<![CDATA[Appalachian Trail Museum - News]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:26:47 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Rescheduled - The A.T. Museum Welcomes Kip Redick]]>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:14:07 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/rescheduled-the-at-museum-welcomes-kip-redickPictureKip Redick, courtesy of the author
The A.T. Museum welcomes Kip Redick, author of "American Camino: Walking as Spiritual Practice on the Appalachian Trail", on Monday, October 12th at 1pm at Bosler Library in Carlisle. Kip is professor of philosophy and religion at Christopher Newport University.

Hikers have been walking the Appalachian Trail since 1948, when Earl Shaffer completed the first hike. Some hike just to enjoy the scenery, while others experience the trek as a spiritual journey. In American Camino: Walking as Spiritual Practice on the Appalachian Trail, Kip Redick engages in a phenomenological exploration of the relationship between long-distance hiking—in this case, hiking the Appalachian Trail—and spiritual pilgrimage. This book shows the way the Appalachian Trail concretizes existential connections between the hikers’ spiritual experiences and intersubjective relationships with various constituents on and around the trail: mountainous wilderness; its variation of flora, fauna, geology, and watershed; and social interactions with fellow hikers and with communities near the trail. Redick contrasts “spiritual rambling” with other approaches to hiking, such as scenic hikes where an experience of landscape is the focus, or a series of other aesthetic encounters that involve hikers’ connection with nature. This book interprets the Appalachian Trail as a site of spiritual journey and those who hike the wilderness trail as contemporary pilgrims.

Location: This event will take place at Bosler Library, 158 W High St, Carlisle, PA 17013.

Date/Time: Monday, October 12th at 1pm
]]><![CDATA[Happy Trails To A.T. Hall Of Famer Bill Kemsley]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:39:34 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/happy-trails-to-at-hall-of-famer-bill-kemsleyPictureBill Kemsley, 1928 - 2026, photo credit Taos News
We're sad to report that Bill Kemsley, a member of our Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame, has passed away at age 98.

Known to many as “Backpacker Bill,” Kemsley founded Backpacker magazine in 1973 and later co-founded the American Hiking Society in 1976. He was a leading advocate for the Appalachian Trail, helping build public support for legislation that secured federal funding and land acquisition to protect and complete the iconic trail. In 2018, he was inducted into the A.T. Hall of Fame for his contributions to trail advocacy and conservation.

Bill's book, "One Step At A Time" is available for purchase at the Museum and HERE at our online store.

Thanks to the Taos News for information used in this article, as well as the accompanying photo.
]]><![CDATA[Schedule For The 2026 A.T. Arts & Culture Festival, June 20]]>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:24:08 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/schedule-for-the-2026-at-arts-cluture-festival2026 A.T. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL
presented by Earl Shaffer Foundation & Appalachian Trail Museum
10 AM-10:15 AM        Welcome Bill O’Brien A.T. Museum President and Sanna Larsen Bagby of Earl Shaffer Foundation
                                    What’s New at the Museum Julie Queen, A.T. Museum Manager
                                    Today’s Schedule Gwen Loose, AT Museum Vice-president
 
10:15 AM-11:15 AM   Meet these A.T. Authors
Craig A. Eckert: Rocks, Roots and Rattlesnakes A Geologist’s Journal: 150 Days of Discovery on the Appalachian Trail
Kip Redick: American Camino: Walking as Spiritual Practice on the Appalachian Trail 
Craig Barnhart and Nancy Stawitz: Appalachian Trail Dog Extraordinaire! A trail adventure from the viewpoint of a dog
 
11:15 AM-11:30 AM     Break
 
11:30 AM-12:30 PM   “Make It Yourself” Trail Gear
Nancy Barnhart and Sanna Bagby begin a discussion about making your own trail gear. Others are then invited to share their unique trail gear.
 
