Felling Penn’s Woods: Exhibit Talk with Lynn Smoker

Step into the rugged world of lumbering with collector and historian Lynn Smoker as he presents a special exhibit and talk on the history of Pennsylvania’s timber industry and its deep connection to the Susquehanna River. Before trains and highways, timber harvested from Pennsylvania’s vast forests was floated downriver in enormous rafts, guided by skilled and daring rivermen who faced shifting currents, dangerous weather, and the constant threat of disaster. This was hard, risky work, but it was vital to building cities, industries, and everyday life across the state and beyond.

Through a display of tools, artifacts, and images, Smoker’s exhibit brings to life the stories of the people who worked the river and the communities shaped by this powerful trade. His talk will highlight the techniques, traditions, and dangers of lumber rafting, while also connecting this history to the larger economic and cultural forces that shaped the region. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on history, river lore, or the drama of early industry, this program offers a fascinating look at a defining chapter of life on the Susquehanna.

What’s included
-1 hour talk
-Exhibit viewing
-Light refreshments