Listed below are just a few of the programs, exhibits and events scheduled at the
Somerset Historical Center during 2012
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*Advance registration is required for all workshops*
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February 9
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Maple Sugar School
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Learn the basics of making maple syrup and sugar in Somerset County, Pennsylvania's largest maple producing county. Participants will learn about early sugar making techniques, tap trees, gather sugar water, boil syrup, and stir sugar. A great program for anyone who wishes to learn more about this fascinating process or start their own maple business.
Cost: $20
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March 30 & 31 and April 1
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Annual School of Coopering
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Students will use traditional tools and techniques as practiced by early Somerset County coopers to make a wooden-staved maple sugar keeler. No power tools allowed and each participant will take home a handcrafted wood keeler they made during the class.
Cost: $100, plus $50 materials fee
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| April 2 |
Annual meeting and program
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Mark Miner, author of "Well at this Time", will be the speaker. Coinciding with the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Civil War, this new book chronicles the wartime diaries and saga of Ephraim Miner, a Somerset County farmer boy. With his eardrums shattered and feet frostbitten at the battle of Fredericksburg, in action with the 142nd Pennsylvania Infantry, Ephrain spent more than two and a half years languishing in the Army's ill-prepared health care and convalescent system, then going on to serve his country in light-duty assignments with the 22nd Veterans Reserve Corps. In short, it is a comprehensive look at a part of the Civil War experiences not often told - the lengthy medical recovery of a soldier who found other ways to serve his country. Mark Miner is Ephraim's great-great grand nephew.
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| May 12 &19 |
Textiles: From Fiber to Fabric
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Learn the basics of spinning animal and plant fibers into yard and thread for weaving or knitting. Students will learn how to prepare the fibers and use a hand drop spindle and various types of spinning wheels to produce thread and yarn, culminating with using a hand loom to weave some of the yard into fabric.
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| June 23 |
Exhibit Opening: "Made in Somerset County" |
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Many skilled artisans have worked in Somerset County since its early settlement, producing both necessary items for use around the farm and home and also works of decorative art. "Made in Somerset County" will exhibit some of the finest examples of Somerset County craftsmanship featuring items from several trades and crafts, such as the weaver, blacksmith, cooper, cabinet maker, gunsmith, and many more.
Admission fee. (HGSSC members admitted free)
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| July (Date TBA) |
"Soldiers through Time" |
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This unique event will feature a multi-era living history encampment. Visitors will see re-enactors portraying soldiers who have found in every major war against the Unites States. The French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, Civil War, and the World Wars will be featured. The event will be highlighted by an evening fashion show of soldier's uniforms.
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| August(Date TBA) |
Somerset Archaeology Society Day |
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The Somerset County Archaeology Society will showcase its activities to preserve and present archaeological works within Somerset County. Members will share artifacts found during archaeological digs within the county and will create a mock dig site for anyone interested in learning how archaeologists work. Special exhibits also will highlight in the Monongahela Native Americans who inhabited the Somerset County region.
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| September 7, 8 & 9 |
Mountain Craft Days |
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| October 27 |
Exhibit opens: "The Run for Political Office" |
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The exhibit will highlight the pursuit of political office throughout several centuries of Somerset County government. From campaign posters and buttons to early voting booths, this exhibit will display election history from both the local region and national level.
Admission fee (HGSSC members admitted free)
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| October 30 |
Trick or Treat at the Museum |
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Family-friendly and safe trick-or-treating will be offered by the Somerset Historical Society as it invites young and old to participate in historical theme-based trick-or-treating. Come to the center as Harmon or Emmy Husband, Judge Jeramiah Black, an artisan or craftsperson, Civil War soldier, or other historical figure. A lantern-lined pathway will guide visitors throughout our historical buildings to learn about history and receive their treats.
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| November 2 6:30 p.m. |
Sipesville Firehall |
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Annual Banquet of the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County.
Speaker TBA |
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