A Traveler's Guide to Historic Western Pennsylvania


Book Description

This book presents a county-by-county guide to historic landmarks in western Pennsylvania, and how to reach them. Twenty-seven counties are included, along with maps of each. Along the way, travelers will find historic forts, residences of leading citizens, old iron furnaces, grist mills, churches, inns, taverns, tanneries, and many other intriguing places. Historians Lois Mulkearn and Edwin V. Pugh personally visited each site, and provide background vignettes on them, offering interesting facts and highlights gathered from archival documents.










Made Free and Thrown Open to the Public


Book Description

Made Free and Thrown Open to the Public charts the history of public libraries and librarianship in Pennsylvania. Based on archival research at more than fifty libraries and historical societies, it describes a long progression from private, subscription-based associations to publicly funded institutions, highlighting the dramatic period during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when libraries were “thrown open” to women, children, and the poor. Made Free explains how Pennsylvania’s physical and cultural geography, legal codes, and other unique features influenced the spread and development of libraries across the state. It also highlights Pennsylvania libraries’ many contributions to the social fabric, especially during World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. Most importantly of all, Made Free convincingly argues that Pennsylvania libraries have made their greatest strides when community activists and librarians, supported with state and local resources, have worked collaboratively.




Philadelphia Liberty Trail


Book Description

Experience the founding of America in the city where it all began by strolling the newly created Philadelphia Liberty Trail. This guide takes a fresh approach to the historic district; going beyond such popular sights as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, highlighting attractions and unique spots overlooked by other guidebooks. Philadelphia Liberty Trail provides the colorful history of each sight along with practical travel information. Historic tidbits sprinkled throughout engage visitors of all ages: • Learn the shocking story of Benjamin Franklin’s electric turkey experiment. • Tour the sight of the first bank robbery in America in 1798, and learn how the hapless criminal was captured when he deposited the pilfered funds back into the very same bank. • Read about the unsung Quaker woman who saved George Washington's army from destruction. Easy to follow maps break the trail into segments. It also includes suggested side trips to area attractions such as Valley Forge and Fort Mifflin. Complete with lodging, dining, family-friendly options, and practical travel information, Philadelphia Liberty Trail immerses visitors in history right where it happened.




Army Recreation and Travel Guide


Book Description




Motor Travel


Book Description