12:30 PM-1:30 PM      Picnic Lunch Courtesy of the Earl Shaffer Foundation
                                    Music by Shine Delphi
Shine Delphi travels this world with a resonator guitar and a few words to share. Born in Pennsylvania, raised in California, and rebirthed in the crescent city of New Orleans. Shine is a performer that will leave you feeling good and wanting more. From his technical ability on the guitar to his simple yet touching lyrics, he is an act that spans many genres and all ages. He has opened for such bands as The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, and The Tony Rice Unit just to name a few. 
 
1:30 PM—2:30 PM     Open Mic Readings from books or trail journals, poetry, songs
The Blue Blazes leads us in a sing-along of some of Earl Shaffer’s original songs. Others are then invited to share to share their creative works.
 
2:30 PM-3:30 PM        Artists Inspired by Mountain Flora & Fauna
Janette Musser-Toth and Nancy Stawitz Barnhart share their artwork inspired by nature.
Janette is an impressionist painter, originally from the Pittsburgh area, who has been a professional artist for over 40 years in various fields including theatre.
Nancy is an artist, designer, deep thinker, and lover of the Natural World, born in Florida, raised in Puerto Rico, lived the majority of her life in south central Pennsylvania as a professional dinnerware designer and then massage therapist.
                                               
3: 30 PM     Closing Remarks Sanna Larsen Bagby of Earl Shaffer Foundation and Bill O’Brien A.T. Museum President
                                               
4:00 PM-4:45 PM       CONCERT & HAPPY HOUR  Music by Cumberland Honey Duo. Mocktails by Lisa Kovatch.
Please join us on the A.T. Museum lawn for a musical treat, herbal refreshments, and socializing.
Museum will remain open until 5:00 PM.                                  
Hailing from the heart of Cumberland County, PA, Cumberland Honey Duo brings sweet harmonies with folk and soul influences and a taste of bluegrass. Their original songs weave stories of life and love with heartfelt harmonies that feel like home.
]]><![CDATA[Anne Van Curren As Grandma Gatewood, July 11, 2 pm]]>Sun, 24 May 2026 10:14:07 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/anne-van-curren-as-grandma-gatewood-july-11-2-pmPicture
The A.T. Museum is excited to host Anne Van Curen on Saturday, July 11th! Actress Anne Van Curen transforms into Emma "Grandma" Gatewood to describe what it was like to be the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955. The dramatization is based off of the book "Grandma Gatewood's Walk", which was written from accounts of Gatewood's surviving family members, newspaper magazine articles and her own diaries and trail journals.

Anne will present a 35-minute monologue followed by a question and answer time. This program will take place outside in the grassy area below the museum, close to Furnace Stack parking. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
Location: Appalachian Trail Museum (outside), 1120 Pine Grove Rd, Gardners, PA 17324 Date/Time: Saturday, July 11th at 2pm.
]]><![CDATA[A.T. Museum Arts & Culture Festival, Saturday, June 20th]]>Sun, 24 May 2026 09:46:12 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/at-museum-arts-culture-festival-saturday-june-20thPicture
The Appalachian Trail Museum & The Earl Shaffer Foundation present the Appalachian Trail Arts & Culture Festival on Saturday, June 20th from 10am-4pm. This event will feature authors, artists, poets, musicians, and storytellers. There will also be a community lunch. Additional details to follow.
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Location: Furnace Stack Pavilion @ Pine Grove Furnace State Park, just behind the Appalachian Trail Museum.
]]><![CDATA[We Have A New Mailing Address!!]]>Tue, 05 May 2026 12:38:15 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/we-have-a-new-mailing-addressThe A.T. Museum has a new mailing address. It is P.O. Box 45, Camp Hill, PA 17001. The Museum's physical address remains the same, 1120 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA. 

To ensure the most efficient and secure delivery of your mail, please send all mail correspondence to our new mailing address.]]><![CDATA[Author Steve Carpenter at the A.T. Museum June 12, 3 pm]]>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:43:35 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/author-steve-carprenter-at-the-at-museum-june-12-3-pmPicture
The AT Museum welcomes Steve Carpenter, author of The Allure and Peril of the Appalachian Trail, on Friday, June 12th at 3pm. Steve is an avid hiker, swimmer, biker, and sailor. Over a period of 15 years, he section hiked 1,100 miles of the Appalachian Trail, including most of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and all but a few miles in New England.

