Annual Appeal Campaign Approaching Goal - Consider a Tax Deductible Donation this Season

The Bradford County Historical Society has reached 2/3 of its goal for the annual appeal campaign this year. We still have $5,000 to raise. These funds help us maintain the museum during the year so we can provide the services we do, including the preservation of thousands of local artifacts and the largest genealogy and local history research center in Bradford County. Contributions are tax deductible as BCHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In order to receive a deduction for this year, we must receive your contribution by December 31. You may send your donation by mail to BCHS, 109 Pine Street, Towanda, PA 18848 or donate online with a credit card at www.bradfordhistory.com. Thank you for your support!

BCHS Research Center Closed December 3

The Bradford County Historical Society Research Center will be closed on Saturday, December 3. Remember that our book sale will be held on Sunday, December 4 from 11 am to 3 pm. Stop by and purchase your gifts at a discounted price!

BCHS Annual Book Sale December 4

The annual holiday book sale will be held at the Bradford County Historical Society in Towanda on Sunday December 4th 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.

Recently there have been on-line auctions of several local estates and it has been amazing to us at the society to see the amounts that books that we sell are fetching at these auctions. A lot more than we charge in the museum gift shop to be sure.

A great stocking stuffer are the Bradford County Playing Cards there are two versions of the playing cards that have images of famous Bradford County people and Places with a succinct history of the image on the card. These will be available at the sale.

Karen Tuton’s book “Jail Birds” a delightful story of her time as a child growing up living in the sheriff’s quarters of the jail is available this year. The society was out of this book last year and many requests came in for copies so more were ordered.

The reprint of “History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania-1770-1878,” will be available at the sale. The book was produced using cover material and paper like 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 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 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.

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 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 year’s 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. 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 historians 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.

Wyalusing Valley Museum has 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 in 2015 and will be available for sale at the Book Sale.

Some of the other books that will be available December 4th 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 Research Center Closed Thanksgiving Week

The Bradford County Historical Society Research Center will be closed next week (November 23-25) in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen with regular hours on November 30. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

WYALUSING SWING CHOIR TO PERFORM AT BCHS ANNUAL MEETING - OCTOBER 30

The Annual Meeting of the Bradford County Historical Society will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday October 30, 2016 at the museum located in the Historic old Bradford County Jail, 109 Pine Street in Towanda. The Historical Society, one of the oldest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was founded in 1870. The Annual meeting is an opportunity for the membership and guests of the society to hear the progress of the society over the past year.

The Clement F. Heverly award for Outstanding Service and the Leo E. Wilt Historian of the Year award will be presented. These awards were established by the society in 1992. The Clement F. Heverly Outstanding Service Award was named for a man who did much to record the past history of the County. It is to be for organizations excelling in the preservation of the history of Bradford County. The Leo E. Wilt Historian of the Year award is to be given to an individual who has shown diligence and leadership in recording, preserving or disseminating of County History. Leo E. Wilt was a pillar in the Bradford County Historical Society. He and his wife Mary kept the society going for many years when it was located in the old fire proof behind the Bradford County Courthouse.

The program for this year’s meeting will be musical and will be presented by the Wyalusing Swing Choir. When planning the annual meeting the 50th anniversary of the Camptown Races was occurring and the thought was that the society should recognize Bradford County Composers. The Wyalusing Swing Choir was contacted and agreed to perform. Some of the composers whose music will be presented are: P.P. Bliss, the Towners, Stephen Foster and Pat Ballard.

The Wyalusing Swing Choir is currently comprised of nine members: Carol Madill, alto and Wyalusing Valley High School music teacher and choral director; Tonya Boatman, alto and Elk Lake School District music teacher and choral director; Wendy Farley, soprano of Herrickville; Pam Obert soprano from Monroeton; Marnie Wilson of Wyalusing; Wes Skillings, tenor, recently semi-retired editor of the Wyalusing Rocket-Courier newspaper; Jason Boatman, bass, and he is married to Tonya; Scott Snyder, tenor and new member Joe Martin, bass of Wyalusing. Sound personnel for the group is Mary Skillings, a retired teacher at the Wyalusing Elementary School.

