Events

Thursday May 7th, 2026 | 12 pm
Step inside history with a free, guided tour thanks to VisitErie! Explore the stories of the Watson-Curtze Mansion and the Wood-Morrison House during a 1.5-hour immersive experience.

Step inside history with a free, guided tour thanks to VisitErie! Explore the stories of the Watson-Curtze Mansion and the Wood-Morrison House during a 1.5-hour immersive experience.

What will cities of the future look like? Architect Robert Heineman, FAIA, will share his insights from his work on the development of The Woodlands, Texas, one of the nation’s most influential master-planned cities.

When we tie our shoes, we don’t think about the history of rope, but did you know rope has ties to prehistoric times in knots, pulleys, winches, and other tools? It also has a more current connection to outer space elevators. Learn more when Tim Queeney, the author of Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization, comes to the Jefferson Educational Society. Queeney, the former editor of Ocean Navigator, will bring his adventures and exploration as a researcher, author, teacher, and teacher aboard tall ships to life on April 22.

Sorry, this one sold out. Stay tuned for the next one!
We are ramping up our cooking classes with a local spring favorite: Garlic Ramps
Hosted by Chef Sahil Luthra & Simone Welsh

This class, hosted by Full Circle Winery will include an interactive cooking session with Chef Sahil with recipes for:

Appalachian Mountain inspired Creamy Ramp Bisque
Served along with a Crostini with Ramp Pistou, Bacon Lardons, Ricotta.
Food to be paired with an Interactive cocktail making session with Simone Welsh.
Cocktail featured is Ramp Gibson

Four-Course Australian Dinner – Tuesday, February 10
First Course Garlic Prawns
Second Course: Pork & Vegetable Sausage Rolls
Main Course: Please select one: Kangaroo with Australian Shiraz Sauce, served alongside Parmesan Risotto OR Barramundi with Orange Beurre Blanc, served alongside Parmesan Risotto
Dessert: Classic Pavlova
Accompaniment: Traditional Damper — flame-baked Australian soda bread

Do you have cherished memories of skiing, celebrating, or working at the beloved family-owned Wilderness Lodge? Founded in 1969 by James and Nansi Janes, it’s been part of so many special moments—and we’d love to hear yours!
Share your stories during a special exhibit opening reception with
Roger Janes at the Hagen History Center on January 30, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The exhibit will be open in the Watson-Curtze Mansion from Jan. 16 to May 30.

World War II Comes to Life at the History Center
Siege of Bastogne / Battle of the Bulge Reenactment
Date: January 17, 2026
Tickets for the day-long event must be purchased in our gift shop.
Location: Hagen History Center, 356 W. 6th St., Erie Pa
Step back in time to December 1944, when American soldiers were trapped in snowy Bastogne, Belgium, during one of World War II’s most pivotal moments—the Battle of the Bulge. Despite being outnumbered and surrounded, the 101st Airborne Division held strong until reinforcements from General Patton’s Third Army broke through, securing an Allied victory.
Experience history like never before as we transform our campus into Bastogne!
What You’ll See & Do:
Interact with 20 reenactors from the 99th Infantry Division, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne), and 11th Panzer Division
Explore authentic equipment and vehicles from the era
Watch battle strategy demonstrations
Participate in role-playing missions like stealing secret plans and delivering them to the Allies
Learn equipment handling and training basics
Tour authentic encampments and field quarters
Gain insights into the life of a soldier during the Battle of the Bulge

Admission:
Members: FREE
Nonmembers: $8
Students: $6
Veterans: $7
Kids 6 & under: FREE
Museums for All: $3
Tickets for the day-long event must be purchased in our gift shop.
Schedule:

10:00 AM Presentation on the Battle of the Bulge in the 2nd floor conference room of Wood Morrison by Mark Squeglia and Roman Straub. REGISTRATION CLOSED
11:30 AM Presentation on the Battle of the Bulge in the 2nd floor conference room of Wood Morrison by Mark Squeglia and Roman Straub. REGISTRATION CLOSED
1:00 PM Germans provide surrender terms to American Units outside in the area between the Wood Morrison House and the Watson Curtze Mansion
2:45 PM Presentation on the Battle of the Bulge in the 2nd floor conference room of Wood Morrison by Mark Squeglia and Roman Straub. REGISTRATION CLOSED
4:15 PM Germans provide surrender terms to American Units outside in the area between the Wood Morrison House and the Watson-Curtze Mansion
4:45 PM Ceremony to honor the veterans of Erie County who served in the Battle of the Bulge. We will read the names of Erie County residents that lost their lives in the battle and have a bugler play Taps
5:00 PM End of Event

American equipment demonstrations and German equipment demonstrations occurring from 10 AM to 4 PM

Don’t miss this immersive tribute to courage and history!
Interact with 20 reenactors from the 99th Infantry Division, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne), and 11th Panzer Division
Explore authentic equipment and vehicles from the era
Watch battle strategy demonstrations
Participate in role-playing missions like stealing secret plans and delivering them to the Allies
Learn equipment handling and training basics
Tour authentic encampments and field quarters
Gain insights into the life of a soldier during the Battle of the Bulge
Tickets for the day-long event must be purchased in our gift shop.

Mark Your Calendar! Enjoy live performances by the Erie Day School Show Choir while you tour our beautifully decorated mansion.

Mark Your Calendar! Enjoy our beautifully decorated mansion with a live performance by the Mercyhurst Prep Show Choir at 1:30 p.m.