Upcoming Historical Society Events
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 various Wednesdays from March through November.
June 26
Scrap Drives and Victory Gardens: The Blair County Home Front in WWII
By James Lowe
The home front was an integral part of American victory in World War II. From war bonds to victory Gardens and scrap drives to rationing, this presentation focuses on wartime America with specific information on Altoona. On display will also be a plethora of artifacts from the home front during the war years. This talk coincides with Baker Mansion’s new WWII exhibition.
July 24
Remains of a Tragedy, Rebirth of a City: PRR Photographs by William Rau After the Johnstown Flood
By Julie Rockwell
In commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the Johnstown Flood, historian Julie Rockwell will be sharing stunning photos of the William H. Rau collection from the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. How did the 1889 flood change the landscape and the community? These questions and more will be answered in this engaging visual presentation.
August 21
Allegheny Burning: The 240th Anniversary of the Brodhead Campaign of 1779
By Brady J. Crytzer
In 1779, George Washington launched what would be his most successful campaign of the entire American Revolution: the destruction of Iroquoia. A three pronged attack from all directions, the campaign reduced the Haudenosaunee world to ashes and ended a centuries-old way of life. The conflict unleashed vast consequences in the Pennsylvania hinterlands. Book signing to follow.
September 18
Gregory Zaborowski
The Flight that Fought Back: A 9/11 Reflection
Flight 93 National Memorial Park Ranger Gregory Zaborowski will be conveying the compelling tale of United 93 in the September 11 attacks. Because of the actions of the 40 desperate passengers and crew, an attack on the U.S. Capitol was thwarted. Zaborowski will be using information gathered by the FBI, the cockpit voice recorder, and other firsthand accounts.
October 16
“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
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 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 various Wednesdays from March through November.
June 26
Scrap Drives and Victory Gardens: The Blair County Home Front in WWII
By James Lowe
The home front was an integral part of American victory in World War II. From war bonds to victory Gardens and scrap drives to rationing, this presentation focuses on wartime America with specific information on Altoona. On display will also be a plethora of artifacts from the home front during the war years. This talk coincides with Baker Mansion’s new WWII exhibition.
July 24
Remains of a Tragedy, Rebirth of a City: PRR Photographs by William Rau After the Johnstown Flood
By Julie Rockwell
In commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the Johnstown Flood, historian Julie Rockwell will be sharing stunning photos of the William H. Rau collection from the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. How did the 1889 flood change the landscape and the community? These questions and more will be answered in this engaging visual presentation.
August 21
Allegheny Burning: The 240th Anniversary of the Brodhead Campaign of 1779
By Brady J. Crytzer
In 1779, George Washington launched what would be his most successful campaign of the entire American Revolution: the destruction of Iroquoia. A three pronged attack from all directions, the campaign reduced the Haudenosaunee world to ashes and ended a centuries-old way of life. The conflict unleashed vast consequences in the Pennsylvania hinterlands. Book signing to follow.
September 18
Gregory Zaborowski
The Flight that Fought Back: A 9/11 Reflection
Flight 93 National Memorial Park Ranger Gregory Zaborowski will be conveying the compelling tale of United 93 in the September 11 attacks. Because of the actions of the 40 desperate passengers and crew, an attack on the U.S. Capitol was thwarted. Zaborowski will be using information gathered by the FBI, the cockpit voice recorder, and other firsthand accounts.
October 16
“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
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.
Event Photo Gallery
Royer Mansion Events
The society also owns the Springfield Furnace Mansion (Royer House) which has been rehabilitated. Since 2016, the Society has leased out the property to site managers and operators. Where work continues to enhance the property and offer community events.