The group performs a wide variety of music that includes swing, Christian, blues, country, classic rock ‘n roll, and contemporary 4-5 arrangements.

This is an opportunity for Bradford County residents to spend a relaxing afternoon listening to the program put together by the Wyalusing Swing Choir. It is also an opportunity to learn more about your County Historical Society.

Please call the museum at (570) 265-2240 to reserve a seat for this historic presentation. Light refreshments will follow the program.

Friday Night at the Museum to host Carrie Hooper and Elmira Keyboard Ensemble in Sousa program

Elmira Keyboard Ensemble

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a musical program titled, A Glimpse from the Past: John Philip Sousa and Towanda, scheduled for Friday, October 21, 2016 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. Seats are expected to fill up fast so please call early.

Enjoy a concert highlighting John Philip Sousa’s visit to Towanda. Carrie Hooper will present a short history about John Philip Sousa and what it was like to attend a Sousa concert. The program will include: soprano solos that were sung at various Sousa concerts; 1917 recording of John Philip Sousa conducting the Sousa Band in a march that the Sousa Band later performed at the Keystone Theater; and selections by Elmira Keyboard Ensemble including Stars and Stripes Forever played by four pianists using two pianos.

This program is part of the 2016 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 for the 2016 season. Don’t miss out on a great evening.

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 Jim Nobles program, Sayre, PA – 100+ Years Ago

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a program titled, Sayre, PA – 100+ Years Ago, scheduled for Friday, September 16, 2016 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.

This year is the 125th anniversary of Sayre. During this program, Jim Nobles will show and discuss images of Sayre taken during its early years as Bradford County's newest borough. The starting point will be January 27, 1891, when Sayre was incorporated by order of Bradford County Judge John A. Sittser, following a petition to the court signed by 276 citizens of Sayre.

This program is part of the 2016 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.

Other programs scheduled for this season are: October 21 – A Glimpse from the Past: John Philip Sousa and Towanda (musical program).

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.

Last Man’s Club Presents Records to Bradford County Historical Society

The final two members of the World War II Last Man’s Club in Towanda recently presented a collection of records and photographs to Bradford County Historical Society where they will be available for use in the research center.

Arthur Spengler and Robert McGovern contributed the collection, which covers the history of the club dating back to 1949. According to the records, both men have been members since 1978.

The first meeting of the club was held on August 14, 1949 by the American Legion, Post 42, of Towanda in the main hall of the East Towanda fairgrounds. Fifteen members were present. The first president of the club was Walter Treaster who suggested that meetings be held annually on the Sunday closest to V-J Day (August 14).

A total of 63 members joined the club in the first year after which the charter was closed and the group known as charter members. From time to time, the club opened the charter to new members. Many of the original members were well known in their community such as Henry Dunn, Fowler Tuton, Dean Meredith and others.

During the second meeting of the Last Man’s Club in 1950, a suggestion was made that a group photo should be taken each year. Among the collection received by the historical society are photos from several annual meetings.

The Bradford County Historical Society has a large collection of veteran related records from both its own collection and also county records. Stop in Wednesday through Friday, 10 am – 4 pm, or the first Saturday of each month, 10 am – 2 pm to visit the research center. For more information, call 570-265-2240 during regular hours or visit the historical society website at www.bradfordhistory.com.

The Bradford County Historical Society is funded in part by the United Way of Bradford County.

Friday Night at the Museum to host actor Robert Hughes as John Mitchell: An American Hero

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a play titled, John Mitchell: An American Hero, scheduled for this Friday, August 19, 2016 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 two-act one-person play, this show celebrates John Mitchell, an important Pennsylvania figure who organized and was the President of the United Mine Workers Union from 1898 to 1908. During his tenure, he liberated the anthracite coal miners of northeastern Pennsylvania by raising their standard of living, removed children from the mines and placed them into the schools, and saved many lives of the miners by raising safety standards. He took an unorganized group of 30,000 workers and turned them into an organization of 300,000 workers.

He was a poor, uneducated miner who lost both parents by 5 years old, surviving three stepmothers, one of whom abused him.

John Mitchell will be portrayed by Robert Thomas Hughes, a veteran actor and recently a playwright, who began his career in 1960.

