Annual Meeting and Awards

The Jefferson County Historical Society held their Annual Meeting & Awards Event on Saturday October 19th at the Heritage House in Brookville. The event was an evening of entertainment: Music by Celtic/folk band Keridwyn, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres by Buff’s, community storytelling videos, interspersed with the annual brief business meeting consisting of election of Directors READ MORE

6th Annual Rails to Trails Family Bicycle Poker Run

On September 22nd, the 6th Annual Rails to Trails Bicycle Poker Run invited people of all ages for a leisurely 7 mile ride from Brookville to Summerville. The cyclists rode along the Redbank Creek, ending at the Summerville “Train Station” pavilion for a picnic. Along the trail, adults could pick up cards at five locations; READ MORE

18th Annual Antique Firearms & Indian Artifact Show

The 18th Annual Antique Firearms & Indian Artifacts Show was met with great success this past Saturday on August 31st. Over 250 attendees gathered at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds to browse the exhibitions, vendor tables, participate in the atlatl throw, and watch a flint knapping demonstration. A canvas print of Robert Griffing’s painting, “Where His READ MORE

Laurel Festival Kicks Off with Art in the Park

JCHC kicked off the Brookville Laurel Festival with Art in the Park. Models of buildings based on the Bowdish miniatures were crafted by children at the event, and were showcased in their very own display at the History Center’s train room during the festival. See more photos on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/puEAQf5A7Aqq8H4z/  JCHC Presents Kids’ Night READ MORE

 Jefferson County Historical Society Awarded Highly Competitive New PA Humanities Grant 

Brookville. December 8, 2023 – JCHS is proud to announce it is among the 24 distinguished recipients of a Wingspan grant, chosen out of 180 applications. This major initiative by PA Humanities is part of its ongoing 50th anniversary celebration. The grant objective is to help 12 Rural Organizations and also 12 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, READ MORE

10th Grade Presentation

JCHS Public Presentations:  10th Grade Presentation on Native American Petroglyphs & Pictographs. Brookville High School teacher Stephanie Mortimer, whose 10th grade English literature class is studying Native American stories and legends, invited Ken Burkett to present his work on petroglyphs (rock carvings ) and pictographs (rock paintings).  Both are “rock art” –  an artistic language READ MORE

2023 Brookville Area High School Hall of Fame

Two of our own JCHS members were honored by the Brookville Area High School’s Hall of Fame this past September.  Ken Burkett, Executive Director of 15 years, was presented the award for his leadership many achievements and awards, and community service, including: Prior Clarion Hospital Regional EMS Director/Dept. Head/Paramedic Instructor and PA Dept. of Health READ MORE

2023 Annual Meeting and Dinner

A great success The Historical Society held their Annual Meeting and Dinner October 21st at the Pinecrest Country Club.  43 attended, including Board Members, Staff and JCHS Members. Everyone had a chance to purchase raffle tickets for the silent auction, while enjoying hors d’oeuvresduring the social hour, followed by a buffet dinner catered by Bo READ MORE

Unlocking the Past: The Importance of Genealogy

In a world that constantly pushes us forward, genealogy offers a compelling reason to look back. It is the art of tracing our roots and unraveling the intricate tapestry of our family history. While it might seem like a niche pursuit, genealogy carries great significance, transcending mere curiosity. Let’s explore why genealogy is important to us READ MORE

Grand Opening of the E.M. “Jack” and Jean Parker Archives

Our new Archives building is now officially dedicated as E.M. “Jack” & Jean Parker Archives.  We held the dedication ceremony on Saturday July 15th, a beautiful sunny day, hosting ~50 guests, including some Jefferson County natives from out of state.  Guests enjoyed a smorgasbord of heavy hors d’oeuvres, taking cover from the hot sun under READ MORE

Bowdish Birthday Bash and New Exhibits

JCHC held the 2023 Bowdish Birthday Bash on Saturday, February 25, at the History Center. Of course, the Bowdish Model Railroad and Miniature Animations Show took center stage. The trains were a’runnin’ and delighted the young and young-at-heart. Across the hall, our Victorian Parlor re-enactment took visitors back in time. Ron Shrewsbury portrayed a Civil READ MORE

Welcome!

Welcome to the Jefferson County Historical Society’s new Blog. We are excited to add this feature to our website, and we welcome our members and friends to post stories of interest. The Blog is intended for short articles (250 – 1,000 words) about local historical people, places and events. Please follow the submission guidelines here READ MORE

Jefferson County Historical Society Approved for State Historical Marker

The Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) was just approved for a new historical marker on Dec 9th 2022 by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC).  PHMC approved 36 new historical markers, selected from 91 applications, to join the more than 2,000 markers that showcase PA historical people, places and events. The markers will find READ MORE

2022 Jefferson County Historical Society Annual Meeting, Dinner & Awards Ceremony

2022 Jefferson County Historical Society Annual Meeting, Dinner & Awards Ceremony The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to E.M. “Jack” and Jean Parker in recognition of their exceptional service and significant contributions to the success of JCHS over many, many years.  Mrs. Parker accepted the award, presented by Traci Zents, President and Kat Lyons, Operations READ MORE

JCHC to Receive Achievement Award

The Jefferson County History Center will receive the PA Museums’ Special Institutional Achievement Award for the Stones N’ Bones 3-Gallery Exhibit at the upcoming PA Museum’s Annual Conference at Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.  PA Museums is a statewide trade association of museum professionals of both large and small museums. Institutional Awards recognize outstanding projects READ MORE

Bowdish Model Railroad

Operating on the last Saturday of every month (February-October) 12:00 – 3:00 PM An intriguing story about creative genius, Charles Bowdish, and his miniature model railroad display is one of the most popular exhibits at the history center. The railroad display is viewable year-round, operating on the last Saturday of every month (February-October) or during READ MORE