BCHS Receives Contribution from Chesapeake Energy

Bradford County Historical Society recently received a contribution from Chesapeake Energy for $10,000 in support of the society’s energy project. Matthew Carl, Manager/Curator at the Bradford County Historical Society, is presented the honorary check from Jane Clements, Coordinator of Corporate Development at Chesapeake’s Towanda office. The funding will be matched with a contribution from the Allen F. Pierce Foundation to complete upgrades that were suggested in an energy audit that the historical society had done last year. The current focus of the project is the research library where improvements in heat retention and insulation will be made. Besides its own research material and collections, the Bradford County Historical Society is a repository for Bradford County’s oldest public records including deed books, mortgage books, tax records, court records and much more. The historical society’s research library will be closed from December 24 until March 31 to undertake several energy improvements. For more information about the Bradford County Historical Society, visit www.bradfordhistory.com or visit the society’s Facebook page.

“The End of an Era” painting donated to BCHS

The Bradford County Historical Society recently received a painting entitled, “The End of an Era,” as a gift from Cheri Burchard, a native of Towanda and now a painter from Dawsonville, Georgia.

The painting shows a barn and silo set in a country landscape, a scene that reminds Cheri of her childhood in Towanda during the 1940’s and 50’s.

Cheri Fitzgerald Burchard’s journey as an artist began with her first art lesson at age nine with her mother, Dorothy Young Fitzgerald, in the basement of Harden’s Store in Towanda. The lessons were taught by an artist from Elmira. Cheri remembers, “We took the class to help us through the grief of losing my father, William Paul Fitzgerald, in a car accident on the bridge over the railroad tracks in Waverly.”

She continued painting and later trained at the National Cathedral School and at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Subsequently, Cheri studied art at Sweet Briar College, sculpture at the American University, design at the International Institute of Interior Design, sculpture at La Escuella Belles Artes in Mexico City and has also studied at the Louvre in France.
Cheri has taught the history of art, rendering, mechanical drawing, art practicum, and the psychology of color at Bay Path College, Teikyo Post University, and the University of Connecticut, respectively.

Cheri makes brilliant use of confident colors and textures in her paintings, describing herself as a post-impressionistic colorist. She describes painting as a spiritual experience and she hopes that her paintings will bring joy, beauty and blessing to their owners.

These paintings have hung in galleries in New England, Virginia Beach, and Georgia to name a few. Her art is also displayed in the United States Senate building (Georgia office) in Washington, DC.

Despite Cheri’s success, many of her most cherished memories are of times spent in her hometown.

“My heart will always love and be thankful for my youth in Bradford County,” explained Cheri. “Some Sunday afternoons my family would take a ride out on dirt roads to see the animals, farms and beautiful scenery. This was a real treat because gas was rationed. When I was child dairy farming was our major industry.”

“The End of an Era” will be on display when the Bradford County Historical Society museum reopens next Spring for the 2011 season.

For more information on Cheri Burchard and her art, visit her website at www.cheriburchard.com. More information about the Bradford County Historical Society can be found at www.bradfordhistory.com. The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of PHMC and the Bradford County United Way.

New Poll Question on BCHS Website

A new poll question has been posted on the Bradford County Historical Society's website. The question is, "Housing was built along the riverbank in French Azilum for who?" Go to www.bradfordhistory.com to cast your vote and to see the answer to the previous poll question.

Annual Book Sale, December 5

Our annual Christmas book sale will be held Sunday, December 5, 11 am - 3 pm at the Bradford County Historical Society, 109 Pine Street, Towanda. Our new 1858 Bradford County atlas will be released that day and other publications will be on sale.

Research Library to Close for the Winter, December 23

A reminder to researchers that the BCHS research library will close for the winter at the end of business on December 23, 2010. Be sure to visit the research library before then during regular business hours. We will reopen on April 1. Due to the elimination of state funding, it is necessary for us to cut expenses where possible. Research letters will continue to be accepted during the winter.

New 1858 Atlas to be Released December 5th! Preorder now!

