Wednesday Dec 2nd, 2020
I will admit it publicly, I like trains. I like everything about them. As a real train lover, I have taken Amtrak many times (even in a sleeper car) and stayed at a Railroad enthusiasts’ Bed & Breakfast in Cresson, Pennsylvania, near the Horseshoe Curve – fabulous if you don’t like to sleep; a bit loud.
Friday Nov 27th, 2020
The blogs written by our staff over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic have been, for the most part, about famous Erie County residents from the past. Mine included. These blogs have featured generals, admirals and captains of industry. This is all well and good, but I think we could use something light. Personalities that never won a battle, invented a longer lasting light bulb or cured a disease. Here are two examples of my attempt at a light blog.
Wednesday Nov 25th, 2020
The Hagen History Center announces that our Extended Victorian Holiday is going Virtual! In these unprecedented times, the safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests are most important. Hagen History Center campus will remain closed to visitors and volunteers until further notice.
Wednesday Nov 18th, 2020
Without a full-time archivist on staff right now, occasionally things cross my desk that ordinarily would not. For example, about 2 months ago I received a telephone call from a gentleman in Shreveport, Louisiana, who just purchased a scrapbook that he felt should come home to Erie.
Tuesday Nov 17th, 2020
It is the goal of the Erie County Historical Society to serve our entire community.
Thursday Nov 12th, 2020
Join Jerry Skrypzak as he discusses Erie, Pennsylvania and it's roots in the United States Navy.
Wednesday Nov 11th, 2020
Parents have always worried about their children – perhaps those worries have just changed a little over the course of history. The title of this blog about “long life” was certainly a worry for parents before the advent of vaccines and modern medicine. In 1900, 30% of all deaths in the US occurred in children 5 years old or younger. Today, it’s a little over 1% of deaths (National Center for Health Statistics).
Wednesday Nov 11th, 2020
In the year 2020 it is a time to reflect on where we are as a nation. Over the past several years, Civil War monuments across the United States have been removed, torn down and vandalized, particularly in the American South.
Wednesday Nov 4th, 2020
In 1888, Erie had a reputation (second to perhaps Brooklyn, New York) of being a “City of Churches”. You cannot drive anywhere in this community now without passing another magnificent structure. I found out that it was not always the case here.
Friday Oct 30th, 2020
On December 15, 1796, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne died at the small army fort in Erie, Pennsylvania located overlooking the entrance to Presque Isle Bay. The cause of death is listed as complications from gout. Wayne was buried beneath the floor of one of the fort’s blockhouses. There his remains would rest for 13 years.
Our Hours:
Erie campus:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10 am - 5 pm
Wednesday: 10 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 10 am - 5 pm
Friday: 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 5 pm
*****Girard campus is open for special events only
