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.
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.
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.
Fall Event Lineup
Oct. 6, 2019
Llyswen Bus Tour
By Dr. Farrow
An historic and architectural tour of Llyswen, Altoona’s first trolley car suburb is scheduled for Sunday, October 6 from 1-2:30 pm, leaving from Baker Mansion. The tour will include over 40 sites including homes, churches, former stores, a school and a rain garden. The tour will include the oldest section which features many home styles including Queen Anne, Cottage, Prairie, four-square as well as some mid-twentieth century homes illustrating the evolution of the neighborhood. A history of Llyswen, its name origin and development will be narrated on the tour by tour guide, Michael Farrow.
The cost is $40 which will include an illustrated brochure of each stop. Seats on the 44-seat bus will be on a first come basis based on payment received.
Payment may be made on PayPal at blairhistory.org or via check made out to BCHS, and mailed to the Blair County Historical Society, 3419 Oak Lane, Altoona, Pa. 16602.
Deadline is October 1 or when bus is full.
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.
