The long awaited Appalachian Trail Museum celebrated its grand opening on National Trails Day, June 5, 2010. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the Museum is open every day from noon to 4:00 PM, and in the spring and fall during the same hours, but only on weekends. Admission is free.
The museum is located inside a 200-year-old former grist mill at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania. The suggestion to locate the museum here was first made to the AT Museum Society by Earl's youngest brother, John Shaffer. Negotiation between the Appalachian Trail Museum Society and Pine Grove Furnace State Park later resulted in an agreement to house the museum in this historic building in the park.
Earl lived not far from Pine Grove Furnace State Park for many years before he passed away in 2002, and had often participated in hiker events held at the park's Iron Master's Mansion located a short walk from the new Museum's location.
One of the featured exhibits at the museum is the reconstructed Peters Mountain A.T. Shelter, which at the time it was dismantled was the last remaining shelter standing on the A.T. built by Earl. It was one of six shelters that Earl himself constructed during the 1950s and 60s.
The A.T. Museum welcomes volunteer participation in the operation of the museum. CLICK HERE for more information.