Remember BCHS this Season with a Gift to the Annual Appeal Campaign

The Annual Appeal Campaign is ongoing and your gifts to the Bradford County Historical Society are important this time of year. Remember that contributions made to the Historical Society are tax-deductible but if you wish to claim your Annual Appeal contribution as a tax deduction for the 2015 tax year, your gift must be made by December 31, 2015. Thank you to all those who have given this year. Your donation will help us raise the funds needed to rebuild a new parking lot next to our facility.

You may mail in your donation or visit our website at www.bradfordhistory.com and donate online!

Bradford County Historical Society Annual Book Sale December 6

The annual holiday book sale will be held at the Bradford County Historical Society in Towanda on Sunday December 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The sale will be held in the museum located at 109 Pine Street in the heart of Towanda’s Historic District.

The book sale which is held only once each year has become a tradition with local history buffs that are looking to add to their collections. It is the only time each year that the society offers books at a discount price. Books range from $7.50 to $70.00.

Wyalusing Valley Museum has just published a photo history of the Wyalusing area “Wyalusing Valley Portraits” compiled with photos from the museum’s collection. This new history book was released on November 21 and will be available for sale at the Book Sale.

The wonderful history of our ghost mountain “Barclay Mountain-A History” will be available at a discounted price. The 359-page book published in 2007 features 32 chapters that are full of historical documentation, interviews and transcriptions of oral history with 400 plus photos of people and places over two centuries.

Offered at a discount to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War the reprint of “Our Boys in Blue,” Clement Heverly’s exceptional account of Bradford County men who fought in the Civil War. Heverly originally published two books one that contained stories and reminisces of the soldiers and one that contained all of the Bradford Country men who served and where they served. Heverly’s work has been reprinted in one volume with an added index it is truly a treasure for the Civil War enthusiast. This is also a great reference for Bradford County descendants of the local men who fought in the Rebellion.

Local Columnist and longtime Bradford County Historical Society volunteer and Emeritus Trustee Guy Abell’s book –Roman Guy—a collection of columns and musings—will also be available. The book is a selection of newspaper columns, personal opinions, and stories about his life in Bradford County, travel adventures, and articles about automobiles, nature, sports, the weather and memories of the good old days. The 260-page book includes over 100 selections, plus two children’s stories.

Also available will be “Images of Southwestern Bradford County”, the largest photo book ever published about the history of southwestern Bradford County was written and designed by Matthew T. Carl. Proceeds benefit the LeRoy Heritage Museum. The book is hardcover has 400 pages and is over an inch thick. Approximately 700 photos from the collections of LeRoy Heritage Museum, the former Canton Area Historical Society, Ruth Kinney-McIntire, and several private collections. Images are from the townships of Canton LeRoy, Granville, and old Barclay.

The reprint of “History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania-1770-1878,” will be available at the sale. This history was out of print for several years. The new third edition was released in honor of the bicentennial of Bradford County. The book was produced using cover material and paper similar to the original book, making this a collector’s edition for all local history fans and researchers alike. The production of this history in 1878 by Rev. David Craft was the first major project done by the Bradford County Historical Society after it was formed in 1870. Craft was appointed by the society to write the history, it is considered one of the best county histories ever published for that period. The Craft history (as well as all other reprints of the society) contains an added index which makes finding your ancestor or subject much easier as the originals did not include indexes.

The Bicentennial photo history of Bradford County will be available for sale at this event. The Bradford County Historical Society put together a book that contains 653 photographs of towns and townships throughout the county many of the photos have never or rarely been published in the past and offer the reader a glimpse of how our county grew and progressed through time.

Another featured item at this years sale will be the 128 page, full color, hard cover, indexed atlas, “Map of Bradford Country, Pennsylvania – 1858,” reprinted by the Bradford County Historical Society. Similar to the 1869 atlas reprinted by the society in 1999, this book features a map of each township and borough that shows the location of houses and buildings and their ownership in 1858. The entire set of maps is indexed, making it easy to quickly locate your ancestor or property.

