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Links to the Pennsylvania tourism regions Lake Erie Region Allegheny National Forest Region Poconos / Endless Mountains Philadelphia and its Countryside/Lehigh Valley Valleys of the Susquehanna Hershey/Gettysburg/Dutch Country Region Laurel Highlands/Southern Alleghenies Pittsburgh Region
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Hershey/Gettysburg/Dutch Country Region Trail of History Attractions

Pennsylvania's Trail of History is comprised of historic sites and museums across the Commonwealth that are operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. These attractions bring history to life for the enjoyment of all ages. The following attraction or attractions represent where the Trail of History passes through this region.

Pennsylvania State Archives
As the official agency of the Commonwealth for the conservation of Pennsylvania's historic heritage, the powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission fall into these principal fields; care of historical manuscripts, public records, and objects of historic interest; museums; archaeology; publications; historic sites and properties; historic preservation; geographic names; and the promotion of public interest in Pennsylvania history. Learn More...(this link will open in a new window)

State Museum of Pennsylvania
The State Museum of Pennsylvania is designed to encourage visitors, both young and old, to explore, discover and experience the stories of Pennsylvania's rich and exciting past. Programs reflect the content of Museum exhibits, help participants to understand the message and enrich their lives. Programs vary from the Planetarium, where astronomy and the latest discoveries in space science are explained through multi-media, to Curiosity Corner, the museum's hands-on learning center. Programs designed especially for school students help teachers enhance the curricula. In addition to sponsoring educational programs, The Friends of The State Museum offer special events, trips, luncheons, and exhibit receptions. Learn More...(this link will open in a new window)

Cornwall Iron Furnace
One of the world's best-preserved historic iron making facilities, Cornwall Iron Furnace operated from 1742 to 1883. It was among the earliest iron furnaces in Pennsylvania and was distinguished for its role in the manufacture of cannon and munitions during the American Revolution. Once producing one-seventh of the world's iron, the Cornwall Iron Furnace is an example of the pioneering spirit of America. Learn More...(this link will open in a new window)

Conrad Weiser Homestead
Conrad Weiser was an 18th century German immigrant who served as an Indian interpreter and who helped coordinate Pennsylvania's Indian policy. The Conrad Weiser Homestead is located on Rt. 422, within easy driving distance of Philadelphia, Lancaster, Hershey and Harrisburg. Come and enjoy this rural countryside dotted with the surviving period stone houses and traditional farms. The Conrad Weiser Homestead includes period buildings, and a new orientation exhibit, on a 26-acre Olmsted-designed landscaped park. Learn More...(this link will open in a new window)

Ephrata Cloister
Twelve restored medieval-style buildings define the Ephrata Cloister and the architecture of the period. Founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel, a German pietist mystic, the Ephrata Cloister was one of the earliest communal societies established in America. Beissel and his followers wrote many hymns, produced magnificent hand-illuminated songbooks and operated an important publishing enterprise. The celibate orders were practically extinct by 1800, but a congregation incorporated by the remaining householders in 1814 continued to use the surviving buildings for over 100 years. Learn More...(this link will open in a new window)

Landis Valley Museum
Henry and George Landis, two brothers who collected in the grand manner, first opened the Landis Valley Museum in 1925. Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission since 1953, the museum houses the largest collection of Pennsylvania German objects in the United States. This largely outdoor museum includes the Settlers Log Farm, The Jacob Landis Farm and a rural crossroads village of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Learn More...(this link will open in a new window)

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Discover the colorful and dynamic heritage of railroading. Sit in an engineer's seat, explore a caboose, inspect a 62-ton locomotive from underneath, visit a passenger depot! The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania traces the development of railroads through exhibits that display a world-class collection of over 100 historic locomotives and rail cars. The interactive education center caters to all ages. Browse the museum store for one-of-a-kind gifts. Learn More...(this link will open in a new window)

Daniel Boone Homestead
Daniel Boone Homestead has been restored and furnished to depict rural life in the 18th century and the cultural diversity of eastern Berks County. The home of Daniel Boone's birthplace in 1734 is arranged to interpret the Boone Family and the story of early settlement in the Pennsylvania region. Buildings that are all open to the public include a smokehouse, blacksmith shop, barn and a Bertolet log house with sawmill. Learn More...(this link will open in a new window)

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