Monday, September 14, 2026
Media Contact: Jay Losiewicz, 717-705-8639
New monthly series ensures early learners stay connected to Pennsylvania’s heritage while The State Museum undergoes renovations.
HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) announced a collaborative community outreach initiative between The State Museum of Pennsylvania and the Dauphin County Library System (DCLS). While The State Museum is temporarily closed, museum educators will bring popular hands-on history, art, and natural science programs directly to the community through a series of monthly educational sessions.
The partnership ensures students, families, and museum members continue to have access to interactive learning opportunities highlighting Pennsylvania’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Designed primarily for children in pre-K through Grade 2, each 45-minute program pairs direct instruction with experiential, participatory activities led by State Museum educators.
Fall 2026 Event Schedule
All upcoming fall sessions will take place at 12:00 PM at the George & Hettie Love Memorial Library (530 S. 29th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104):
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Daily Life in Revolutionary Pennsylvania
Young learners will step into the 1770s to explore early Pennsylvania life. Participants can dress in period fashions, try writing with a quill pen, and test their hands at daily chores like churning butter and carrying water.
Register for Daily Life in Revolutionary Pennsylvania here.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Party Like It’s 1644! Happy Birthday William Penn!
Celebrate William Penn’s 382nd birthday by discovering what life and festivities looked like in the 1640s. Attendees will craft a period toy and sample a traditional period cake.
Register for William Penn’s Birthday here.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
The Eastern Wild Turkey
Explore the life and habitat of one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable native birds. Children will engage in tactile discovery with authentic turkey tail feathers, wings, feet, and skulls.
Register for the Eastern Wild Turkey Event here.
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Pennsylvania’s Tree: Eastern Hemlock Tree
Discover the story behind “Penn’s Woods” and learn about the Eastern Hemlock, Pennsylvania’s state tree. Participants will explore forest ecology, tree rings, and how conifer trees sustain the Commonwealth’s environment.
Register for the Eastern Hemlock Tree here.
Registration and Details
- Target Audience: Pre-K through Grade 2.
- Duration: 45 minutes per session.
- Capacity: Registration is Limited. Pre-registration is required.
- Registration & Inquiries: Advance registration is encouraged. For registration details, special accommodations, or ingredient and allergy information regarding food-related activities, contact RA-educationoutreach@pa.gov.
About the Dauphin County Library System
The Dauphin County Library System connects communities to resources, information, and shared experiences through its network of branch libraries across the region. DCLS offers robust educational programming, books, and digital resources to spark curiosity and support lifelong learning for patrons of all ages.
About the State Museum of Pennsylvania
The State Museum of Pennsylvania is one of 23 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History.
Currently closed for $79.73 million dollar renovation project, the State Museum of Pennsylvania offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Located adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, the museum houses expansive natural and cultural history collections that illuminate Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in American history, the Colonial and Revolutionary eras, the Civil War, and the nation’s industrial age. The State Museum demonstrates that Pennsylvania’s story is America’s story.
For more information about The State Museum of Pennsylvania, visit statemuseumpa.org or follow us on Facebook and X.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following us on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.
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