Reprints of local history such as the “Romance of Old Barclay” and the “1869 Beers Atlas of Bradford County” along with writings of other local histories will be available that day.

The late Staley N. Clarke wrote the “Romance of Old Barclay” in 1928. He tells the story of the mountain and the coal mines along with the stories of some of the people who came to Bradford County to work there. Every little town on the mountain is mentioned in the book. There is also a listing of Barclay Mountain residents employed in the mines.

The “Beers Atlas” produced in 1869 with information compiled in 1868 is every genealogist’s dream. Each town and township has a page and on the page is a listing of every road that existed in 1869 along with the property owners in each section. Schools and cemeteries are listed too. The reprint includes an added index created by Doris Wilcox Hugo. The index is the best part of the reprint as it guides the researcher to the page where their ancestor may be found.

Some of the other books that will be available December 6th include “Pioneer and Patriot Families of Bradford County, 1778-1825”. The new “History of Bradford County.” 1995, which features 1,400 submitted family stories and the histories of town and townships, churches, schools and businesses, industry, military, cemetery and Century Farms. Please note this book can not be reprinted so when the supply available at the museum is depleted it will no longer be available. “Guthrie 100 Years of Health Care” a photo history of Guthrie along with the works of several local authors can also be acquired at the annual sale.

Bradford County History Books make wonderful Christmas gifts please join society trustees who will be on hand to assist book shoppers during the sale.

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

BCHS Closed on November 18 Due to Paving

Due to paving going on around our building in connection with the Towanda Terrace project, the Bradford County Historical Society will be closed on Wednesday, November 18. We apologize for any inconvenience. We will be open on Thursday and Friday as usual.

Friday Night at the Museum to host program “Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew”

The Bradford County Historical Society host a program titled, Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew, scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

A small town in Austria was taken over by the Nazis and in March of 1938 all the Jews were expelled. After living in Vienna for a few months, Marcel Singer and his family escaped to Shanghai, China. Shanghai was the only free port in the world, and, during World War II, a Jewish ghetto sprang up there that held 20,000 European Jews. Singer and his family not only survived the Holocaust, they thrived under dire conditions.

Jeffrey R. Singer has been the Director of the Bradford County Library outside of Burlington since 2009. Mr. Singer earned his Master's Degree in Library Science from Syracuse University in 1994. A native of Queens, NY, Mr. Singer and his wife Cindy have been residing in Ridgebury, PA since 2013.

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

This is the final program in the Friday Night series this season.

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

Friday Night at the Museum to host program “Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew”

The Bradford County Historical Society host a program titled, Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew, scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

A small town in Austria was taken over by the Nazis and in March of 1938 all the Jews were expelled. After living in Vienna for a few months, Marcel Singer and his family escaped to Shanghai, China. Shanghai was the only free port in the world, and, during World War II, a Jewish ghetto sprang up there that held 20,000 European Jews. Singer and his family not only survived the Holocaust, they thrived under dire conditions.

Jeffrey R. Singer has been the Director of the Bradford County Library outside of Burlington since 2009. Mr. Singer earned his Master's Degree in Library Science from Syracuse University in 1994. A native of Queens, NY, Mr. Singer and his wife Cindy have been residing in Ridgebury, PA since 2013.

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

This is the final program in the Friday Night series this season.

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

Bradford County History playing cards are back in stock!

Bradford County History Playing Cards are back with a second printing of the first edition! These decks feature the same cards but are enclosed in a newly designed case. You can purchase your decks Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, in the Research Center at the Bradford County Historical Society. If you are interested in ordering by phone using a credit card, call 570-265-2240. Shipping available. We will be selling them through our website soon as well!