From the book’s description: Contrary to Bill Bryson’s popular book’s title, hiking the Appalachian Trail isn’t just “a walk in the woods.” It is a long and strenuous hike and danger abounds for unwary hikers. For many, the risk of peril adds to the allure of the trail. In this enthralling volume, long-time hiker Steve Carpenter explores the joys of the trail and the misfortunes that have befallen hikers. Including some history of the trail, Carpenter relays encounters with wildlife, accidents on the trail, and meetings with larger-than-life thru hikers. 

Location: This will be an outdoor program at the AT Museum, 1120 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324. Please bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on.

Date/Time: Friday, June 12th at 3pm
]]><![CDATA[The Best Way To Remember Katy Sexton]]>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:18:19 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/the-best-way-to-remember-katy-sextonPictureKaty & Jay Sexton, credit Jay Sexton
In 2016, a serviceberry tree was purchased and planted in memory of long time, dedicated member and docent, Katherine "Katy" Sexton. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Katy was a teacher, a librarian and loved to hike.  Along with her husband, Jay, they introduced countless young adults to the outdoors as they led them on adventure trips across the United States.  So many lives were positively affected by her zest and genuine love of life. 

​The Appalachian Trail Museum board and Katy’s family wanted a way to allow her spirit to live on near her home in Gardners, PA.  Together, they decided to plant a serviceberry tree in her memory.  On June 4th, 2016, Katy’s family was present during the dedication that was part of the grand opening of the children’s museum. 
PictureKaty Sexton Memorial Serviceberry in bloom at A.T. Museum, credit Ed Riggs
The service berry is a native North American tree that provides something for every season.  It has white spring flowers, edible purple fruit in early June, yellow to red fall foliage, and smooth gray bark.  Katy’s favorite part of the serviceberry tree is the early blooms indicating the arrival of spring.  This memorial tree is located on the southwest corner of the Appalachian Trial Museum, near the entrance to the children’s exhibits.  Also of note is the reading nook established in the children’s section.  It contains a host of donated books, some donated by Katy herself, for all ages to enjoy. So apropos for her love of youth, teaching and being a librarian!  
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We welcome everyone to stop by, visit the museum, discover Katy’s tree and appreciate all of the native trees and plants that surround the museum, and think Spring!

- Judy Bennett, A.T. Museum Board Member
]]><![CDATA[2026 Appalachian Trail Hall Of Fame Banquet Tickets Now On Sale]]>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:24:09 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/2026-appalachian-trail-hall-of-fame-banquet-tickets-now-on-saleThe Appalachian Trail Museum is pleased to announce that the 2026 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026.  The 2026 Banquet will return to the Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company, located at 164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, WV.  The event will begin with interviews with the honorees at 10 am, followed by a reception at 11 am, luncheon at noon and then the Hall of Fame Induction. Follow THIS LINK for more information and to purchase tickets. 

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The Bavarian Inn is a well-known landmark in the Potomac River Valley, located in Shepherdstown, WV, just minutes from historic Harpers Ferry, the Antietam Battlefield and other landmarks. Perched on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Potomac River, the 11-acre European Inspired Boutique Resort offers comfort, elegance, and world-class food and service. The Bavarian Inn has won many awards, including the AAA Four Diamond and Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence.
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As previously announced the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees are Daniel Chazin, Elmer Hall, Reese Lukei, Jr. and Sandra Marra. More information on the 2026 Class is available HERE. The M.C. for the 2025 Banquet will be Ron Tipton.
]]><![CDATA[2026 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Inductees Announced]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:58:01 GMThttps://www.atmuseum.org/news/2026-appalachian-trail-hall-of-fame-inductees-announcedThe sixteenth class of Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame honorees has been announced by the Appalachian Trail Museum’s Hall of Fame selection committee.
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The 2026 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame class honorees are Daniel Chazin of Teaneck, New Jersey; Elmer Hall of Hot Springs, North Carolina, Reese Lukei, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Sandra Marra of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
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PictureDaniel Chazin, courtesy Jewish Standard
Daniel Chazin is well known within the New York New Jersey Trail Conference for his decades of work compiling data and writing books about trails in that region. Others may be unaware that he performs a vital service for all A.T. users.  For over 40 years he has served as the compiler of data for the A.T. Data Book, an annual publication of ATC that provides mileages and information on facilities along the Trail from Maine to Georgia. The Data Book is the source document for information on the Trail used by all other Trail guides, online apps, websites, etc.

