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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission

    Pennsylvania Trails of History

    History is just ahead! With over 300 years of American history at your fingertips, which trail will YOU take? Follow Pennsylvania Trails of History through our nation's farming, industrial, military and community roots. Jump in the car, fill the tank and spend a day traveling back through the centuries. 

     

    Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Pennsylvania Lumber Museum

    ​About

    In Pennsylvania, all roads lead to history.

    To help find your path, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has blazed several special-interest trails leading to some of Pennsylvania's most historic sites. We invite you to explore one site at a time, travel an entire trail, or create your own road trip to Pennsylvania's past.

    No matter whether you choose one of our classic trails, a trail based on PHMC's annual themes, or if you blaze your own, we're sure it will lead you to experience and embrace the people, places, and events that make Pennsylvania so special.

    Membership

    Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation Individual level members and those at the higher levels receive free admission to all of the historic sites and museums on PHMC's Pennsylvania Trails of History.

    Visit the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation website for more information about membership or to join today.

    Museums for All

    PHMC has joined other museums across the country in Museums for All. This program enables low-income families to explore Pennsylvania’s rich history and culture by visiting participating state-owned museums for a minimal fee of $2 per person with the presentation of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and identification. This offer is for general admission only and excludes special programs or events.

    Services for Visually Impaired Guests

    PHMC has contracted with Aira, a service that helps visitors with vision loss navigate and engage with museums, at six Pennsylvania Trails of History sites: Erie Maritime Museum, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, Old Economy Village, Pennsylvania Military Museum, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Visitors can access Aira in two ways at no cost: download the app to their iPhone or Android smartphone or by using Aira's proprietary smart glasses. In both cases, through artificial intelligence and augmented reality, visitors will be connected to highly trained sighted live agents who can see from their remote location what is in front of or near the user. The agent then helps the visitor navigate the museum.  Aira connects people who are blind or have low vision to highly trained, remotely-located agents.

    Travel Planning

    For help in planning your trip and finding nearby attractions, restaurants and lodging go to VisitPA.com.

    General Facility Rules

    Please enjoy your visit and observe these rules.

    Living History Safety Policy

    PHMC's Living History Safety Policy guides all living history activities, including battle reenactments, at its Historic Sites and Museums that demonstrate historic weapons.