Appalachian Trail Museum Announces Sunday Afternoon Programs for 2012

May 1, 2012 - PRLog -- Hiking the 2000 plus miles of the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia is an accomplishment for some, but a dream or curiosity for many, many more.  The first in a series of programs reviewing the trail in each of the 14 states that it crosses will be presented on Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at the Ironmaster’s Mansion in Pine Grove State Park in Cumberland County.
“We are really excited about this year’s lineup of programs that will be offered from May through the first Sunday in September,” said Gwen Loose, program chair for the Appalachian Trail Museum Society – sponsor of the programs.  “The variety will include something for almost everyone, from the experienced to the novice hiker and from youngsters to grandparents.”

The “Georgia on My Mind” program on May 6 will focus on the Appalachian Trail experience through Georgia where Springer Mountain is the starting point for northbound Appalachian Trail journeys and where the trail ends for south-bounders.  The trail’s history, highlights and natural beauty in the Peach State will be discussed by Lorrie Preston, Appalachian Trail section-hiker and Appalachian Trail Museum volunteer.  She also will explain how to section-hike the Appalachian Trail through Georgia in one week, using just a day pack.  

Loose said other programs during the spring and summer will include: (note to editor – see accompanying list of programs for 2012)
•   Story-telling, songs and activities for children
•   Appalachian Trail history
•   Arts and crafts on the Appalachian Trail
•   Natural features of the Appalachian Trail
•   Trail maintenance techniques
•   Hiker skills, equipment and safety
•   Pioneer hiker profiles and why they are important
•   First person hiking experiences and accomplishments

All programs will begin at 2 pm on Sundays at the Appalachian Trail Museum unless otherwise announced.

Programs topics may be submitted to info@atmuseum.org for consideration.  Anyone interested in being a program leader or an Appalachian Trail Museum volunteer may contact atmuseumgreeters@gmail.com or call 717-486-4083.
           
Located in a 200-year-old, restored grist mill in historic Pine Grove Furnace State Park and at the midway point of the 2,184-mile-long Appalachian Trail, the museum is across from the Pine Grove General Store on Pennsylvania Route 233 in Cumberland County.

About  the Appalachian Trail Museum Society                                                                        The Appalachian Trail Museum Society, a 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization formed in 2002, organizes programs, exhibits, volunteers and fundraising nationwide for the Appalachian Trail Museum.  The museum opened on June 5, 2010, as a tribute to the thousands of men, women and families who have hiked and maintained the 2,184 mile long hiking trail that passes through 14 states from Maine to Georgia. Located in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, Pennsylvania, the museum is conveniently near Carlisle, Gettysburg and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.  Additional information is available at www.atmuseum.org.  


2012 PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Appalachian Trail Museum             Sundays --- 2 PM
Programs are free and open to the public.  Donations are appreciated.
Children 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Weather permitting and when appropriate, programs will be held outdoors on the grounds of the museum.
Public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
Programs are subject to change.  Visit www.atmuseum.org for current information.

May 6: Georgia on My Mind
First of a series of programs showcasing the 14 trail states, focusing on the AT experience through Georgia.  

May 13: The A.T.’s Famous Women
Celebrate Mother’s Day with this program honoring the women of the Trail.

May 20:  Meet the A.T. - America’s Long Footpath  
(In partnership with Cumberland Valley Historical Society Public “Picnic”)
An overview of this great footpath including its location, history, famous hikers and much more.  

May 27: Meet Two of the A.T.’s World War Veterans – Myron Avery & Earl Shaffer
World War II service of Myron Avery (AT “founding father”) and Earl Shaffer (1st thru-hiker) impacted their AT experiences.

June 3: CHILDREN’S PROGRAM - A Reading of the Dr. Seuss Classic, The Lorax
Young & young-at-heart, enjoy a reading of The Lorax & a march around the museum grounds lead by “Cat-in-the-Hat.”

June 9 (Saturday):  Behind the Scenes of the AT Museum New Exhibits (Details to follow)
June 10: Mountains, Metal, and Men - A Story of Pine Grove Furnace, 1764-1895
A tribute to the overseers and workers of the 18th and 19th Centuries who worked in the area’s iron industry.

June 17: The Fall and Rise of the American Chestnut Tree
Learn of the economic & wildlife impact of the demise of the American Chestnut & the strategies for its return.  

June 24: Mid-Point Picnic & Story Time with A.T. Thru-Hikers
A picnic lunch for AT thru-hikers, as they reach the half-way point, in exchange for a telling of their Trail stories.  
(Donations of picnic food appreciated.)

July 1:  World-wide Trail Trekking
Rick Revegno, former Cumberland County Commissioner, shares experiences as a world traveler of exotic trails.

July 8:  The Magic of the A.T
A talk on the history and basic information of the A.T. and stories about how volunteers started the A.T. Museum.

July 15:  Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting
Museum will host a special display on Girl Scouting, as the Scout’s participate in a “Halfway There” Camporee.
July 22: OPEN DATE
July 29: Family Concert of Traditional “Mountain Music”
Randy Heisley-Cato returns for a concert featuring southern Appalachian music, early Gospel, and novelty tunes.  

August 5:  Appalachian Trail Safety
Meet an AT ridgerunner.  Learn about this unique job assisting hikers, and how you can stay safe on the Trail.

August 12:  The Art of Hiking Stick Carving
Learn from local carvers how the common wooden stick is transformed into a work of art. Demonstrations & samples.

August 19: Iron-making and the Iron-makers at Pine Grove Furnace
Learn how to make pig iron, the iron-making community at Pine Grove Furnace, and its prominent figures.

August 26: Geology of the A.T.
Mountains, gaps, rivers, balds, etc. all present an exciting variety of geology along the Trail.

September 2: Heroes of the A.T.  - Volunteer Trail Maintainers
Information tables will offer literature on area maintaining clubs.  Trail maintainers will discuss their equipment & work.