On Saturday, September 17, fifty members of the PA. Forestry Association visited the Discovery Center during their annual meeting held at the nearby Penn State Mont Alto. For many it was their first visit since the Center opened. Enjoy these pictures from the afternoon.
Bill Parr presents a 125th anniversary memorial spade to the PFA with Smokey's help..
Joe Devilbiss and Mike Kusko with the firefighter mannequin.
Today the Forest Heritage Discovery Center welcomed 67 campers from the Hagerstown YMCA. They had a great time exploring the exhibits and learning about forest fire fighting and Smokey the Bear. Thanks for the visit!
In spite of the rain, over 100 people attended the grand opening of the Forest History and Discovery Center at Caledonia State Park today (5/14). Just when it was time for the opening ceremony, the skies opened up and we adjourned to the conference room of the park headquarters next door.
PFFMA President John Graham starts off the ceremony.
Rev. Deacon Michael J. Ripton gave the invocation.
Steve Cummings gives a few words on the importance of Boy Scouts in the protection and reforestation of Pennsylvania.
John Bitzer gave the keynote address.
John Norbeck, Director of the DCNR Bureau of Parks welcomed the Discovery Center to Caledonia State Park.
Randy White, the PA Chief Forest Fire Warden, stressed the importance of remembering the history of forest fire fighting.
Joe Rothrock III donated a copy of the Journal of the Wheeling Expedition, written by Dr. Joseph Rothrock, the father of forestry in Pennsylvania.
Cutting the Ribbon!
The wonderful refreshments were provided by Brad and Sharon Bates of The Caledonia House in Mont Alto.
The board of the PA Forest Fire Museum Association met on Februrary 16 at the State Museum in Harrisburg. It was a great opportunity to visit the Wood on Glass Exhibit of glass photos of early logging in Pennsylvania. There were some great ideas of how mount exhibits.
The board discussed the grand opening date for the Discovery Center at Caledonia State Park. It will be in April. More news to follow.
(Museum photos by Peter Linehan. Meeting photo by John Ritter )
