
Published: November 5, 2021
Stepping into the Past
“The war to end all wars”, “The Great War” or War World I as it is more formally is known, is a devastating part of Earth’s history. The war was fought over the course of 4 years, involved over 30 nations and was fought on 4 continents. The Great War officially ended on June 28, 1919 with the Treaty of Versailles. However the fighting ceased on the Eleventh hour of the Eleventh day of the Eleventh month in 1918, with an armistice.
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November 11th or Veterans Day, is a day most Americans know, it is a usually a paid holiday, a day people go shopping, relax or spend time with family. Most people do not realize the history of Veterans Day. History that can be traced back to the WWI’s armistice. In 1919, the first commemoration of Armistice Day was declared by President Wilson.
His commemoration address contained the following:
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“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
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Originally November 11th was supposed to be celebrated as a day of observance. In 1938 Congress made November 11th a federal holiday, as a day set aside to honor WWI veterans. Then in 1954 World War II required the largest mobilization of our nations soldiers. The 83rd Congress (1954) amended the Armistice Day Act, to replace Armistice to Veteran, in order to honor all American Veterans of War.
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Later on in the year President Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” stating:
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“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”
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Steppingstone Farm Museum is operated by the Steppingstone Museum Association, Inc., a
private non-profit with a long term lease of the previous Paul farm property in Susquehanna State Park. This land is part of the Land of Promise tract from the first land survey in 1684. The museum was established in 1970 with the collections of Mr. J.E. Bull. After his passing in 1976, the museum moved to the Land of Promise in Susquehanna State Park. The museum demonstrates historic trades to the public from 11am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays from
April-October. The office is open year-round from
9am-2pm Tuesday- Friday and the grounds are open to foot, paw, hoof, and bike traffic from 9am to sunset every day.
The museum offers many special events throughout the season, private and school tours, special programs, and site rentals. These programs, gift shop sales, grants, memberships, and private donations support the museum.
Calendar of Events

Looking Forward to 2022...


Board of Directors
Robert Thresher
President
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Ron Querns
First Vice President
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Teresa Stout
Second Vice President
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Robert Thresher
(Acting) Treasurer
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Wendy O'Steen
Secretary
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Josephine Bodt
John Stanley
Amanda Hickman
Mark Herman
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Honorary Directors
Don Osman
Carolyn Smith
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Museum Staff
Haley I. M. Strong
Executive Director
director@steppingstonemuseum.org
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Stephanie Kennedy
Museum Manager
stephanie@steppingstonemuseum.org
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Katelyn Long​
Curator
katelyn@steppingstonemuseum.org
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Heather Uzdilla
Site Coordinator
heather@steppingstonemuseum.org
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Michael Carney
Maintenance Personnel
From the Desk of the Director
Haley I. M. Strong
This year has been a busy one for the Museum! We have welcomed new staff, new volunteers and have said good bye to some friends. We had a record breaking Fall Harvest Festival, with an estimated 2,500 attendees through the gate, 70+ volunteers, 5 sponsorships and a miraculous revenue margin. We are extremely thankful for all the community support and volunteer help we received. While we have not finished up with 2021 yet, we are looking forward to an exciting 2022 season.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Steppingstone Wish List
The below items are needed at the museum. We will provide a donation letter for your tax deduction use.
Thank you for thinking of us!​
Our Amazon Wishlist can
be found by clicking
HERE
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Season's Views


Keep in Step with the Steppingstone
The
Cornerstone

Steppingstone's Volunteer Corner
Thank you to all the Volunteers that have helped out at or with past events!
Amanda Hickman
The Archer Camp
Art Elsner
Barbara Elsner
Ben Uzdilla
Bill Watson
Brennan McDonough
Bridget Graff
Coralee Simms
David Turney
Emily Schmidt
Gail Connolly
Geoff Graff
Gerry Scarfe
Jason Gallion
Jim Pisciotta
Jo, Bernie & Bryon Bodt
Joe Cambria
John Hughes
John Stanley
Judi & Joe Robillota
Kelly Landers
Madelyn Danner
Mark Herman
Maryellen & Lou Kosydar
Mike Dawson
Nancy Hill
Nick Thresher
Oscar Jones
Russ Emery
Stephanie Comer
Sue Leonard
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Sydney Lewis
Taylor Birmingham
Taylor Kennedy
Terry & Allen DeShong
Wade & Karen Whitlock
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Heather Gibson
Cub scout troop
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Heidi Gerard
and Inner County Outreach
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Jessica Wehde
Girl scout troop