Friday Night at the Museum program to tell history of Bradford County’s museums

The Bradford County Historical Society host a program titled Preserving Bradford County: Local Historians and the Books and Museums they Developed scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

Bradford County has been saving its history for over 150 years. Local historians have documented our stories in personal collections, books, newspapers, and museums for many generations. Learn about these historians and the work they did to preserve our heritage so it would be available for present generations.

Bradford County Historical Society curator/manager, Matthew Carl, will dig deep into the history of a topic not usually discussed. How was local history saved over the years? Why does Bradford County have eleven history museums and how did they start? Learn about the generosity of local volunteers and benefactors that made these museums possible. Hear how these museums are working together today.

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

Upcoming programs are: October 16 – Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew.

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

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

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This is the final post from Heather as the museum closes for the season this week. We hope you have enjoyed learning about some the items in the museum this season!

#14 - HAIR WREATH This “mourning piece,” in accordance with a Victorian tradition, was intended to commemorate deceased family members. It was common for individuals to keep locks of hair, even Oscar Wilde kept a piece of his sister’s hair in a locket. The flowers in this particular wreath were made from human hair of loved ones who had passed away. This was done by often hardening the hair by boiling. Hair wreaths like this one usually came from two or more deceased family members.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

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Although Heather has left for Germany, she wrote enough of her weekly "favorites" posts to last until the end of the season. Here is the next one.

#13 - PITCHFORK

This may seem to be just an ordinary pitchfork that we have here down at the museum, but its history is more exciting than you would think. This pitchfork is believed to be part of an important American historic event. Revolutionary soldier John Kneeland is said to have used this pitchfork to break open chests at the Boston Tea Party in 1773. The metal part would be part of the original pitchfork, but due to time the wooden handle has been replaced because of age and weathering.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

Visions of Teaoga: Insights Into the Region’s Indian-Settler History, this Friday at BCHS

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a program titled Visions of Teaoga: Insights Into the Region’s Indian-Settler History scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

Visions of Teaoga was written by retired journalist, Jim Remsen. He will discuss his book and the history behind it. The book explores the upheaval of Eastern Indian tribes in the 1700s by focusing on events at Teaoga, in present Bradford County. It weaves together the adventures of Queen Esther with a fictional student who is visiting Athens, named Maddy.

Remsen describes his book that was written with young readers in mind. “The characters of old speak in the upright, formal manner of the 1700s. At various times, readers sit with Esther at her fire circle or are eyewitnesses to the 1790 peace council at the Teaoga treaty ground, and then accompany Maddy and her modern-day friends as they swap accounts of Indian culture, try native crafts and games, and commune quietly with the lost world. Young readers learn about some amazing old traditions, skills and tests of endurance, but also about the vanishing of peoples, divided loyalties, sacrifice, and diplomatic chicanery on a grand scale. They will see how under stress, even the peaceful can become violent, and will see the ways history, legend and propaganda can intermingle.”

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

Upcoming programs are: September 18 – Preserving Bradford County: Local Historians and the Books and Museums they Developed; and October 16 – Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew.

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

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

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#12 - SPECTACLES

The museum has a large collection of sunglasses and regular spectacles. There are a variety of spectacles worn by Bradford County residents during the 19th and 20th century on display. James Ayscough began experimenting with tinted lenses in spectacles around 1752. Ayscough was steadfast in the belief that blue- or green- tented glass could potentially correct specific vision impairments. Protection from the sun’s rays was not a concern at that time. Glasses tinted with yellow- amber or brown were also commonly-prescribed item for people with syphilis in the 19th and 20th century because one of the symptoms of the disease was sensitivity to light. In the early 1900s, the use of sunglasses became more wide-spread, especially among Hollywood movie stars.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

Friday Night at the Museum to host Indian History Author, Jim Remsen, August 21

The Bradford County Historical Society host a program titled Visions of Teaoga: Insights Into the Region’s Indian-Settler History scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

Visions of Teaoga was written by retired journalist, Jim Remsen. He will discuss his book and the history behind it. The book explores the upheaval of Eastern Indian tribes in the 1700s by focusing on events at Teaoga, in present Bradford County. It weaves together the adventures of Queen Esther with a fictional student who is visiting Athens, named Maddy.

