Upcoming Historical Society Events

Altoona Curve 20th Season Exhibit
February 28, 2018 Grand Opening

City of Altoona's Sesquicentennial 
Chartered 1868
Special Events Calendar 

Baker Mansion 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 at the Baker Mansion History Museum. The talks take place in the lecture room in the basement level of the Mansion. All talks are free and open to the public, although donations are gratefully accepted. All talks take place at 7pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
June 27 – Nathan Koozer
The Johnstown Flood: Blair County Connections
On Friday, May 31, 1889, the worst disaster of its kind in American history struck Johnstown, Pennsylvania, having a profound impact on the people of Blair County and all Americans. In this presentation, National Park Service Ranger Nathan Koozer will provide a general overview of the flood and identify the various Blair County connections to the flood story. Lessons will be learned and myths will be dispelled during this engaging talk.
 
July 25 – Jeff Holland
The History of the Altoona and Logan Valley Electric Railway
Dating back to 1882, the Altoona and Logan Valley Electric Railway has humble origins, but it quickly became a viable transportation system serving the city of Altoona. Often referred to as the Logan Valley, the railway employed 300 people, transported 11.5 million passengers a year until economic conditions forced the line to discontinue service on June 2, 1954. Join Jeff Holland for a nostalgic ride on the rails.
 
August 22 – Dr. Michael Farrow
Now Showing: A History of Blair County Theaters
Dozens of theaters, playhouses, and nickelodeons dotted the streets of Blair County in decades past. While most of the sites were long ago demolished, rich photographic evidence remains of the golden age of cinema. Dr. Farrow will take guests on a cross-county visual journey exhibiting some of the most popular entertainment venues in local history.
 
September 26 – Jim Lowe
We Can Take It: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Pennsylvania
From 1933 to 1942, hundreds of thousands of unemployed men worked in camps throughout Pennsylvania. Some camps were on army bases, some were in national parks, some worked with the soil conservation service, but most camps were in state parks and forests. Pennsylvania had the second highest number of camps in the nation. Jim Lowe will offer stories of local projects and workers who served during the Great Depression.
 
October 24 – Michael Allison
Grimoires and Hexenmeisters: Folk Magic in Pennsylvania
Although the environment of rural Pennsylvania leans toward the quaint rather than the creepy, cultural expressions of folk magic and symbolism have a long and colorful history among Pennsylvanians. Join the ever-entertaining Michael Allison for a lively presentation on folk magic that is timely for the Halloween season. Spells will be cast and boils will be cured!
 
November 14 – Jared Frederick
Treasures from the Archive: Blair County in WWI
Thousands of Blair County residents served in various capacities of the World War I. Known for its incredible, systematic carnage, the conflict was commonly referred to as “the war to end all wars.” Frederick’s presentation will highlight local individual stories and historical treasures from the Blair County Historical Society’s vast collections for the centennial of the war’s end.

Royer Mansion Antique Show
April 2018

More information coming soon!

Wine in the Woods at Royer Mansion
June 23, 2018

Born to be Wild: A Tribute to our Vietnam Veterans
August 4, 2018

More information coming soon!

Vintage Car Cruise-In at Baker Mansion
August 2018

Baker Mansion History Museum Bus Tour
Returning September 2018

Royer Mansion Pumpkin Festival: Quilt & Antique Show
Returning September 2018

Haute Dog Fashion Show at Baker Mansion
Sunday October 7th 2018 
Rain Date October 14th, 2018

The Blair County Historical Society is hosting a "Haute Dog Fashion Show" outdoors at the Baker Mansion

Bring your friendly pooches, poodles and playful pups to the first "Haute Dog Fashion Show" being held at the Baker Mansion. There will be food, fun, games, and contests to select the best costume, cleverest character, and most dynamic duo (dog and owner). 

Fabulous door prizes will be raffled off every half hour. 
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Cost is $25 to register for the event. 
Registration includes: Admission for 1 friendly dog and any
friendly humans the dog brings!
1 Meal ticket (hotdog, drink & pretzels)
3 door prize raffle tickets
Entry in all dog games and contests on-site*

Additional purchases: $5 Extra meal (hotdog, drink & pretzels)
for extra humans
$5 For 10 extra door prize raffle tickets
for extra chances to WIN! 
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 Exploring Haunted History
All Throughout October 2018

Halloween events include:
October 19-20: Mansion Murder Mystery Tours
October 24: Michael Allison presentation on Pennsylvania Folk Magic
October 26: Downtown Haunted Walking Tours
October 27: Baker Mansion Halloween Bash
More details coming soon!

Annual Awards Dinner
November 1, 2018

Heritage Holiday Tours
December 1-23, 2018
Includes December 22 Tea with Santa

New Year's Eve at Baker Mansion
December 31, 2018

Event Photo Gallery