All events listed below are subject to change. Please check the museum website and Facebook page for the latest event information.
April 20-21, 2024–Spring Antique Show & Sawmill Run: Vendors will be on hand selling a variety of items like furniture, glassware, coins, books, clothing, and collectibles. A selection of historic trades, including the museum’s birch still, will be demonstrated. PALMA members Jan and John Halter will present a cooking demonstration and tasting featuring wild leeks from 11am-1pm both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday (April 20) only, visitors will be able to watch the museum’s re-created 19th century steam-powered circular sawmill in operation. Click HERE for more information.
May 18, 2024- “Laquin: The Rise and Fall of a Pennsylvania Lumber Town” 1pm; Join author Matthew Carl, Executive Director of the Bradford County Historical Society, for a talk about his new book. Based on 31 years of research by the author, this comprehensive new book shares new information and images of Laquin that bring this ghost town alive. Copies of the book are available for sale in the museum gift shop and can be signed after the talk. Included with museum admission.
June 8, 2024-World Wide Knitting in Public Day; 10am-3pm; The community of Galeton’s 15th annual World Wide Knitting in Public Day will be held at the museum this year! Celebrate all things fiber with knitters, spinners, weavers, shepherds, and others from the greater area. Learn how to do some of these fiber arts or bring a project to work on and join in the fun. Event is free for those participating. Regular admission applies to those also wishing to explore the museum.
June 16, 2024-Hiking to History; 1pm; The remains of lumber history are all around us. Join museum volunteers John & Jan Halter for a guided hike of the Working Forest Interpretive Trail at Cherry Springs State Park. Along the easy, one-mile trail, learn about the area’s history as well as some of the management practices employed in a working forest to provide multiple uses for public, industry, and environmental needs. After the hike, those interested can drive a few miles to Lyman Run State Park and join the Halters for a brief hike to the remains of a former birch still. The hike is free. Participants should meet at the information kiosk across the road from the Observation Field at Cherry Springs State Park on Route 44 (4639 Cherry Springs Road Coudersport, PA 16915). Children are welcome.
Interested in getting out to see what remains at other locations associated with Pennsylvania’s lumbering past? The museum has created two self-guided lumber history hiking brochures to encourage folks to lace up their hiking boots and explore the surrounding forests. Find beautiful vistas, lumber ghost towns, ruins, and the remains of former Civilian Conservation Corps sites.
For more information on Hiking to History
July 6-7. 2024–Bark Peelers’ Festival: Our BIGGEST event of the year! Thousands of visitors enjoy lively contests and demonstrations that celebrate “woodhick” skills. Unique food and craft vendors provide guests with ample shopping and culinary opportunities. There is live music throughout the weekend, crafts and games at the kid’s corner, operating demonstrations of our steam-powered circular sawmill and birch still, blacksmithing, chainsaw carving, and camp cooking.
For more Bark Peelers information
August 2-3, 2024–History Camp: A hands-on history camp for kids ages 10-18. Campers will spend two full-days immersing themselves in the rough and tumble lifestyle of 19th-century woodhicks by learning the skills of the trade. On day one, campers will try activities like using a crosscut saw, peeling bark, birling, and cooking over a fire. On the second day, participants will demonstrate what they have learned at the Cherry Springs State Park Woodsmen Show. Pre-registration is required, and scholarships are available.
August 10, 1pm–Happy Birthday Smokey Bear: Smokey Bear is turning 80! Join us to celebrate our favorite bear. Festivities will include curator Josh Fox sharing information and artifacts from Smokey’s past, a birthday cake, and singing “Happy Birthday” to the bear of honor who will make an appearance. Included with museum admission.