The Bradford County Historical Society's new atlas, "Map of Bradford County, Pennsylvania - 1858" will be released on December 5th, the day of the Society's Christmas book sale. Similar to the 1869 atlas reprinted by the Bradford County Historical Society in 1999, this book features a map of each township and borough that shows the location of houses, mills and public buildings in 1858. The entire set of maps is indexed, making it easy to quickly locate your ancestor. 128 pages. Full color. High quality hard cover binding. All preordered books will be shipped the first week of December, in time for Christmas!

Visit our website at http://www.bradfordhistory.com/ and download a preorder form on the front page of the site.

"Laquin: Behind the Photos" Coming to Sayre Theatre, October 30

The Bradford County Historical Society is coming to the Sayre Theatre to present the program, "Laquin: Behind the Photos," on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 1 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $8 per person in advance and may be purchased at the Bradford County Historical Society, Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets may also be ordered online by visiting www.bradfordhistory.com and clicking on Ticket Office, or by phone at 570-265-2240. Online and phone orders must be received at BCHS by October 25th. Tickets cannot be held at the door.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $10 each. No guarantee is made that tickets will be available at the door.

Please note that this program has sold out in the past and tickets go fast each time it is presented. This is the final time that this program will be presented so plan accordingly to ensure a seat at this event!

Proceeds from the event will be used to cover the cost of bringing the program to Towanda and will also be used to support special projects at the Bradford County Historical Society.

"Laquin: Behind the Photos" is a unique program that takes the audience on a tour of the lumber town of Laquin, located on Barclay Mountain in Bradford County. Using over 100 images which are supplemented by maps, the program makes it possible for the audience to learn about the history of the town by actually seeing its buildings, factories, and people. Each photograph in the program is described during the presentation to allow participants to understand what they are viewing.

Many of the images were made from glass plate negatives in the Historical Society collection. In addition, the program will also feature photographs that have been received by the society since the publication of the book, "Barclay Mountain – A History," in 2007.

"If you have an interest in Barclay Mountain, and especially Laquin, don’t miss this event," said Matthew Carl, Manager/Curator at the Bradford County Historical Society, who developed the program. Carl is very familiar with the topic, having led walking tours on Barclay Mountain for the past five years. He also designed the Barclay Mountain book, and among other contributions, chose the photographs that would be published.

Copies of the book, "Barclay Mountain – A History," that have been signed by the authors and designer will be on sale at the theatre during the event. This will be an excellent time to pick up a copy for Christmas!

For more information about the program or updates about this event, visit the Bradford County Historical Society’s Facebook page by visiting www.bradfordhistory.com and clicking on the Facebook link.

The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of the Bradford County United Way and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

The Frisbie Family of Orwell Township, October 15

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a free program entitled "The Frisbie Family of Orwell Township: A 19th Century Saga of Bradford County and Beyond" scheduled for Friday, October 15 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Although the event is free, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

After settling in Orwell Township in 1800, Levi Frisbie and his family became actively involved in the business, educational, and political life of Bradford County. Likewise, throughout the nineteenth century, various family members also gained notoriety in government and industry beyond Bradford County.

This presentation traces the development of the Frisbie family’s business and political influence at home and abroad during this period, as illustrated via the careers of Eaton Frisbie, a two term mayor of Elmira, New York, who was also actively engaged in various coal and railroad-railroad ventures in the northeastern United States; and G. Clayton Frisbie, a U.S. Consular Agent at Rat Portage, Ontario, who was similarly engaged in sundry ventures in Canada and the western United States.

The presentation concludes with a discussion of the major factors that contributed to the diminishment of the family’s influence in the early 1900s.

The program will be presented by Marsha Ann Tate, Ph.D., a librarian and Web site coordinator at the Pennsylvania State University. The author of several books and numerous articles devoted to North American history and media-related topics, Marsha’s current research activities include chronicling the Frisbie family’s business and political activities in the United States and Canada.

This program is the last of the 2010 "Friday Night at the Museum" programming series held the third Friday of each month from May until October. Each event is held in the Great Room at the Bradford County Historical Society, located at 109 Pine Street, Towanda, PA. Free refreshments are provided at each program.

The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of PHMC and the Bradford County United Way. For more information about the society and its programming schedule, visit www.bradfordhistory.com or check out the Bradford County Historical Society Facebook page.

