The museum grand opening will be in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, June 5 -- the same day as National Trail Day.
A highlight of Appalachian Trails Days will be on Saturday, May 15, with the 2 p.m. "Hiker Parade" through Damascus. Larry Luxenberg, president of the Appalachian Trail Museum Society, will be the parade grand marshal, and members of the society's board of directors also will participate. Over the three day period, there will be a host of activities including fishing tournaments, book sales and signings, a half marathon, concerts, dances, auctions, films, games and demonstrations. A full schedule of activities is available at http://www.traildays.us/
"We are honored to be recognized by the Appalachian Trail Days organizers, and we hope those attending Trail Days also will attend the opening of the Appalachian Trail Museum," said Luxenberg. "The Appalachian Trail Museum will be the only museum in the United States devoted to hiking so we have a natural bond with Trail Days."
The Appalachian Trail Museum (www.atmuseum.org) is conveniently located near Carlisle, Gettysburg, and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Visitors also will enjoy visiting the historic iron furnace of Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the Pine Grove General Store. The midway point of the Appalachian Trail is approximately two miles west of the museum in Michaux State Forest, but the trail itself is an easy walk from the museum as it weaves through Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
About the Appalachian Trail Museum Society
The Appalachian Trail Museum Society, a 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization formed in 2002, is organizing volunteers and fundraising nationwide to establish the Appalachian Trail Museum as a tribute to the thousands of men, women and families who have hiked and maintained the 2,179 mile long hiking trail that passes through 14 states from Maine to Georgia. The museum is located in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, Pennsylvania, conveniently near Carlisle, Gettysburg and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Additional information is available at www.atmuseum.org.
MEDIA CONTACT- Joe Patterson
Communications Committee-Appalachian Trail Museum Society
717-823-7556 - joseph.patterson@e-lynxx.com