by Lisa Gensheimer

Member since:
February 17, 2006

Live a Little -- Learn a Lot

January 28, 2008 05:20 PM EST (Updated: January 29, 2008 11:39 AM EST)

views: 181 | rating: 10/10 (17 votes) | comments: 27

Want to learn more about Pennsylvania's Civil War history? Looking for an interesting and unusual way to spend a weekend getting to know the Commonwealth? Need a place to take your out-of-state visitors that's more unique than the latest blockbuster? Try one of four Quest for Freedom Live & Learn Weekends. The adventure begins in February.

Taking place simultaneously in the regions of Erie, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton, a learning weekend is no more than a two-hour drive away -- no matter where you live in Pennsylvania. At a Live & Learn Weekend, you'll have the chance to tour Underground Railroad and Civil War-related sites with a living historian, talk to a local expert about how the sites contribute to the larger, national story and take home a book to deepen your experience. The events combine literature, music and art with travel to some intriguing destinations. Start planning your trip today!

2008 Featured Books

February 8-9: Lorene Cary's The Price of a Child
April 4-5: Margaret Creighton's Colors of Courage: Gettysburg's Forgotten History
June 20-21: Eric Foner's Forever Free: The Story of Emancipation and Reconstruction
August 15-16: Lincoln on Democracy, edited by Mario Cuomo and Harold Holzer

The Pennsylvania Humanities Council is partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Quest for Freedom network to present this program to Pennsylvania residents and visitors. Tapping into the 132 million visitors that come to Pennsylvania every year, the Live & Learn Weekends are intended to draw parallels between Underground Railroad and Civil War sites, living history performances and related literature.

For more information, visit Quest for Freedom or contact the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.

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Tags: quest for freedom, philadelphia, books, travel, underground railroad, living history, scranton, gettysburg, american history, reconstruction, public program, slavery, abraham lincoln, community, civil rights, emancipation, civil war, discussion, lancaster, humanities, erie, phc, live amp learn weekend, literature, pittsburgh, us history, pennsylvania humanities council, history, pennsylvania department of community and economic development

To Groups: !!!TODAY'S TOP PHOTOS AND ARTICLES!!! (submit your favorite articles and photos), *Blast From The Past*, *Inspiration Station*, .....The Educators Review....., Art and Cultural History, Art and Literary Enthusiasts, Art, Lyrics & Fiction, Non-Fiction, Book Lovers Club, bookwomen, Borders Book Club, Celebrate Life!, Change the World, Coffee Klatsch, Come Journey With Me, Digging Up U.S. History, Gather Books Essential, Gather Travel Essential, GOTTA GO .... GOTTA TRAVEL ..., Great Books, Great Books for Kids, Historical Encounters, Historical Reenactment, History in Books and Movies, Historycanbefun, important things in our lives, Independent Minds, Intelligent politics, literaturelover, Live Informed, Living in the Past, Making A Difference, Memoir, Memorable Times, OUR FAVORITE BOOKS, Our Soul Journey, Politics and Social Justice, Preserve The History and the Memories, Public Radio Forum, Random Musings, Road Trip, Road Trips USA, Synchronicity's Sweet Tea Cafe, The Daily Grind Kaffee Haus, The Family Diner, The Historian's Craft, The Reader's Lounge, The Renewed Activist, Things You Should Know About, Travel Corps, Travel Talk, True American Heroes, What'Cha Readin'?

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Comments: 27 ( 3 removed by Lisa Gensheimer )

Toni V. Jan 28, 2008, 5:34pm EST

Thanks for the information, Lisa.

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Richard Frisbie Jan 28, 2008, 5:59pm EST

Fascinating. PA has such a rich Civil War history - now they are pairing it with related subjects (the Underground RR is a natural) to create interesting weekends. You didn't say - are they family oriented? What do they provide - meals/lodging/admission - or are they self driven? This is a good idea - Thanks!

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Vivian P. Jan 28, 2008, 7:02pm EST

Thanks for the info I lived in Pa. as a kid

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Lisa Gensheimer Jan 28, 2008, 7:14pm EST

Richard, there are all kinds of activities planned to coincide with each book discussion program. For example, the first weekend in Erie, Pa., will introduce visitors to the quiet heroes of the Underground Railroad and a "taste" of history. They will learn about Erie native Harry T. Burleigh, the father of the American spiritual, whose grandfather, Hamilton Waters, was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, through stories and songs. A Civil War Regiment will perform, followed by an authentic lunch served by a local caterer called "History Never Tasted so Good." Then everyone will have the opportunity to participate in a live recording and concert of Harry T. Burleigh's first 12 spirituals. Out of towners are being encouraged to make reservations at the nearby Boothby Inn Bed-and-Breakfast . I will be checking out the itineraries in other cities soon.

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Bob C. Jan 28, 2008, 8:04pm EST

Lisa, thank you for this and the e-mail pointing me to it! The whole thing looks very interesting. Not only am I a Philly boy born and raised I have also always had much interest in the Civil War. Terry and I went to Gettysburgh last summer and it was so informative, yet also very somber and thought provoking. The devastation of the Civil War on this country was brutal! You could almost feel the pain there in so many different areas and different ways. In fact I think Terry really felt it deeply! She has such a kind heart and I think part of her was looking at it as a mother would and she just kept thinking about those boys on that battlefield and if she could have been there to help them or at least comfort them in a motherly way!