“Canton: Circus Capitol of the East” to be presented at BCHS

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a free program entitled "Canton: Circus Capitol of the East" scheduled for Friday, September 17 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Although the event is free, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

“Canton: Circus Capitol of the East” covers the fascinating history of Canton as a home to many important figures in the circus world in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

Aside from being the winter quarters for Charles Lee’s Great London Show, Canton was the home of Charles Siegrist who is enshrined in the Circus Hall of Fame; also home of famous aerialists, Francis “Butch” Brann and his wife Amelia LaPell who performed as “France and LaPell”; and the world renown little couple, Caspar and Mab Weis, among others.

This program will trace Canton’s connection to the circus world and the interesting lives of these circus performers will be discussed. The program will be highlighted with photographs. Equipment used by France & LaPell will also be on display.

The program will be presented by Matthew Carl, Manager/Curator at the Bradford County Historical Society. Anyone who has photographs or original information pertaining to this topic is encouraged to call the Curator’s office at 265-7652 or email curator@bradfordhistory.com so that the program can be as complete as possible.

This program is part of the 2010 "Friday Night at the Museum" programming series held the third Friday of each month from May until October. Each event is held in the Great Room at the Bradford County Historical Society, located at 109 Pine Street, Towanda, PA. Free refreshments are provided at each program.

The final program scheduled for 2010 is: “The Frisbie Family of Orwell Township: A 19th Century Saga of Bradford County and Beyond,” October 15.

The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of PHMC and the Bradford County United Way. For more information about the society and its programming schedule, visit www.bradfordhistory.com or check out the Bradford County Historical Society Facebook page.

New Poll Question

Check out the new poll question on the BCHS website:

Choose one or more reasons why the North Branch Canal closed.

To participate in this poll and to see the answer to the last poll, visit our website at www.bradfordhistory.com.

Also join our Facebook page and see who else has already joined by visiting our website!

Stephen Foster: Father of American Music, August 19

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a free program entitled "Stephen Foster: Father of American Music" scheduled for Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM WILL BE HELD ON A THURSDAY. Although the event is free, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

Stephen Collins Foster (1826-1864), known as the “father of American music,” was the pre-eminent songwriter in the United States in the 19th century. His songs, such as “Oh! Susanna”, “Camptown Races”, “Old Folks at Home” (“Swanee River”), and “Beautiful Dreamer”, remain popular over 150 years after their composition.

This program will be presented by Guy Abell, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Bradford County Historical Society. Foster musical selections will also be performed during the program by Jim & Marie Parks.

Come learn about Foster, listen to his music, and understand his connection to Bradford County.

This program is part of the 2010 "Friday Night at the Museum" programming series that is normally held the third Friday of each month from May until October. Each event is held in the Great Room at the Bradford County Historical Society, located at 109 Pine Street, Towanda, PA. Free refreshments are provided at each program.

Other programs scheduled for 2010 include: Canton: Circus Capitol of the East, September 17; and The Frisbie Family of Orwell Township: A 19th Century Saga of Bradford County and Beyond, October 15.

The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of PHMC and the Bradford County United Way. For more information about the society and its programming schedule, visit www.bradfordhistory.com or check out the Bradford County Historical Society Facebook page.

New Poll Question on BCHS Website

A new poll question is now on the BCHS website:

Colonel Thomas Hartley's expedition against the Indians took place in what year?

Go to www.bradfordhistory.com to cast your vote.

Barns and Agriculture of Pennsylvania's Northern Tier, July 16th

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a free program entitled " The Barns and Agriculture of Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier" scheduled for July 16, 2010 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Although the event is free, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

This program will feature the film documentary, “The Barns and Agriculture of Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier.” In the Northern Tier region and in other parts of rural America, barns are the most prominent architectural feature on our landscape. For many, they evoke nostalgia for an agrarian past when life seemed simpler.

