Mission statement

"The Blair County Historical Society collects, preserves, interprets, and diffuses the history of Blair County for the benefit of its members, the schools, and the general public. The Society shall fulfill this purpose by operating a museum which serves to display, maintain, and store artifacts, documents, a library and exhibits of historic interests; by publication of a regular newsletter, pamphlets, and books; by providing tours, educational materials, and programs; by the identification, protection, and preservation of historic sites, buildings, and artifacts; and by the development of financial, and organizational plans for the furtherance of Society activities and functions."

Blair County Society history

The Blair County Historical Society was chartered on July 23, 1906, as a non-profit association open to all persons interested in preserving the history of Blair County, Pennsylvania. Since its inception, the society has taken an active role in preserving and interpreting this region’s heritage through marking historical sites, publishing books and pamphlets, and collecting and preserving artifacts relevant to the heritage of area citizens.

Since 1922, the organization’s headquarters have been located at Baker Mansion in Altoona. After leasing the building for two decades, the society purchased it from the Baker heirs in 1941. Here the society operates its museum, at which visitors can see period rooms depicting the Baker family’s lifestyle, as well as a wide array of rotating exhibits. The mansion also holds the society’s offices, library, archives, numerous special events, and rentals.

Funding primarily derives from memberships, museum admission fees, donations, grants, and special events. The institution is completely dependent upon the time, talent, financial resources, and passion of volunteers and benefactors. Although the mansion serves as the official county museum, the organization receives limited support from local, state, or federal funding. The society’s survival depends upon you.

The organization is a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations, the Alliance of Pennsylvania County Historical Societies, the American Association for State and Local History, Explore Altoona, and the Blair County Chamber of Commerce. Today, it proudly boast a wide array of accomplishments in the community. Offering diverse levels of educational programs, lectures, tours, reenactments, publications, and services, we intend to build upon our rich tradition as a non-profit organization. Help us attain our goals today!

SOCIETY Leadership

EXECUTIVE TEAM
James Lowe, Chairman
Dr. Michael Farrow, Vice Chairman
Christopher Gable, 2nd Vice Chairman
Julia Schokker, Treasurer
Timothy Van Scoyoc, Secretary
Dustin Smith, Executive Director

DIRECTORS
Virginia Anslinger
John Crider
John Hansberry
Mickey Port
Jocelyn Wolf