Remsen describes his book that was written with young readers in mind. “The characters of old speak in the upright, formal manner of the 1700s. At various times, readers sit with Esther at her fire circle or are eyewitnesses to the 1790 peace council at the Teaoga treaty ground, and then accompany Maddy and her modern-day friends as they swap accounts of Indian culture, try native crafts and games, and commune quietly with the lost world. Young readers learn about some amazing old traditions, skills and tests of endurance, but also about the vanishing of peoples, divided loyalties, sacrifice, and diplomatic chicanery on a grand scale. They will see how under stress, even the peaceful can become violent, and will see the ways history, legend and propaganda can intermingle.”

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

Upcoming programs are: September 18 – Preserving Bradford County: Local Historians and the Books and Museums they Developed; and October 16 – Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew.

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

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

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#10 - TOWANDA CUT GLASS

This beautiful and elegant collection of cut glass was made in Towanda at the Wayne Cut Glass Company. The company had formed in Honesdale, Pennsylvania in 1905, and opened their Towanda factory in 1910 on the corner of Main and Elizabeth Streets (the former Humphrey Brothers shoe factory). The factory closed in 1918 due to the difficulty in obtaining resources during World War I.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

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#10 - THE SHARPSHOOTER RIFLE AND HISTORIC GAVEL

This case and its contents came from the Bradford Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Towanda. The Remington Hepburn Sharpshooters rifle was designed by Lewis L. Hepburn and produced from 1880 to 1907. In 1875 and 1879, Hepburn was granted two patents on his gun firing mechanism and consigned them to E. Remington and Sons. The ‘Remington-Hepburn’ rifles were introduced for target competition – a sporting rifle with barrel sights as well as a long range Creedmoor target rifle. This rifle belonged to Edward Walker and was used in a competition at what is today Eastside Riverfront Park in Towanda. The gavel was made from wood taken from the Heckewelder house in Wyalusing, the oldest house in Bradford County, built in 1768. The house deteriorated and was gone by the 1930s. If you make a trip down to the first floor of the museum you can read the enclosed letter by the man who made the gavel.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

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#9 - FRENCH BURR MILLSTONE Sorry folks, this is not the remnants of a wheel from the Flintstone’s vehicle. This is an upper, or “runner,” stone from a gristmill once located in Leona. It is placed bottom side up here in order to show its grinding surface. It is “dressed” with a pattern of “lands” and “furrows.” The lands refer to the raised portions, while the furrows are the grooves cut into the face using a mill pick.

When it was in use, the stone sat face down and rotated upon a stationary “bed stone.” It was kept in place by the large iron bar seen here, which was called a “balance rynd.” This stone is made from a type of quartz found near the village of Chalons in northern France. It was sent in pieces to America and joined together by a wrought iron band. This stone weighs an astounding 946 pounds.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

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#8 - DISCARDED PISTOLS This week’s spotlighted exhibit is a recent addition to the museum. It coincides with the end of the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and our upcoming Friday Night at the Museum event entitled “The Last Hurrah”. These pistols were discarded during the Civil War and brought home as souvenirs by Bradford County soldiers. While most of them are not military issued weapons, they may have been used by civilians or picked up by soldiers along the way. In most cases, they were produced in the years before the Civil war began.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

Civil War Historian, Kurt Lafy, to Speak at BCHS this Friday

This Friday is the next "Friday Night at the Museum" program at the Bradford County Historical Society. The program is titled "The Last Hurrah" by Civil War historian and author Kurt Lafy. Call 570-265-2240 or email info@bradfordhistory.com to reserve your seat. The doors open at 5:30 pm and the program begins at 6:00 pm.

