Pennsylvania at War: Behind the scenes with the “Saga of the USS Pennsylvania”

Pennsylvania at War: Behind the scenes with the “Saga of the USS Pennsylvania”

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This Sunday, a new display, Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania, will open at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Launched shortly before the U.S. entered World War I and later damaged during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the USS Pennsylvania served as the flagship of the U.S. Navy. Later, the historic ship …

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Hershey’s sweet shipping pail not shy on Kisses

Hershey’s sweet shipping pail not shy on Kisses

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This paperboard Hershey’s Kisses shipping pail from around 1920 can hold approximately 25 pounds and was originally used to ship and distribute the candy. The label features an image of the factory that company founder Milton Hershey built in Derry Township, along with text stating, “The House of Hershey, Where Quality is Paramount”. A stamp …

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In Washington’s army, buttons signaled how they served

In Washington’s army, buttons signaled how they served

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When Gen. George Washington took command of the Continental Army in 1775, regulations regarding soldier uniforms did not exist. Generally, enlisted men wore whatever they owned, resulting in many variations in color and material. An unofficial standard was the linen hunting shirt, which many men at this time would have owned. In 1779, Congress passed …

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Weathered Revolutionary War flag to unfold its story​

Weathered Revolutionary War flag to unfold its story​

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After 239 years, this flag has certainly seen better days! The flag belonged to the First Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line between 1776 and 1783. Initially commanded by Carlisle native Col. William Thompson, the regiment was later led by Lt. Col. Thomas Robinson. A March 8, 1776 letter drafted by Lt. Col. Edward Hand …

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Would you pin your fortune to a “Gold Bug” candidate?

Would you pin your fortune to a “Gold Bug” candidate?

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Fashioned in the shape of an insect, this gold-toned, pressed-metal pin is a campaign token from the presidential election of 1896. Complete with moveable wings, this political souvenir features black-and-white images of Republican presidential candidate William McKinley on the left and vice presidential candidate, Garret Hobart, on the right. During the 1896 election, heated debates …

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