The Bradford County Historical Society, based in Towanda, Bradford County, PA, is one of the oldest county historical societies in the state. A foster child of the Bradford County Medical Society, the Bradford County Historical Society was organized on May 5, 1870, and incorporated on February 12, 1875. A singular donation of ten dollars constituted a life membership, with an exemption to the holder from further dues. Otherwise, an annual contribution of one dollar from members was required.
Christopher L. Ward was the first president and, in ill health at the time, died ten days after the inaugural meeting. The Society persevered, held frequent meetings and gathered considerable material relating to the early days of Bradford County. This was displayed and stored in two cases in the Grand Jury Room at the County Courthouse.
The Society continued in this mode until 1903, when the County Commissioners leased to the Society the small brick annex to the old courthouse. A museum and historical library remained there until 1974, when it was moved to 21 Main Street, Towanda. The museum and library were housed on Main Street until 2000, when the first phase of the “Jail Project” was completed for the genealogical and research library and materials. The remaining exhibit construction was completed in May 2002, when the entire facility became available for public use.
A Museum in a Jail
The old jail is located at 109 Pine Street in the center of Towanda’s Historic District. It was designed by Susquehanna County architect, Avery Frink. He had designed a jail for Susquehanna County and was experienced in the needs of this type of facility. The County Commissioners decided to build the jail themselves under the supervision of Avery Frink, rather than contracting the work. Construction of the massive stone building was begun in 1871 and within two years it was completed. The three-story structure was built with stone quaried from Barclay Mountain. Two distinct sections mark this remarkable structure - the dwelling house in the front and the cell block in the back. The first prisoners were moved in August 14, 1873 and the jail was used until its closing in 1991. The Bradford County Commissioners transferred the property to the Bradford County Historical Society in 1998.
Exhibits & Research Facilities
Today, the museum features two floors of museum exhibits, which are creatively arranged in what were the cellblocks. The third floor features a genealogical and historical research library that houses a variety of resources for researchers. Visit the Bradford County Historical Society website for more information.
