MUSEUMS: It’s summer time, and we know conscientious parents might want to squeeze in something educational during children’s free months.

The Keystone Newsroom at keystonenewsroom.com had a story on free museums to visit in Pennsylvania, including one near and dear to all of us — Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store. Here are a few others.

The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg has exhibits and historic halls, along with state government. Note that self-guided tours are not available on weekends and holidays.

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State has thousands of pieces of art from around the world, like photographs by Andy Warhol, a variety of Japanese prints, and ancient, handmade objects from early cultures.

The Gettysburg Museum of History is completely free. Exhibits display thousands of artifacts from America’s bloodiest war as well as the World Wars, presidents, and other American phenomena. Don’t forget to also see the battlefield at nearby Gettysburg National Military Park, which is free to explore.

The Appalachian Trail Museum at Gardners tells the story of the Appalachian Trail — also known as the “AT”— from the people behind its creation and maintenance to the trail’s hikers, both past and present. You can find the museum near the midpoint of the AT within Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

The York Barbell Weightlifting Hall of Fame is located at the corporate headquarters of York Barbell, but don’t worry about product placement. The Weightlifting Hall of Fame tracks the entire history of weightlifting, from ancient tests of strength to the bodybuilding of today, with extensive exhibits dedicated to the popular sport.

The Trundle Manor in Swissvale is home to a couple’s collection of cryptozoology and taxidermy finds as well as other strange objects.