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

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#7 - 19TH CENTURY FASHION: HEADWEAR

At the museum we have a new display this year that is a collection of headwear worn during the 19th century by both men and women. On display we have what was common 19th century headwear for men, which is displayed on the top shelf. These styles include the top hat, the homburg (with a dent in the top) and the bowler (with a bowl shaped top). The lower shelves show a number of styles of bonnets for women from the 19th century. Most of what we have are morning bonnets and hats that would be worn by women during times of loss here in Bradford County. The two hats pictured are the most colorful hats we have in our collection and are quite beautifully crafted. Headwear for women began in earnest during the Middle Ages when the church decreed that their hair must be covered. During the 18th century, milliners took the hat-making art out of the home and established the millinery profession. Traditionally a woman’s occupation, the milliner not only created hats and bonnets to go with costumes but also chose the laces, trims, and accessories to complete an ensemble. The term ‘milliner’ comes from the Italian city of Milan where in the 1700s, the finest straws were braided and the best quality hat forms were made. Bonnets were fashionable in the early 19th century, growing to huge proportions by 1830. They began to decrease in size through the 1840s and 1850s in order to reveal more of the face and hair. By 1860 parasols had become a fashion staple and bonnets, except for cold weather wear, became purely ornamental. Due to their reduced functionality, bonnets continued to decrease in size throughout the decade. Styles began with the ‘Spoon’ bonnet named for its shallow shape. It had a peaked crown that could be decorated with a nosegay of flowers. Throughout the 1860s hats began to be reintroduced into the wardrobe. They were worn perched at the front of the head over enormous hairstyles. Throughout the 1870s and 1880s, hats and bonnets were both popular. Women who wanted a more modest appearance often preferred bonnets. Very tall hats of the mid 1880s were known as ‘3-story’ or ‘flowerpots’ and soared atop the hair. Hats downsized again in the middle of the 1890s but grew in width again by 1900.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

Friday Night at the Museum to host Civil War historian, Kurt Lafy, July 17

The Bradford County Historical Society host a program titled The Last Hurrah scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

Join Kurt D. Lafy, author and lecturer on the American Civil War as he speaks on the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, the last battle of Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia. Learn how local men gave their all in the “final furry” of our Civil War.

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

Upcoming programs are: August 21 – Visions of Teaoga: Insights Into the Region’s Indian-Settler History; September 18 – Preserving Bradford County: Local Historians and the Books and Museums they Developed; and October 16 – Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew.

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

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

Click the title to visit the Curator's Blog if the photo does not appear above.

#6 - A REPLICA OF A CIVIL WAR CAMP

We have a display here at the museum that is a scaled down replica of a Civil War camp. This exhibit shows museum goers what life in an army camp during this time would have been like. Most of the items on display come from Bradford County’s own regiment the 141st Pennsylvania Volunteers. The field desk that is in the center of the display belonged to Major Henry J. Madill of the 141st. This desk was the location where he would keep his letters, correspondences, pencils, pictures, maps, and other documents. Happy 4th of July!

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces. NOTE: The museum and research center are closed this Friday in observance of Independence Day.

Friday Night at the Museum to host Civil War historian, Kurt Lafy, July 17

The Bradford County Historical Society host a program titled The Last Hurrah scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

Join Kurt D. Lafy, author and lecturer on the American Civil War as he speaks on the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, the last battle of Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia. Learn how local men gave their all in the “final furry” of our Civil War.

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

Upcoming programs are: August 21 – Visions of Teaoga: Insights Into the Region’s Indian-Settler History; September 18 – Preserving Bradford County: Local Historians and the Books and Museums they Developed; and October 16 – Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew.

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

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

Click the title to visit the Curator's Blog if the photo does not appear above.