In addition to this work, Daniel has found time to write a hiking column for a local newspaper, serve on the NYNJTC board and head their publications committee.  He volunteers for the A.T. because a continuous greenway that allows millions to enjoy nature appeals to him.  It is “a great resource” he says, “that links communities together in a common effort.”
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PictureElmer Hall, courtesy Janice Coverdale
Those hiking the A.T. near Hot Springs, North Carolina know that they are well advised to hurry into town to get one of the spots at the historic Sunnybank Inn. For 48 years Elmer Hall has hosted hikers in his 180 year old home and treated them to home cooked chef-quality all you can eat vegetarian meals. Elmer discovered Hot Springs while hiking the A.T. in the 1970s. He needed a break from running a busy vegetarian restaurant in Durham, NC. After finishing the hike, he felt drawn to Hot Springs and Sunnybank and eventually acquired the house.
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Becoming active in the Hot Springs community, Elmer founded Trailfest. One of the best known and well attended festivals on the Trail, Trailfest hosts thousands of hikers, locals and others in early May of each year. Whether you know his place as Sunnybank or Elmer’s, his establishment has become a legendary spot on the Trail.
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PictureReese Lukei, courtesy Hikanation
There seems to be no end to the boot tracks Reese Lukei has left on A.T.  He is a life and honorary member of the A.T. and was on its Board three different times. For five years he edited “The Register,” the maintenance newsletter for ATC Clubs.  He chaired the “Youth Committee” (now called Outreach) and promoted the Boy Scout Backpacking merit badge. Reese was a founding member of the “Konnarock Crew” and was crew leader for two years, and served as president of the Tidewater A.T. Club. 
 
Somehow he found time to be co-founder of the “Committee of 17” which got the ATC involved in the Partnership for the National Trails System.  His talents didn’t stop there, as he was also National Coordinator of the American Discovery Trail, and east coast state coordinator of HikaNation, the 1981 hike across the country from California to Delaware.
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PictureSandi Marra, courtesy ATC
Sandi Marra says that she has had a literal and figurative romance with the Appalachian Trail since 1983. She began her decades long involvement with the A.T. then, including volunteering at the Blackburn Trail Center and other trail work with the Potomac A.T. Club. Later on, she joined the Board of Appalachian Trail Conservancy and eventually became its Chair. When ATC’s CEO resigned in 2019, Sandi agreed to become interim CEO. She was persuaded to allow that interim role to become permanent, serving until January, 2026, while guiding ATC through numerous challenges, including the COVID pandemic.
 
Coincidentally with her introduction to the Trail in 1983, she met another volunteer named Chris Brunton, a/k/a Trail Boss. Their friendship became a romantic one and they married at Blackburn. Their love affair continues after more than 40 years. Trail Boss is himself a legend of the A.T., elected to the Hall in 2020.
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PictureRon Tipton
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class will be honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at the Bavarian Inn Resort in Shepherdstown, WV. Following a reception at 11 am, luncheon will be served at noon and the Induction will begin at 1 pm. The Induction will be one of a full schedule of events during the Hall of Fame Weekend. Our MC will be Ron Tipton. Among Ron’s many accomplishments, he is the former CEO of ATC, a member of the 2025 Class of the A.T. Hall of Fame and a member of the Hall of Fame selection committee. More information on the 2026 Banquet will be announced soon.
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