Here's Clue: #6 Sept. 22
The Great Key Hunt Returns
How it works: Each week, Adam Macrino's team of history buffs shares a riddle that sends participants to a location in Erie County that has bit of history attached to it. At each location, key hunters find a key word or key phrase that they will need to eventually find the final grand prize key (an actual key) that will award one prize of $1,500 to one lucky winner. Last year, thousands of participants of all ages explored the county and learned some inspiring local history. On the final day, hundreds searched our Yellow House property for the actual key.
The game started with its first hidden clue on Monday, Aug. 18, during the 6 a.m. newscast on Erie News Now. The clues will be presented live on Erie News Now every Monday and can be found on our website and social media every week.
In the 2024 Key Hunt, the winning family — Gary Peterson; his sister, Karen Tobin; Karen’s husband, John Tobin; and Gary and Karen’s mom, Mary Lou Peterson — won the contest by finding the key in under four minutes at the Yellow House.
Stay tuned!
Thanks to our sponsor Erie Federal Credit Union.
New exhibit opens Oct. 1 to Jan. 30
OPENING OCT. 1: New Exhibit Explores Erie’s Polish Roots: “The Story of Us, Erie Polonia”
“The Story of Us, Erie Polonia: Churches and Neighborhoods,” curated by local historian Bobby J. Sulecki runs from October 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026, on the second floor of the Wood-Morrison House.
This compelling exhibit traces the early history of Erie’s Polish-American community—known as Polonia—through its deep ties to faith and neighborhood identity. Polish immigrants, strongly rooted in Catholic tradition, built churches as the heart of their communities. The exhibit explores the founding of St. Stanislaus, the Mother Church of Erie’s Polonia, followed by Holy Trinity, St. Hedwig, St. Casimir, and the Polish National Catholic Church, which existed independently from the Roman Catholic Church until 1939.
This exhibit joins new exhibits:
- Sisters of St. Joseph celebrate 165 Years in the Erie Diocese
- Saint Vincent celebrates 150 years
- Erie's Founding Families: Colts, Sanfords & Spencers
Host an Event
Create the wedding or event of your dreams in a Victorian mansion or rustic farmhouse, right in Erie County! Step back in time and enjoy the natural beauty of the Hagen History Center’s grounds for your special day.
Regarded as one of the best wedding and event venues in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Hagen History Center is the perfect backdrop for a Victorian-inspired, unforgettable experience.
Located in Erie, Pa., the Hagen History Center’s West Sixth Street Campus, which includes the Watson-Curtze Mansion and the President’s Room, is conveniently located near downtown Erie, close to hotels and Bayfront attractions. The Hagen’s Girard Campus includes the Yellow House, an elegant farmhouse situated on more than 130 acres.
Upcoming Events
Mushroom foraging returns!
04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
We’re doing it AGAIN! Back by popular demand, mushroom expert Josh Mowris is leading another magical Yellow House Trail Forage!
Kick things off with mushroom truffle pizza + drinks, then grab your basket and hit the trail with us.
New Exhibit: The Story of Us, Erie Polonia: Churches and Neighborhoods
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
The Story of Us, Erie Polonia: Churches and Neighborhoods
Curated by Bobby Sulecki
Explore Erie’s rich Polish heritage faith, neighborhoods, and the churches that built community.
The Story of Us, Erie Polonia: Churches and Neighborhoods presentation
04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Exhibit Curator Bobby Sulecki shares his research for The Story of Us, Erie Polonia: Churches and Neighborhoods Nov. 12 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. The presentation will take place in the Watson-Curtze Mansion.
