HARRISBURG – In recognition of their service to the nation, members of the active duty forces, including federally activated members of the National Guard and Reserve, and their families are being offered free admission to the commonwealth’s 23 historical sites.
“Pennsylvania’s historical sites and museums offer epic stories of our nation’s history through stunning exhibits, living history programs, and hands-on demonstrations,” said Barbara Franco, executive director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “We invite active duty personnel, their spouses, children and siblings to experience our sites and learn more about themselves and what the past can teach us about our culture and current events.”
The offerings are far ranging, Franco added.
Whether climbing aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara, following in the footsteps of George Washington, resting on wooden pillows at the Ephrata Cloister, or visiting the site of the first commercial oil well, history comes to life at Pennsylvania’s historical sites, she said.
Some 4,000 members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 56th Stryker Brigade are currently deployed in the Iraq region. Nearly 1,000 state National Guard soldiers from the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade are also on their way to Iraq. This is the largest federal activation of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard since World War II.
Information on Pennsylvania’s historical sites is available online.