Exploring Harrisburg’s History at the Harris-Cameron Mansion
When John Harris Jr. built his family home near his father’s trading post, he likely couldn’t have imagined the city that would have been built up around the home. And …
History in Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Touring the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz
Given how popular pretzels are in Pennsylvania, it’s hard to believe that there was a time when pretzels couldn’t be found in basically any store. However, prior to 1861, there wasn’t …
Learning About America’s Industrial Past with a Visit to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
I’m not going to lie, when I decided to visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, I wasn’t overly excited. I figured it would be a pretty boring place with a bit …
Learning About Milton Hershey and His Empire at The Hershey Story
If there’s a single person who left the most indelible impression on the history of Dauphin County, you could argue that it’s Milton Hershey. Born in 1857 in Derry Township, …
Visiting the Pennsylvania Fire Museum: From Franklin to Fire Trucks
Ever since Benjamin Franklin organized the world’s first fire company in Philadelphia in 1736, fire stations have played an important role in every community. Over the years, the equipment and …
Learning about Pennsylvania’s Native Tribes at the Indian Steps Museum
When you think of Pennsylvania history, the story of the state’s Native Americans isn’t likely the first thing to come to mind. However, throughout history, many different native groups spent …
Visiting the National Civil War Museum: A Great Overview of America’s Darkest Hour
Sitting atop a large hill on the outskirts of Harrisburg is one of the region’s best museums: the National Civil War Museum. Telling the story of the entire Civil War …
Uncovering Pennsylvania’s History with a visit to the State Museum of Pennsylvania
When you hear the term “State Museum” there’s a good chance that your mind instantly goes to a 1980s Communist country. You might imagine the outside of the the building …
Visiting the Shriver House for Their Unique Take on the Battle of Gettysburg
The small borough of Gettysburg is frequently on lists of “must-see” attractions in America and for good reason. Site of one of the largest and most important battles of the …
Should You Take a Guided Tour at the Gettysburg Battlefield?
There are two kinds of travelers in the world: those who like guided tours and those who can’t stand them. Personally, I fall very heavily in the later group. In …