#5 - CIVIL WAR SOUVENIRS

Since Independence Day is right around the corner, here is a display of souvenirs brought back by Bradford County men who fought in the Civil War nearly 150 years ago. Bradford County soldiers brought home a variety of souvenirs from the Civil War. This case contains a sample of these souvenirs including artillery shrapnel, fired and unfired Minie balls, wood cut from tree that contained Minie balls, a fork stuck in a tree branch, canteens, and other interesting items.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

Carrie Hooper and Accordion Players at BCHS Friday, June 19

Friday Night at the Museum is tomorrow night! Have you registered for "Tunes of Broadway and the Silver Screen"? Carrie Hooper will be here to sing along with two accordion players! Doors open at 5:30 pm and the program starts at 6:00 pm Friday night. Refreshments available after the program. Call to reserve your seat - 570-265-2240 or email info@bradfordhistory.com.

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

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#4 - LILLEY LEAF COLLECTION

This exhibit was collected and assembled by A.T. Lilley, LeRoy, in 1908. This cabinet contains leaves from all trees native to Bradford County. The panels within the cabinet were attached to strings that when pulled moved each panel to show different plants and other specimen. Lilley, a past president of the Bradford County Historical Society, was a geologist and used this collection to educate museum visitors about the county’s natural resources.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

Click the title to visit the Curator's Blog if the photo does not appear above. 

#3 - The Albany Cutter 

This sleigh is often mistaken by the younger patrons for one owned by jolly old St. Nicholas. Unfortunately we do not have an antique sleigh of Santa’s on display, but maybe one will be donated in years to come. The sleigh that we do have is located on the second floor and is the Albany Cutter. It is a sleigh that was made by the “Manual Arts Class” at Towanda High School in 1906. This beautifully crafted sleigh was indeed a project done in the Towanda High School and the craftsmanship used to create it could beat most clocks made in most high school shop classes today.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces.

Friday Night at the Museum continues June 19 with ‘Tunes of Broadway and the Silver Screen’

The Bradford County Historical Society host a program titled Tunes of Broadway and the Silver Screen scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

Enjoy a concert and sing-along with Carrie Hooper, soprano, and Bob MeInyk and Tony Ciccariello on the accordions. This program will include many favorite tunes from Broadway and the Silver Screen that will be sure to bring back memories of days gone by.

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

Upcoming programs are: July 17 – The Last Hurrah (Civil War Anniversary); August 21 – Visions of Teaoga: Insights Into the Region’s Indian-Settler History; September 18 – Preserving Bradford County: Local Historians and the Books and Museums they Developed; and October 16 – Marcel Singer: The Gentle Butcher of Hong Kew.

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

Bradford County Historical Society Releases ‘Historical Markers & Monuments’ Guide

The Bradford County Historical Society has released a new full-color 40-page guide titled, “A Traveler’s Guide to Bradford County Historical Markers & Monuments.” Copies are available at the Bradford County Historical Society, LeRoy Heritage Museum, Sayre Historical Society and are available to any business, organization, or school that would like to distribute them.

The free guide, published during the winter with funds from a Bradford County Room Tax grant, provides details on over 80 markers and monuments throughout Bradford County. Each listing also includes directions, GPS coordinates, date of dedication, the first sentence of text and other information.

The guide covers several types of markers such as the blue roadside markers, boulders with plaques, engraved stones and statues. Those interested in local history will find many different topics from which their own driving tour can be planned. Topics include City, County and State; French Asylum; Medicine; Military – Battle of Lime Hill; Military – Hartley’s Expedition; Military – Sullivan’s Expedition; Military – War Memorials; Music; Native Americans; Notable People; Public Service; Religion; Transportation; and Utilities.

“This is the most complete guide of its kind that has ever been published to highlight historical markers in Bradford County,” said Matthew Carl, manager and curator of the Bradford County Historical Society. Carl compiled and updated the information, gathered GPS coordinates, and traveled over 100 miles around Bradford County verifying the information, location and condition of many of the monuments. Many old photos of monument dedications are in the guide.

