Saturday, July 30, 2011

Stephen Foster: Father of American Music II at BCHS, August 18

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a free program entitled "Stephen Foster: Father of American Music II" scheduled for Thursday, August 18, 2011 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 and Terry & Lois Gray.

Come learn about Foster, listen to his music, and understand his connection to Bradford County. This program is back by popular demand from 2010 but will feature additional Foster music not performed last year as well as some old favorites.

This program is part of the 2011 "Friday Night at the Museum" programming series that is normally held the third Friday of each month from May through 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 and the museum is open prior to the event.

Other Friday Night at the Museum programs scheduled for 2011 include: Hotels of Bradford County, September 16; Deserter Country: Civil War Opposition in Pennsylvania, October 21.

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