The Jefferson County Historical Society
Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) is a non-profit organization, established in 1967 and incorporated in 1971 as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Jefferson County Commissioners and PHMC have designated JCHS as the official historical society for the county. In 2001, JCHS began the preservation of the Nathan Greene Edelblute Building and adapted it as the Jefferson County History Center, opening the building on March 26, 2004, the 200th anniversary of the county’s founding.
JCHS operates the Jefferson County History Center (JCHC), our archives buildings and JCHS Heritage Rocks Park, our “outdoor museum.” The local name “Scripture Rocks” comes from biblical references interspersed with voluminous social, political and personal commentary inscribed on rocks throughout the park. The park features 12 wooded acres with 1.5 miles of hiking trails and 67 boulders inscribed by Douglas Stahlman, teacher turned erratic preacher, in the early 1900’s.
The Jefferson County History Center showcases many unique exhibits depicting the history of the county and prehistoric western Pennsylvania. Exhibits include:
- Paleo-Indian life ways
- Living on the Land – pioneering industries of farming, lumbering and mining
- Twyford motorcar – Brookville’s first 4WD vehicle
- Earle Sandt (“Brookville’s Birdman”) – who made the first international flight over Lake Erie to Canada
- Bowdish Model Railroad – model train and miniatures diorama
JCHC provides an extensive research library with public-use computers, genealogy resources, county histories and a searchable database of our county’s archives. The gift shop is filled with publications, logo apparel, educational items, toys, fossils and local souvenirs.
JCHC hosts a variety of family-friendly events including:
- Guided tours of Heritage Rocks Park
- Annual exhibitor/vendor trade shows showcasing Native American artifacts and military collectibles
- Walking tours of Historic Brookville
- Annual family bicycle ride and picnic
- Halloween favorites, “Eerie Tales” walking tour of Brookville and Escape Room
- Christmas Light-Up Night
Mission Statement
Our purpose is to engage people of all ages in the history of Jefferson County. We collect and care for relevant objects, images, and documents, and we invite county residents and visitors to research our materials, interact with our exhibits, take part in our programs, and read our publications in order to encourage an understanding of our past and present and afford a vision for our future.
While visiting Jefferson County:
If you are interested in becoming a member, we encourage you to stop in to the History Center or purchase your membership online.