“We felt it was important to provide a free high-quality guide for travelers with GPS coordinates so a person could pinpoint the exact site of each marker,” Carl said. As a full-color publication printed on glossy paper, the guide will be a great addition to any local history library or anyone interested in learning more about local history on a weekend drive. The Society is now distributing copies of the guide during school tours at the museum.

While many of the monuments in the county are the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Bradford County Historical Society has worked with the commission in the past to have markers repaired and returned to the proper locations. Society president, Henry Farley, has also worked to research the history of the monuments and markers in Bradford County and has been instrumental in the placement of new ones over the years.

Some of the markers in the guide, particularly the blue roadside markers, are listed as “missing”. Unfortunately, these signs were either stolen in the past or may have simply been damaged and later picked up by the township where it is located. The Historical Society urges anyone who knows the location of a missing marker to contact the Society at 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com. Markers are often too costly to replace so retrieving the original makes it possible for the state to refurbish and reinstall it for travelers to enjoy.

Get a copy of the guide by stopping by the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. Mailing is also available although a cost of $2.00 for shipping will apply.

The Bradford County Historical Society is located at 109 Pine Street, Towanda. For more information about museum tours, research services, and programming at the Historical Society, visit www.bradfordhistory.com. The Bradford County Historical Society is a recipient agency of the United Way of Bradford County and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

BCHS MUSEUM FAVORITES - by Heather Palmer

Click the title to visit the Curator's Blog if the photo does not appear above.

#2 - THE "CANNONBALL" SAFE 

This exhibit is a fan favorite and is often mistaken for an old washing machine. On the contrary, the “Cannonball” safe dates from 1889 and was used in the First National Bank in New Albany. It features a “triple time lock,” which is a set of three clocks, located inside the safe door, that are wound with a clock key. When the time lock is on, the safe will tick. It is impossible to open the door until the time, set by the banker, has expired. It is rumored to be so tough to crack that even Jesse James could not even break into one of these “Cannonball” safes. The safe we have at the museum weighs about 2,400 lbs. So, good luck trying to drag it home.

Heather Palmer to Share Favorite Museum Piece Each Week

The museum is now open for the season Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to 2 pm. New items are added to the exhibits every year in our museum. If you haven't visited in several years, you have missed several items that have been rotated in and out of the displays. This summer, Heather Palmer will be sharing a new photo each week to show some of the pieces that she finds most interesting. We hope you enjoy them and will stop by to see them in person along with hundreds of other local history artifacts. Following is her choice for this week. Visit the Curator's Blog to see the photo if it does not appear here.

#1 - LEHIGH VALLEY TRAIN
This wooden Lehigh Valley toy train was handcrafted by Thomas Edward Lafy (1881-1947) as a Christmas present for David Howe Lafy. As a child, David, placed the Christmas sticker on the side of the caboose. This beloved toy has been passed down through the generations and all is original but the wheels, which have gone on long treacherous journeys. Many train enthusiasts, both young and old, enjoy peering into the glass case to see this beautifully crafted piece of Bradford County history.

"Friday Night at the Museum" Begins Tonight

Another season of Friday Night at the Museum begins tonight at the Bradford County Historical Society. The program this evening is "The History of the Chapel on the Hill" presented by Henry Farley. Register by calling 570-265-2240 or by emailing info@bradfordhistory.com.

"The History of the Chapel on the Hill" to be presented by Henry Farley, May 15

The Bradford County Historical Society is pleased to announce the kickoff of its eighth season of Friday Night at the Museum programming by hosting a program titled The History of the Chapel on the Hill scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

One of the only things that remain of the early Irish settlements that popped up across Bradford County in the days of the construction of the North Branch Canal is the Chapel on the Hill. This was the third church built by those Irish pioneers that settled in Ridgebury Township.

 Henry Farley, who has done extensive research on the Irish in Bradford County, will present a power point photo journey that tells the history of the Irish Chapel. The Ridgebury Irish settlement is one of the only early "Irish Patches" that has descendants of the original settlers still living there over 175 years later.