This documentary takes a look at the history of the barn structure, how to identify its origins, and the role it plays in past and present agriculture. Many barns in Bradford County and neighboring counties are pictured. At the conclusion, project coordinators from the Northern Tier Cultural Alliance will briefly discuss the video.
This documentary was created in 2008 to document and celebrate the barns and agriculture of Pennsylvania’s northern tier. It uses barns as a window into our agricultural history and as a key to understanding the farming systems used in our region, past and present. This project covered the counties of Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Potter, Wyoming and Sullivan.

This program is part of the 2010 "Friday Night at the Museum" programming series that is held the third Friday of each month from May until October. Each event is held in the Great Room at the Bradford County Historical Society, located at 109 Pine Street, Towanda, PA. Free refreshments are provided at each program.

Other programs scheduled for 2010 include: Stephen Foster: Father of American Music, August 19 (note this program will be held on a Thursday evening); Canton: Circus Capitol of the East, September 17; and The Frisbie Family of Orwell Township: A 19th Century Saga of Bradford County and Beyond, October 15.

The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of PHMC and the Bradford County United Way. For more information about the society and its programming schedule, visit www.bradfordhistory.com or check out the Bradford County Historical Society Facebook page.

BCHS Museum Now Open, New Tour Guide Announced

The Bradford County Historical Society announces that its museum is now open for the 2010 season.

The museum is located in the former Bradford County jail, located at 109 Pine Street in Towanda. The museum features two floors of exhibits that can be found in the former jail cells and other rooms. Each exhibit features an accompanying easy-to-understand descriptive panel that includes stories, statistics and photographs. Many reminders of the jail still exist, including the original jail doors, a dungeon cell, prisoner exercise yard, Sheriff’s house, and much more.

Visitors will find six new rotating displays this season including an exhibit about Charles Carroll of Carrollton who was the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence and owned over 1,000 acres of land in Bradford County.

A photography exhibit is spread throughout three different cases and includes a variety of cameras from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s along with examples of various types of photography from the last 150 years.

Another case tells the history of “Old People Day,” an event sponsored by the Bradford County Historical Society in the early 1900’s. The main lobby display has an interesting display of odd and unusual items from the Society collection including souvenirs from famous buildings and ships, a saw back bayonet, a piece of human skull from the Civil War and other objects collected over 100 years ago.

BCHS also announces that Shannon Funk is this year’s summer tour guide. Shannon is a 2009 graduate of Bloomsburg University, earning her Masters in Education and her Bachelors in History and Anthropology. She will be glad to give you a tour of the museum when you visit this summer.

Museum hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Research Library is also open and the hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Bradford County Historical Society is supported in part by the Bradford County United Way and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. For more information about the Society visit www.bradfordhistory.com or join the Bradford County Historical Society Facebook page for the latest news.

BCHS to Host "The Music of World War II," June 18

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a free program entitled "The Music of World War II" scheduled for June 18, 2010 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Although the event is free, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

Presented by Dr. Phillip Atteberry, this presentation examines the most popular song genres of World War II — propaganda songs, work songs, army life songs, separation songs and reunion songs. Through a “musical” PowerPoint presentation, Atteberry asks audiences to consider how these songs, at times, reflected the attitudes and morale of the moment and how they, at times, shaped those attitudes and morale. The Music of World War II includes excerpts from well known standards as well as period pieces that have become obscure.

Dr. Philip Atteberry has taught seminars in jazz and American popular music for the last ten summers at the Chautauqua Institute. He also teaches the History of Jazz at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville and hosts a popular weekly radio program, “Sunday Night Jazz,” on WQLN-FM, Erie’s public broadcasting station. Atteberry holds a Ph.D. in English from Washington University-St. Louis.

This program is made possible by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Free refreshments will be provided and the museum will be open from 5:30 until the program begins.

Other programs scheduled for 2010 include: The Barns and Agriculture of Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier, July 16; Stephen Foster: Father of American Music, August 19 (note this program will be held on a Thursday evening); Canton: Circus Capitol of the East, September 17; and The Frisbie Family of Orwell Township: A 19th Century Saga of Bradford County and Beyond, October 15.

The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of PHMC and the Bradford County United Way. For more information about the society and its programming schedule, visit www.bradfordhistory.com or check out the Bradford County Historical Society Facebook page.

