Joseph Simon, Lancaster, Lancaster County

I fully expected that, when I posted this article, I would be freshly returned from Zenkaikon, my beloved annual gathering of nerds at the Lancaster County Convention Center. It was supposed to have taken place this past weekend. Sadly, however, Zenkaikon - like pretty much everything else recently - was canceled in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. I fully understand the reasoning, of course, but it was disappointing all the same, and I just wanted to say hello to my fellow frustrated weirdos. We'll be back next year. Funny thing is, and I didn't know it when I started the article, the location of the convention is actually a little bit relevant to today's post.

Virtual Quests

I hope that all of my readers are staying safe and healthy during this incredibly weird period of history.

As you may have seen, I recently curated a post in which I tried to keep track of which historical attractions in Pennsylvania were changing their operations due to the COVID-19 situation. This became obsolete after a few days because, well, pretty much everything closed. With most of the people I know (including myself) out of work for a little while, and with the schools closed and kids at home, I thought maybe it would help if I offered some diversion.

Diversion in keeping with the theme of the blog, of course. Turns out that a lot of places offer virtual programming and online activities to keep people interested even when they can't be there in person. So I'm putting together a list, and if you have any suggestions for additions, please comment here or on Facebook to give me the link so I can check it out. Please feel free to share this post with anyone who loves history, or who has kids home from school (or are homeschooling) and want something educational to entertain them. Everything on this list is free for everyone to enjoy.

Under the cut you'll find links to online offerings both in Pennsylvania and outside of it, so even if you don't live here I hope you'll take a look at what we have. In the meantime, please do keep yourselves well, and look for my regularly scheduled quest update next Wednesday.

Last updated: March 20th, 11:30 a.m.

The COVID-19 Report

This isn't something I would normally do, but let's face it: right now we are living in some interesting times. Like the rest of the United States (and indeed, the world), Pennsylvania is experiencing difficulties related to COVID-19, or the Coronavirus, and a lot of places are closing or changing plans.

I can't really do much to help with the situation at all, obviously, although doing so is my natural inclination. What I can do, at least, is compile what I know about programming changes in order to keep you, my readers, updated on the situation at any places you intended to visit. I mostly track such stuff in my own native eastern Pennsylvania, so I don't have much information about anything very far to the west - if you know of something which should be on this list, by all means leave a comment here or on the blog's Facebook page. I'll update this post periodically with new information as I receive it; if a particular historic site interests you, I encourage you to keep an eye on its website and/or social media so you have the latest details. And you can always visit some of them by rereading posts here on MarkerQuest!

It's worth mentioning that many of these organizations are non-profits which rely on public contributions (like entrance fees) in order to keep their programs operational. If you're in a position to donate to any of them which are especially dear to you, please consider doing so. Many donations are tax-deductible, and you'll make it possible for them to continue to do what they do once the pandemic is no longer a threat. Some of these organizations also have virtual gift shops, which is another way in which you can support them during this difficult time.

Please remember to wash your hands often, don't hoard the toilet paper, and look out for your neighbors - especially if they're elderly or immunocompromised. (And believe me, you know more immunocompromised people than you think.) Thank you to the social media team at Discover Lehigh Valley for some of this information!

Last update: March 16, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.: All nonessential businesses across Pennsylvania have been ordered to close by the Office of the Governor. Trash collection will continue; essential businesses such as medical services, grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations will remain open. Restaurants may offer takeout or drive-thru service only. Basically, this list is now somewhat obsolete, because pretty much everything is closed. But I'll keep it up because the links may be of use to people.

Indiantown and Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Annville, Lebanon County

This rightly should have been posted two weeks ago, but it turned out to be more complicated than I expected; I also haven't been feeling my best, thanks to all the shifts in Pennsylvania's weather.

Before we get started, I wanted to let my readers know that the PHMC has begun sharing this year's marker dedication ceremonies on its calendar. The first one will be in Chester County next month, when a marker will celebrate musician Jim Croce. I'm not sure whether I'll be able to make it there myself, but we'll see!

My initial intention with this post was to do it simply about the "Indiantown" marker. The thing is, there's not a whole lot to say about that one. So I ended up having to bundle it in with Fort Indiantown Gap, about which there's plenty more information, and the result is that you get this massive twofer - or if you want to be picky, a fourfer, since Fort Indiantown Gap has three markers to its name.