Hiking the 2,000-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 located in Gardners, Pa.
“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 chairwoman 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. Lorrie Preston, Appalachian Trail section-hiker and museum volunteer, will discuss the trail’s history, highlights and natural beauty in the Peach State. She also will explain how to section-hike the Appalachian Trail through Georgia in one week, using just a daypack.
Programs are free and open to the public, and all programs will begin at 2 p.m. on Sundays unless otherwise announced.
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. Additional information is available at www.atmuseum.org.
2012 Appalachian Trail Public Programs
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: 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
June 3: Children’s Program – A Reading of Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax”: Young and young-at-heart, enjoy a reading of “The Lorax” and a march around the museum grounds lead by the 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 and wildlife impact of the demise of the American chestnut and the strategies for its return.
June 24: Mid-Point Picnic and Story Time with A.T. Thru-Hikers: A picnic lunch for A.T. 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 scouts 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 A.T. 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 and samples.
August 19: Iron-making and the Iron-makers at Pine Grove Furnace: Learn how to make pig iron, and learn about 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 and work.
