News & Events - Let's get caught up!

Can you believe it's almost October? Already it seems that another year is almost over and we are looking back to see what has been done here at the Bradford County Historical Society. We have been busy changing and improving again this year. If you want to find out about all of the specifics, be sure to attend our upcoming annual meeting, which has also changed this year.

ANNUAL MEETING

Don't miss the BCHS Annual Meeting which will be held on Sunday, October 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. This year we are trying something new, and we hope that you will participate. First, attendance at the event is open to both members and nonmembers, so come out and you will soon see why you should join in our effort. Second, the event is free. Food stations will be provided with a variety of goodies served in a casual atmosphere. We will present reports on what we have accomplished at BCHS this year, a Bradford County history quiz will be given with a $100 first place prize, and Henry Farley will be presenting the program, "Remembering Dr. Donald Guthrie". Registration is required. Call 570-265-2240 or email info@bradfordhistory.com.

If you didn't attend last year, you can still read the reports by visiting our website, clicking on "About BCHS" and then on "Annual Meeting" in the left column. Scroll to the bottom and download the reports.

LIBRARY CHANGES

While you're at the annual meeting, you can also check out the changes in our Research Library. We have heard several positive comments from patrons who are enjoying our new library layout. Our Library Clerk, Denise, has a new desk that is equipped to handle all kinds of business. There is also a more open floor plan.

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

There is only one more "Friday Night at the Museum" program remaining for 2009. We have had a full house at almost every program this year and had to set up extra chairs at the last two events. On October 16, Dr. Josephine Dunn will present "Alive to the Call: Women and History in Northeastern Pennsylvania". A large crowd is expected for this program. Even though the press release has not yet gone out, you are welcome to call and register for the program now. The number is 570-265-2240.

LAQUIN: BEHIND THE PHOTOS

On August 4th, I spoke at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center (SRAC) in Waverly, NY about Laquin. The program featured over 100 photographs, some of which we have received since publishing the book, "Barclay Mountain - A History". It features a history of the former lumber town told through the photographs that were taken of the community. The event in Waverly was standing room only and several had to be turned away because there was no more room.

As a result, we will be taking the program on the road to a couple towns in Bradford County over the next several months. On Saturday, November 7th, the program will be presented at the Rialto Theatre in Canton because we have received several calls from residents in that community. Admission will be charged at the door and proceeds will support the Historical Society. More information will be coming out soon, but mark your calendar now!

FALL MUSEUM HOURS

The museum switched to Fall hours after Labor Day. The museum will be open on Saturday's by appointment. Please call 570-265-2240, Wednesday through Friday, to let us know what time you plan on arriving. The museum will close for the season on October 24th. Remember also that the Research Library will be closed again this coming winter from January through March. You can communicate with as usual but we will offer no research hours during those months in order to save on the heat bill.

COME AND SEE US AT THE APPLE & CHEESE FESTIVAL

The Bradford County Historical Society will again be at the Apple & Cheese Festival in East Canton this year, October 3 & 4. Stop and see us and buy that local history book you have been wanting! Christmas is coming!

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Speaking of Christmas, our Special Events committee has been busy planning a new event for the upcoming Christmas season. A craft show will be held on November 27 and 28 and other things will be happening those two days as well. Crafters are being solicited and more information can be found on our website by clicking on "Events" and then on "Holiday Craft Show" in the sidebar.

WEBSITE

Remember that we are making changes to our website periodically. Right now there is a new local history poll question on the front of the site. Be sure to cast your vote for the right answer and when you do, you can see how others have voted and also you can find answers to previous poll questions. Visit the site at http://www.bradfordhistory.com/.

These are only a few things that are happening at BCHS!

BCHS to Present History of the P.B. & E. Railroad

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a free program entitled "The Pittsburgh, Binghamton & Eastern: The Rise and Fall of a Bradford County Railroad" scheduled for September 18, 2009 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.

The program will be presented by Bradford County Historical Society Managing Curator, Matthew Carl.

Originally proposed as an electric trolley system, the valley of the Towanda Creek contains the remnants of a steam railroad that never ran. The Pittsburgh, Binghamton and Eastern Railroad went bankrupt before the line was completed. Was it really bankruptcy, however, that halted the P.B. & E.?

The program will be illustrated with several slides showing the railroad under construction. These photos come from both prints and glass negatives in the Historical Society collection, as well as from LeRoy Heritage Museum in LeRoy Township.

A portion of the program will feature a description of the electric trolley system that was planned to extend from Towanda to Canton in the late 1890's. The formation, work and eventual demise of the Pittsburgh, Binghamton & Eastern, a steam railroad, will also be described.

This program is part of the 2009 "Friday Night at the Museum" programming series that will be 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 the Bradford County United Way. For more information about the society visit the new society website at www.bradfordhistory.com or the Curator's Blog at www.bradfordcurator.blogspot.com.