamond-rated resort in Hershey incorporates Spanish-style patios, intricate tilework, a grand fountain, and a circular dining room. Stay at this historic resort in “Chocolate Town U.S.A” and enjoy free admission to nearby Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience. Nestled in the heart of Wellsboro where gas-lit streetlamps line Main Street, the historic Penn Wells Hotel and Lodge is a beacon from the past—1869, to be exact. Get cozy by the lobby’s wood-burning fireplace and savor Sunday brunch in the Mary Wells Dining Room. FORMER FACTORIES & FARMS Nodding to Pennsylvania’s past as an epicenter of industry, several hotels now occupy historic spaces where businesses once bustled with workers. The Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster formerly housed the Armstrong Cork and Kerr Glass companies within its brick walls. Now, you’ll find modern amenities in its plush rooms and upscale cuisine in its restaurants. At Hawley’s Ledges Hotel, which was the site of the O’Connor Glass Factory during the 1890s, sweeping views of the river gorge falls, streamlined architecture, and eco-friendly amenities are the draw. Meanwhile, in Leola, The Inn at Leola Village—originally an Amish tobacco farm established in 1867—is now a AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Four Star experience. HOMES-TURNED-HOTELS Experience the life of luxury when you get away to historic homes that have been transformed into one-of-a-kind lodging. Sprawling across 150 acres in Fogelsville, the picturesque property of Glasbern Inn has grown from a modest spring house built in 1870 to numerous cottages, converted barns, an onsite spa, and event venues. Or, spend the night in one of the mansion rooms or carriage house suites of The Sayre Mansion, an 1800s Gothic Revival-style mansion in Bethlehem that was once home to Robert Heysham Sayre, chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. PRESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES Historic hotels around the state have been a draw for U.S. Presidents throughout the centuries. Spend the night in the very rooms where these notable figures have stayed. Omni Bedford Springs Resort Bedford From Thomas Jefferson to George W. Bush, this upscale resort in the Allegheny Mountains has hosted 13 U.S. Presidents, as well as international dignitaries and celebrities. omnihotels.com/hotels/bedford-springs Hotel Fauchère Milford Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy are just a couple of the notable guests who have stayed at this classic Italianate-style hotel, which dates back to 1852. hotelfauchere.com Black Bass Hotel Lumberville Built in the 1740s, this spot on the Delaware River is one of the country’s oldest inns. Stay in the Grover Cleveland Suite, which was frequented by its namesake President. blackbasshotel.com Historic Hotel Bethlehem Bethlehem Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, and Bill Clinton—plus Thomas Edison, Sir Winston Churchill, and other notable figures—have stayed at this hotel since its opening in 1922. hotelbethlehem.com Find more history at visitPA.com/historical-pursuits
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