2010 Friday Night at the Museum Program Schedule Announced

The Bradford County Historical Society announces the beginning of its 2010 Friday Night at the Museum programming season. Friday Night at the Museum is a monthly series of free educational programs which are held on the third Friday of each month in the Great Room at the Bradford County Historical Society.

This is the third year that the Society has conducted this programming series. Last season saw capacity crowds at many of the Friday events.

The 2010 season kicks off on Friday, May 21, with the program, "A Glimpse Into the Past" presented by David Lenington that will also include the performance of two songs composed by Bradford County’s own Stephen Foster and P.P. Bliss. Music will be provided by soprano soloist, Carrie Hooper. The program features a slide presentation which will include postcard views of Bradford County and photographs of residents from the past. See slides of Towanda, Ulster, Athens, Sayre, Troy, Canton, New Albany, Rome, Wyalusing and other communities.

Each Friday Night at the Museum program begins at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. allowing visitors to tour the museum prior to the program. Free refreshments are provided at the conclusion of the program.

Although the event is free, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com to guarantee a seat.

Other programs scheduled for 2010 include: The Music of World War II, June 18; The Barns and Agriculture of Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier, July 16; Stephen Foster: Father of American Music, August 19 (note this program will be held on a Thursday evening); Canton: Circus Capitol of the East, September 17; and The Frisbie Family of Orwell Township: A 19th Century Saga of Bradford County and Beyond, October 15.

The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of PHMC and the Bradford County United Way. For more information about the society and its programming schedule, visit www.bradfordhistory.com or check out the Bradford County Historical Society Facebook page.

"Old Barclay: A History of Coal Mining on Barclay Mountain," April 6th at Bradford County Library

The program, "Old Barclay: A History of Coal Mining on Barclay Mountain," will be presented on Tuesday, April 6, 7 p.m. at the Bradford County Library. The program is free but seating is very limited so reservations are required by calling 570-297-2436.

"Old Barclay: A History of Coal Mining on Barclay Mountain" reviews the story of Barclay Mountain's coal mining settlements, including Barclay, Fall Creek, Dublin, Graydon, Foot of Plane, Carbon Run, and Long Valley. The old methods of coal mining are described and the development of the incline plane, railroad, and canal system are also briefly discussed.

This program is a synopsis of a more detailed outreach program that we will be offering in the future.

Half the Theater Sold Out for Laquin - Tickets Available at the Door!

Missed out on advance tickets for "Laquin: Behind the Photos" this Saturday at the Keystone Theatre in Towanda? No problem! Get your tickets at the door. They are $10 each and will be sold when the doors open at 12:30 p.m. on February 20th. The program begins at 1 p.m. If you want to purchase a signed copy of "Barclay Mountain - A History" the only place you can get it signed is at this event. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to learn the history of everyone's favorite town in Towanda's historic Keystone Theatre!

A Quarter of the Theater Sold Out for Laquin Program

In what was perhaps our busiest week for ticket sales in the history of our outreach events, we sold 120 tickets in the first week. There are less than two weeks left to order tickets. Advance orders must be placed by February 16th to allow time for shipping. All tickets are being distributed through the mail. There are no pickup locations. When you purchase advance tickets, you save $2.00 even with shipping included, and guarantee a seat. Tickets at the door are not guaranteed and they cost $10.00. Call 570-265-2240 to order tickets and a staff member will contact you Wednesday through Friday to complete the ticket order. The easiest and quickest way to get tickets however is to order online through our website: www.bradfordhistory.com.

February Poll Question Now on BCHS Website

Well, unfortunately the majority of voters were wrong in our last poll question! Lady Justice, the statue on top of the Bradford County Courthouse, is NOT blindfolded. Learn more by voting on our February poll question. Once you vote, you will find that the results page contains a link to a further explanation.

The new poll question is: This entrepreneur and inventor, who was prominent in the history of the county, can be found in the dictionary. Who is he? Go to our website at www.bradfordhistory.com to choose from the list!!