I will look into these more and get more details and maybe her and I will take in at least one of them. Her son is also big into the Civil War so maybe he will go along with us.

Thank you again!

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donna h. Jan 28, 2008, 8:38pm EST

Lisa, what I usually don't write about...is the way I feel when I am in Gettysburg. I have teared up over there...it is hard to explain...lol..believe it or not...it isn't always about the ghosts!!

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Lisa Gensheimer Jan 28, 2008, 8:50pm EST

Thanks Bob. I thought you and Terry would be interested. I've always loved the idea of combining reading and travel. Immerse yourself in one of these books and you'll be transported to another place and time.

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Lisa Gensheimer Jan 28, 2008, 8:52pm EST

Donna, I know what you mean. I'm looking forward to reading Margaret Creighton's book, Colors of Courage.

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Kimberly Ripley Jan 28, 2008, 8:53pm EST

Sounds wonderful, Lisa! I love Pennsylvania, but will be en route to Florida instead. Excellent photo essay. I always enjoy reading your work.

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Mary McCartt Jan 28, 2008, 10:24pm EST

I have been to Gettysburg three times. Each time I am filled with emotion looking out over the battlefields. They were so very brave.
Now with the information about the underground added the story will be complete. Thanks for sharing this with us, Lisa.

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Michele Scercy Jan 29, 2008, 9:52am EST

Excellent.

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Lisa Gensheimer Jan 29, 2008, 1:20pm EST

Here are links to the travel offices in each community. They'll be helpful in planning your itinerary when you come for the Live and Learn weekends:

VisitPittsburgh
VisitErie
Visit Scranton
Visit Lancaster
Visit Philadelphia

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Lisa Gensheimer Jan 29, 2008, 2:00pm EST

More details on Philadelphia's Quest For Freedom Live and Learn Weekend, coming up Feb. 8 and 9.

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Jo C. Jan 29, 2008, 5:20pm EST

Hi, Lisa
Sent you a quick Gather mail in response to a comment or query you had about an unrelated topic. Thanks for the fascinating review and historical info and links!

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becky soccer mom x1 p. Jan 30, 2008, 4:44pm EST

lisa
thanks for all the great info
we have been to gettsyburg many times.
i think 2 summers ago was the most recent.
no matter how long we stay you are unable to take everything in.
the history is long
and the feeling of just being there is so overwhelming

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vickie f. Jan 31, 2008, 1:27am EST

Thank you for the information, I like history

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Karolyn Q. Jan 31, 2008, 4:02pm EST

Thank you for the review. Sounds interesting.

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Melinda ~choosing happiness~ S. Feb 1, 2008, 10:20pm EST

That is so cool, Lisa. I mentioned your article to a friend who is a civil war buff- I would love to explore some of PA!

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Janet Somewhere Up On The Mount Feb 2, 2008, 3:38am EST

Wow Thank You Lisa. A lot of good history here for people who maybe plan on viviting Pa for the Pittsburgh Gathering. So much history to see here.
TY again.

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wiaka's just ... curious Feb 5, 2008, 3:27pm EST

As a fourth grader I was so interestedin the Civil War and was in love with Lee, I thought he was awesome. I still love history today and find it very interesting how events of the pass are interpeted yers down the road. Since I am older now I have lived through of of history and know that sometimes it just isn't so.

Blessings

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Lisa Gensheimer Feb 10, 2008, 1:38pm EST

Looks like the first Quest for Freedom weekends were a big success in Erie, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton. Thanks everyone for your comments. I will be accepting entries for the free DVDs until President's Day, February 18.

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elizabeth e. Feb 11, 2008, 8:33pm EST

This was just an awesome essay. As a family we spent several days in Pennsylvania with the kids in 1987....the kids were 4, 12 and 16. They loved Philadelphia and seeing the Liberty Bell and the place where the actual Constitution was written. We spent a day at Gettysburg and actually found the names of two of Papa's relative, one fighting for the north and the other for the south, who died there. And of course the older boys had to wade across the Delaware River, as did George Washington's troops. Thank goodness it was summertime.

I'm glad Pennsylvania is making "history come alive".

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Lisa Gensheimer Feb 20, 2008, 8:56am EST

Thanks Elizabeth. Pennsylvania has a real sense of its place in American history. And thank goodness there is a strong preservation movement afoot, or many of these resources would be lost.

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Ishbel R. Feb 20, 2008, 9:12am EST

It all sounds wonderful, Lisa.

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Diana Raabe Mar 2, 2008, 9:35pm EST

Excellent choices...

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Lisa Gensheimer Mar 4, 2008, 8:29am EST

The Quest for Freedom weekends are a great way to combine reading and discussion in a setting that brings these stories to life. Thanks Ishbel and Diana. From what I'm hearing, the first weekend was a big success.

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Alta B. Mar 6, 2008, 11:40am EST

This really sounds like something that I need to get my hands on. Home schooling our 3 boys sure has given me such an interest in teaching them about our history.

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