This program is part of the 2016 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.

Other programs scheduled for this season are: September 16 – Sayre – 100+ Years Ago; and October 21 – A Glimpse from the Past: John Philip Sousa and Towanda (musical program).

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 actor Robert Hughes as John Mitchell: An American Hero

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a play titled, John Mitchell: An American Hero, scheduled for Friday, August 19, 2016 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 two-act one-person play, this show celebrates John Mitchell, an important Pennsylvania figure who organized and was the President of the United Mine Workers Union from 1898 to 1908. During his tenure, he liberated the anthracite coal miners of northeastern Pennsylvania by raising their standard of living, removed children from the mines and placed them into the schools, and saved many lives of the miners by raising safety standards. He took an unorganized group of 30,000 workers and turned them into an organization of 300,000 workers.

He was a poor, uneducated miner who lost both parents by 5 years old, surviving three stepmothers, one of whom abused him.

John Mitchell will be portrayed by Robert Thomas Hughes, a veteran actor and recently a playwright, who began his career in 1960.

This program is part of the 2016 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.

Other programs scheduled for this season are: September 16 – Sayre – 100+ Years Ago; and October 21 – A Glimpse from the Past: John Philip Sousa and Towanda (musical program).

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.

Towanda Water System - "The Between Years" - July 15 at BCHS

Don't miss Friday Night at the Museum tonight at the Bradford County Historical Society!

Doors open at 5:30 pm; Program begins at 6:00 pm.

Towanda Water System – “The Between Years”
Presented by Elaine Engisch.

In 1891 Charles Goodhue from Springfield, Massachusetts, was instrumental in bringing pure water to Towanda. The company was sold in 1896 although it wasn’t until 1950 that the borough was able to purchase the water company. What changes, additions or adjustments were made during those years? Free admission. Donations accepted.

Friday Night at the Museum to Host “Conrad Weiser – A Walk Through Oscoluwa”

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a program titled, Conrad Weiser – A Walk Through Oscoluwa, scheduled for Friday, June 17, 2016 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 colonial hero travels through Bradford County on his way to strengthen the British position against the French. A dangerous journey that sets the stage for Sullivan's March, building forts in the Ohio Valley, the Louisiana Purchase and ultimately blocks a French claim on Towanda.

This program will be presented by Bill Brasington of the Troy Historical Society.

This program is part of the 2016 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.

Other programs scheduled for this season are: July 15 – Towanda Water System – “The Between Years”; August 19 – John Mitchell: An American Hero; September 16 – Sayre – 100+ Years Ago; and October 21 – A Glimpse from the Past: John Philip Sousa and Towanda (musical program).

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 “Conrad Weiser – A Walk Through Oscoluwa”

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a program titled, Conrad Weiser – A Walk Through Oscoluwa, scheduled for Friday, June 17, 2016 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 colonial hero travels through Bradford County on his way to strengthen the British position against the French. A dangerous journey that sets the stage for Sullivan's March, building forts in the Ohio Valley, the Louisiana Purchase and ultimately blocks a French claim on Towanda.

This program will be presented by Bill Brasington of the Troy Historical Society. This program is part of the 2016 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.

Other programs scheduled for this season are: July 15 – Towanda Water System – “The Between Years”; August 19 – John Mitchell: An American Hero; September 16 – Sayre – 100+ Years Ago; and October 21 – A Glimpse from the Past: John Philip Sousa and Towanda (musical program).

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 Abby Shenot

ITEM #1 - Cayuta Wheel and Foundry Company

The Cayuta Wheel and Foundry Company is older than the borough of Sayre, Pennsylvania. The Cayuta Wheel and Foundry Company was founded in 1873, and was merged with other plants into the National Car Wheel Company in 1903. In 1925 the company changed their name to the Southern Wheel division of the American Brake Shoe and Foundry Company. The company would go on to produce freight car wheels for the railroad and later branched out into the manufacture of valves, fire hydrants, and water and gas works machinery. The case pictured contains foundry patterns created in the production of various parts over the years. Along with this case, there are other items from the Cayuta Wheel and Foundry Company on display in our museum.