"Laquin - Behind the Photos" Coming to Keystone Theatre, February 20th - TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

The Bradford County Historical Society is coming to the Keystone Theatre in Towanda to present the program, "Laquin: Behind the Photos," on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 1 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $6 per person in advance plus $2 shipping (for any number of tickets). All advance tickets must be either ordered online by visiting www.bradfordhistory.com and clicking on Ticket Office, or by phone at 570-265-2240. Tickets are not available for pickup and cannot be held at the door. Advance orders must be received at BCHS by February 16th.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $10 each. No guarantee is made that tickets will be available at the door.

Please note that this program has consistently sold out each time it has been presented. Plan accordingly to ensure a seat at this event!

Proceeds from the event will be used to cover the cost of bringing the program to Towanda and will also be used to support special projects at the Bradford County Historical Society.

"Laquin: Behind the Photos" is a unique program that takes the audience on a tour of the lumber town of Laquin, located on Barclay Mountain in Bradford County. Using over 100 images which are supplemented by maps, the program makes it possible for the audience to learn about the history of the town by actually seeing its buildings, factories, and people. Each photograph in the program is described during the presentation to allow participants to understand what they are viewing.

Many of the images were made from glass plate negatives in the Historical Society collection. In addition, the program will also feature photographs that have been received by the society since the publication of the book, "Barclay Mountain – A History," in 2007. Many of these photos have never been in a public display.

"If you have an interest in Barclay Mountain, and especially Laquin, don’t miss this event," said Matthew Carl, Managing Curator at the Bradford County Historical Society, who developed the program. Carl is very familiar with the topic, having led walking tours on Barclay Mountain for the past four years. He also designed the Barclay Mountain book, and among other contributions, chose the photographs that would be published.

Copies of the book, "Barclay Mountain – A History," that have been signed by the authors and designer will be on sale in the theatre lobby during the event. This will be an excellent time to pick up a copy for Christmas!

For more information about the program, visit the Bradford County Historical Society Curator’s Blog where there will be commentary about this topic during the last two weeks leading up to the event. The blog can be found online at www.bradfordcurator.blogspot.com. Also check for updates about the event on the Bradford County Historical Society’s Facebook page.

The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of the Bradford County United Way and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. More information about the society can be found online by visiting www.bradfordhistory.com.

The Value of History

Would you be surprised if I told you I liked the History Channel? Well, most of it anyway.

Some of the newest shows on the History Channel are Pawn Stars and American Pickers.

Pawn Stars is basically a reality show set in an especially nice pawn shop and we get to see the unusual items that people bring in and try to sell or pawn. A value eventually is negotiated and we watch and see whether the shop is willing to pay that kind of money for this object.

American Pickers might be the newest show to appear. It involves a couple of guys who are "pickers" that travel around to homes where there are what looks like extremely huge junk collections. They always manage to find something in the homeowners outbuilding that they just have to buy. They make offers to the owner to try to buy items ranging from a rusty piece of metal to a classic car and everything in between and beyond!

These shows are pretty entertaining, probably because we get to see what kind of "junk" someone has that we might have that might be worth money. What bothers me though is how much importance is placed on the monetary value of these items as opposed to the historic value. It's not such a big deal in American Pickers because generally the "stuff" they find is in a pile in someone's overgrown backyard. It's slightly different in Pawn Stars.

None of this really made any difference to me until I started seeing people walking in and trying to sell family heirlooms. Then it bothered me. One guy appeared saying that he found his grandfathers World War II uniform in a trunk in his grandmothers attic and he figured he could probably get some money for it. Other people have appeared with swords and other various items that belonged to earlier generations of their family and the first thing they say is, "This is collecting dust in my closet and I'd rather have the money in my pocket."

Some things should not leave your family as they tell the story of who you are and where your family came from. If, however, you're concerned that heirlooms will not be appreciated or cared for by later generations, or if you simply don't have room for items, please contact a local museum or historical society before considering a sale. Historical societies exist to collect objects and information that tell the history of an area. That history is usually lost forever when family documents and artifacts enter auctions or antique shops.

The Bradford County Historical Society has been telling this story for well over 100 years using the family heirlooms that have been donated over that time. In an increasingly money driven century, as this one has become, don't trade your longlasting family history for money that can be spent in a matter of minutes. Remember the Bradford County Historical Society when considering the future of your Bradford County related family heirlooms.