Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Baker Mansion History Museum will be closed until further notice. Until matters of public safety improve, Blair County Historical Society events are likewise postponed.
Please email us concerning events and opportunities. In lieu of in-person tours of historic Baker Mansion, we welcome you to view our virtual tour, video tour, photo gallery, and orientation film until we reopen.

Find the American Story in the Heart of the Alleghenies

For over a century, the Blair County Historical Society at Baker Mansion in Altoona, PA has conveyed regional history and the story of the Elias Baker Family.  Settling in the area in 1836, the Bakers became a very affluent family thanks to their rising dominance in iron-making.  Theirs is a story of ambition, perseverance, wealth, and power–all topics that retain great influence in modern society.  Their story remains a highlight of our museum.

At the same time, the Blair County Historical Society is equally dedicated in conveying a story broader and even more dramatic than that of a single family.  The epic saga of Blair County, Pennsylvania is the tale of everyday people like you who were profoundly shaped by the powerful forces of community, nature, war, business, family, hate, and love.  From Tyrone to Claysburg, local and national history was made by seemingly ordinary citizens.  The Baker Mansion History Museum seeks to interpret these common but extraordinary elements of our county through special events as well as exciting and thematic museum displays.  The story of Blair County is the story of America itself.  Come visit us and discover how.
These orientation films were locally-produced by Altoona filmmaker and graphic designer Mark Frederick at Brush Mountain Media!
Special thanks to some of our partners!  Contribute to our mission of historical excellence!