Visit the Bradford County Historical Society Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm to see this and hundreds of other local history pieces. This week, the museum will also be open on Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm.

BCHS MUSEUM NOW OPEN FOR 2016 SEASON

The Bradford County Historical Society museum has opened for the 2016 season. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to 2 pm. Group tours are available by appointment. The museum is closed on national holidays. The research center also has the same hours and is open all year.

This year, the summer tour guide is Abby Shenot, of Sayre, who recently completed her sophomore year at Mansfield University, majoring in History Education. As an intern, she will be conducting tours of the museum, operating the gift shop, and working on other research projects.

This year’s featured exhibit is “Civil Defense in Bradford County” and includes displays of Civil Defense survival supplies, radiation detection equipment, a child size gas mask, Red Cross material, World War II Civilian Defense brochures, Cold War era posters, and a Civil Defense Auxiliary Police outfit.

Foundry patterns from the Cayuta Wheel Company of Sayre are also on display.

Several changes have been made to the exhibits in the jail cells such as a new labeling system that allows new items to be added to these displays. This ongoing project has made it possible to make changes and additions to many of the permanent exhibits. Many new items from the museum collection are on display this year. Work will continue on updating the labeling system throughout the year.

For more information about the Bradford County Historical Society, museum or research services or programming, call the museum during regular business hours at 570-265-2240 or email info@bradfordhistory.com.

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

Friday Night at the Museum begins THIS WEEK!!

The Bradford County Historical Society will begin its "Friday Night at the Museum" season by hosting a program titled, "David Wilmot", scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2016 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.

Our exhibit opening for the season will be held at the same time with explanation about the new exhibits and changes made this year. Refreshments will be provided.

See you this Friday!

Friday Night at the Museum begins with David Wilmot program; New museum exhibits to open

The Bradford County Historical Society will host a program titled, David Wilmot, scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2016 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.

Every day, Towanda citizens pass a historical marker on York Avenue highlighting David Wilmot. David Wilmot was instrumental in helping start the Republican Party in Pennsylvania and was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln. He wrote the Wilmot Proviso, which started the country on a path to outlawing slavery. Come and learn about the influence that Wilmot had in national politics on the 170th anniversary year of the Wilmot Proviso.

This program will be presented by Matthew Carl, Manager/Curator of the Bradford County Historical Society.

The museum’s new and updated exhibits will also open this evening to begin the 2016 season. The curator will describe the various changes made in the museum for this season. This year’s newly featured exhibit is “Civil Defense in Bradford County” and covers the history of Civil Defense from World War I through the Cold War era. A number of brochures are on display from World War II but most of the exhibit contains Cold War items such as civilian survival supplies, air raid equipment, Civil Defense Geiger counter, and other items used in Bradford County. Items from the local Red Cross are also included in the exhibit.

A number of the “permanent exhibits” in the jail cells have been substantially changed, a process that will continue through the summer and in coming years with updates to the exhibit labeling system. These changes will allow new items to be added to permanent exhibits more often.

This program is part of the 2016 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.

Other programs scheduled for this season are: June 17 – Conrad Weiser – A Walk through Oscoluwa; July 15 – Towanda Water System – “The Between Years”; August 19 – John Mitchell: An American Hero; September 16 – Sayre – 100+ Years Ago; and October 21 – A Glimpse from the Past: John Philip Sousa and Towanda (musical program).

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.

St. Patrick's Day Gala March 17 - Get Your Tickets Now!

The Bradford County Historical Society will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Gala on Thursday, March 17, 2016, from 5 pm until 7:30 pm in the Great Room of the Museum at 109 Pine Street in Towanda. Irish music by local DJ Bob Brenner and plenty of food and drinks. Tickets can be purchased at the historical society during business hours (Wednesday and Thursday this week, 10 am - 4 pm), online at www.bradfordhistory.com, from board members, or at the door. Tickets are $15 and proceeds support the Bradford County Historical Society.

BCHS to be Closed on Friday, February 26

The Bradford County Historical Society will be closed on Friday, February 26, 2016 in order to make some security upgrades in our facility. We apologize for any inconvenience and we will be open for regular hours again next week.