Upcoming Historical Society Events
Blair County Historical Society Lecture Series
March through November
FREE - Donations Accepted
Explore a Wide Variety of Historical Topics with an Engaging Lineup of Knowledgeable Speakers . . .
The Blair County Historical Society is pleased to present its annual lecture series. All talks are free and open to the public, although donations are gratefully accepted. All talks take place at 7pm on select dates from March through November. Our October lecture will take place at the Historic Mishler Theatre at 1208 12th Avenue in Altoona.
October 15 - Located at the Historic Mishler Theatre
“Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas”
By Michael Allison
The ever-entertaining Michael Allison returns by popular demand for his annual presentations on Pennsylvania folklore and the supernatural. This year, he is setting his sights on winter folklore traditions—from magical midwinter spirits to the creepiest of Christmas creatures. Join the museum for a fun evening that will colorfully bridge the Halloween and Christmas seasons.
November 20 - Location TBA
Raymond Loewy: Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
By John Wall
John Wall, author of Streamliner, will talk on the influence of industrial designer Raymond Loewy. Loewy was a pioneering product designer and created the streamlined look of several Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives built in Altoona as well as many other groundbreaking forms of transportation design, including Air Force One and Studebakers. Book signing to follow.
The Blair County Historical Society is pleased to present its annual lecture series. All talks are free and open to the public, although donations are gratefully accepted. All talks take place at 7pm on select dates from March through November. Our October lecture will take place at the Historic Mishler Theatre at 1208 12th Avenue in Altoona.
October 15 - Located at the Historic Mishler Theatre
“Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas”
By Michael Allison
The ever-entertaining Michael Allison returns by popular demand for his annual presentations on Pennsylvania folklore and the supernatural. This year, he is setting his sights on winter folklore traditions—from magical midwinter spirits to the creepiest of Christmas creatures. Join the museum for a fun evening that will colorfully bridge the Halloween and Christmas seasons.
November 20 - Location TBA
Raymond Loewy: Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
By John Wall
John Wall, author of Streamliner, will talk on the influence of industrial designer Raymond Loewy. Loewy was a pioneering product designer and created the streamlined look of several Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives built in Altoona as well as many other groundbreaking forms of transportation design, including Air Force One and Studebakers. Book signing to follow.
Museum Events
Haunted Downtown Walking Tour
Oct. 24th with Michael Allison
October 24:
Haunted Downtown Altoona Walking Tours
7pm - $20 per person
Join Local Artist and Folklore Specialist Michael Allison as he explores the haunted history of downtown Altoona by lantern light. Ever since its construction in the 1840s, the areas of 10th, 11th, and 12th Avenues have been the site of murders, fires, train wrecks, and mysterious deaths of every conceivable manner. Walk in the footsteps of the city's forbearers while learning about the darker side of the town's colorful past.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 3/4 of a mile of walking. A flashlight and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. All participants who embark on this street tour do so at their own risk.
Tickets must be obtained in advance via Paypal and the receipt should be brought to the tour as verification of payment.
All proceeds support the Blair County Historical Society. All Sales are Final and no refunds.
Tour begins in front of the Railroaders Memorial Museum parking lot. 1200 9th Avenue Altoona.
Haunted Downtown Altoona Walking Tours
7pm - $20 per person
Join Local Artist and Folklore Specialist Michael Allison as he explores the haunted history of downtown Altoona by lantern light. Ever since its construction in the 1840s, the areas of 10th, 11th, and 12th Avenues have been the site of murders, fires, train wrecks, and mysterious deaths of every conceivable manner. Walk in the footsteps of the city's forbearers while learning about the darker side of the town's colorful past.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 3/4 of a mile of walking. A flashlight and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. All participants who embark on this street tour do so at their own risk.
Tickets must be obtained in advance via Paypal and the receipt should be brought to the tour as verification of payment.
All proceeds support the Blair County Historical Society. All Sales are Final and no refunds.
Tour begins in front of the Railroaders Memorial Museum parking lot. 1200 9th Avenue Altoona.
DANCE OF DEATH
This year’s murder mystery has us dropping in on the mansion as a ballet troupe is about to put on a show. When the prima ballerina is found dead in her dressing room, chaos ensues. Who could have killed her and why? More importantly, who’s going to take her place?! Join us in questioning the suspects and scanning the scene for clues to solve the mystery. Please stay with your group and look out for each other…a killer is on the loose and may be willing to do anything to hide their secret.
This interactive tour of the Baker Mansion takes place on October 25th and 26th, 2019. Tours will begin at 7pm, with the last tour group registering by 10pm. Tours take approximately 40 minutes to complete, depending upon how many questions your group comes up with. Cost is $10 per person, and it is a family friendly event.
All ticket sales at the door.
The Blair County Historical society is partnering with The Altoona Dance Theater Company to bring you this fun evening. All proceeds go to support both organizations in their endeavors to educate, entertain and support future generations of historians and dancers.
This year’s murder mystery has us dropping in on the mansion as a ballet troupe is about to put on a show. When the prima ballerina is found dead in her dressing room, chaos ensues. Who could have killed her and why? More importantly, who’s going to take her place?! Join us in questioning the suspects and scanning the scene for clues to solve the mystery. Please stay with your group and look out for each other…a killer is on the loose and may be willing to do anything to hide their secret.
This interactive tour of the Baker Mansion takes place on October 25th and 26th, 2019. Tours will begin at 7pm, with the last tour group registering by 10pm. Tours take approximately 40 minutes to complete, depending upon how many questions your group comes up with. Cost is $10 per person, and it is a family friendly event.
All ticket sales at the door.
The Blair County Historical society is partnering with The Altoona Dance Theater Company to bring you this fun evening. All proceeds go to support both organizations in their endeavors to educate, entertain and support future generations of historians and dancers.
