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.