Farley is also president at the Bradford County Historical Society.

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

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

Bradford County Historical Society to Host Exhibit Opening, May 17

The Bradford County Historical Society invites the public to attend an Exhibit Opening event on May 17, 2015, at 2 pm beginning in the Great Room of the museum at 109 Pine Street, Towanda. There is no admission fee.

The Exhibit Opening is an opportunity for the Historical Society to introduce the changes that have been made throughout the museum for this season. The event will open with a description of the museum tour schedule and the Friday Night at the Museum programming schedule for the year. 

Society Manager/Curator Matthew Carl will conduct a tour of the new displays found on both the first and second floors of the museum. He will explain the reason he chose to feature the new items that are on display this year and give some background information about them. After the tour, visitors may peruse the exhibits at their own pace and take a closer look at the new displays.

Patrons are then invited back to the Great Room to enjoy light refreshments.

The museum will open for the season on May 27 and will remain open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. Call for Saturday hours. Admission is a donation. Group tours may be arranged by calling 570-265-2240.

The Historical Society also welcomes back Heather Palmer who will work as summer tour guide in the museum again this year.

Patrons are reminded that the first Friday Night at the Museum program for the year will be held May 15, 2015 at 6 pm in the Great Room. The first program of the year is titled, “The History of the Chapel on the Hill,” presented by Henry Farley that tells the history of the Irish chapel in Ridgebury Township. Please call the museum at 570-265-2240 to reserve a seat for this free program.

For more information about the Historical Society, visit www.bradfordhistory.com. The Bradford County Historical Society is supported in part by the United Way of Bradford County and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Friday Night at the Museum to begin May 15 with ‘The History of the Chapel on the Hill’

The Bradford County Historical Society is pleased to announce the kickoff of its eighth season of Friday Night at the Museum programming by hosting a program titled The History of the Chapel on the Hill scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2015 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated. To reserve a seat, participants are asked to register by calling 570-265-2240 or by email at info@bradfordhistory.com.

One of the only things that remain of the early Irish settlements that popped up across Bradford County in the days of the construction of the North Branch Canal is the Chapel on the Hill. This was the third church built by those Irish pioneers that settled in Ridgebury Township.

 Henry Farley, who has done extensive research on the Irish in Bradford County, will present a power point photo journey that tells the history of the Irish Chapel. The Ridgebury Irish settlement is one of the only early "Irish Patches" that has descendants of the original settlers still living there over 175 years later.

Farley is also president at the Bradford County Historical Society.

This program is part of the 2015 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. Refreshments are provided at each program and the museum is open a half-hour prior to the event.

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

Friday Night at the Museum to Begin its Eighth Season

A new season of "Friday Night at the Museum" programming begins on May 15, 2015. Visit our website at www.bradfordhistory.com, click on Events and then on Calendar. You can then browse through each month to see the program topics that are being offered this year. Full color Friday Night at the Museum schedule cards will be available at the Bradford County Historical Society beginning April 23. This programming series is sponsored by the United Way of Bradford County.

Remarkable Women of Bradford County - Tonight at Bradford County Library

Join us this evening at the BRADFORD COUNTY LIBRARY in West Burlington for the program, Remarkable Women of Bradford County, presented by Matt Carl, Manager/Curator at the Bradford County Historical Society. The program is free to attend and begins at 6 pm. We hope to see you there!

Tickets On Sale Now for St. Patrick's Day Gala, March 17

The annual St. Patrick's Day Gala is coming on March 17, 2015 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Come for great food, drinks, entertainment, and museum tours. The event benefits the preservation of Bradford County history and celebrates our Irish history. Purchase your tickets online now by visiting www.bradfordhistory.com and clicking on Events and then Ticket Office. Tickets may also be purchased in the Research Library by visiting or calling 570-265-2240 during regular business hours, Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. They are also available from board members.