BCHS to host "A Tour of American Music," July 20

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a free program entitled "A Tour of American Music" scheduled for Friday, July 20, 2012 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Although the event is free to attend, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

Enjoy a concert featuring folk songs, gospel songs, a march, rag time, and show tunes. Carrie Hooper will sing Beautiful Dreamer, It is Well with My Soul, and show tunes. She will also lead the audience in singing two songs. Ed Clute, pianist, will perform Washington Post, Maple Leaf Rag, Tea for Two, and several other selections.

Both are professionally trained musicians and they will delight the audience with a variety of music including pieces written by Stephen Foster and P.P. Bliss who were associated with Bradford County.

This is the second performance that Carrie Hooper has given at the Historical Society.

This program is part of the 2012 "Friday Night at the Museum" programming series that is 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 2012 include: The Towanda of 1972, August 17; Minnequa: A Spring, A Hotel, A County, September 21; Towanda’s Silk Industry, October 19.

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 at facebook.com/BradfordCountyHistoricalSociety.

BCHS to Host Gettysburg Bus Trip, July 14

Join the Bradford County Historical Society on a bus trip to the famous Civil War battlefield in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The event is a special observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the 141st PA Volunteer Infantry’s involvement in the battle at Gettysburg.

Become immersed in the place where the brave men of the 141st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry marched into the gathering strife. See the still existent spherical cannon shot permanently lodged into the wall of an outbuilding on the Trostle farm. Stand on the brow of the hill where the "Peach Orchard" looms ever present to this day. Realize its coveted importance to Confederate General Longstreet.

Peer through the battle smoked haze of history while local historian, author, reenactor, Civil War lecturer, and Bradford County Historical Society’s 2011 Historian of the Year, Kurt D. Lafy, lifts the veil of time and transports you back to the war torn day when the 141st stood alone against General Barksdale's Mississippians as they rushed forward in an attempt to overwhelm the Union forces.

Hear the personal stories of the Bradford County men who fought there on that momentous day.

The bus trip leaves the Bradford County Historical Society's parking lot at 6:45 a.m., July 14, 2012. A per person cost of $125.00 entitles you to a thrilling day of a continental breakfast at the historical society; the Visitor Center's introductory movie; a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park's famous Cyclorama; a self-guided tour of the visitor center museum; one hour of free time along Steinwehr Ave., "souvenir alley", where plenty of fine shops are within blocks of each other; a tour of the portion of the battlefield with Kurt D. Lafy where the 141st fought; dinner at General Pickett's Buffet; and a movie will be shown during our ride home to Bradford County. The price is all-inclusive except for lunch at the Visitor Center and any additional shopping you would like to do.

Each participant will receive a BCHS tote bag filled with goodies including a signed copy of Lafy’s book, “George – A Civil Warrior.” Membership in the Society is not required to attend the tour, however, all participants who are members will have the opportunity to purchase the book, “Our Boys in Blue,” on the morning of the trip for $25 which is a nearly 50% discount off the cover price. Originally a two volume set (now printed as one hardcover book) “Our Boys in Blue” details Bradford County’s involvement in the Civil War and includes personal stories and lists of soldiers from the county. Non-members may receive the discount by becoming a member of the Bradford County Historical Society when they purchase the book on the morning of the trip. Membership details are available on the society website.

Pre-registration and payment are required by July 6th by visiting the Bradford County Historical Society website at www.bradfordhistory.com and using a credit card. Checks may also be mailed to the Bradford County Historical Society at 109 Pine Street, Towanda, PA 18848, to arrive before the deadline. Be sure to include the names of the people who will attend. Participants will receive further details after payment is received. For questions or further information call 570-265-2240 or email info@bradfordhistory.com.

Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of the Bradford County United Way.