It was a chilly night, but that didn’t stop hundreds of people from venturing out to see the Christmas parade and tree lighting in the town square and stopping in to the History Center to see the Bowdish trains running. The Bowdish crew delivered an exciting presentation of holiday trains and decor, including the always-popular READ MORE
Author: Jefferson County History Center
Discovery of historic Earle Sandt photo
Earlier this year, author, Paul Beck published a new biography of aviator, and Brookville native, Earle Sandt. As there is not much known about Earle’s personal life, Beck concentrated on his flying career which was short, but very exciting. Among the newly discovered photos that are in the book was this gem, printed with permission 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
Bowdish Halloween
Our Bowdish Halloween event on Saturday, October 28, was a big hit! Families came out to the History Center to see the spooky Halloween trains running in the Bowdish Model Railroad and Miniatures exhibit. The kids came dressed in costume and enjoyed some yummy treats while enjoying the trains and other exhibits. We were also READ MORE
Getting Started with Genealogy
Genealogy is like putting together a fascinating puzzle where every piece reveals a part of your family’s story. It’s a journey of discovery, a way to connect with your roots and an opportunity to learn about the people who came before you. If you’ve ever considered diving into the world of genealogy, this blog post 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
Debunking Genealogical Myths
Genealogy is an enchanting journey into our family history. It’s a rewarding quest that allows us to connect with our roots and discover the captivating stories of our forebears. However, the field is riddled with myths that can sometimes lead both novices and experienced genealogists down a perplexing path. In this blog post, we’ll explore 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
5th Annual Family Bike Ride was a great success
Our 5th Annual Bicycle Event was held on Saturday, September 17th, which turned out to be a mostly nice day despite the rain showers forecast. Another successful year, 71 Adults and Kids turned out to ride the Rails to Trails along the Redbank from Brookville to Summerville. Adult riders drew a poker card at 5 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
National Air Mail Week 85th Anniversary
Earle Sandt Air Mail commemorative envelope Larry Anthony hand-cancels the commemorative air mail envelopes May 19, 2023 marked the 85th anniversary of National Air Mail Week. To mark the anniversary, JCHC took a small quantity of original 1938 envelopes from our Archives and affixed the original Air Mail stamp. JCHC Board member, Larry Anthony, a READ MORE
The Corbin Family
The Corbin family has been part of Jefferson County since its earliest days. Henry Keys, my 3X great-grandfather, came to the Washington Twp. area in 1823. The following year, Henry, along with fellow settlers John McIntosh and Tommy Moore, built the first cabin in Beechwoods, near Kyle Run. The story of how Henry met his READ MORE
Jefferson County Courthouse Bell
There is a 2,400 lb. bronze bell in the tower of the Jefferson County courthouse that has been announcing the hour of the day since the beginning of the 20th century. In 1899, a clock mechanism was installed and, since then, a hammer linked to the mechanism strikes the stationary bell every hour. The 1869 READ MORE
Fred Knapp, one of Brookville’s early photographers
Fred Knapp was one of Brookville’s early photographers and documented thousands of local people and scenes over a long career. When he died in 1948, Brookville newspaper editor, H. E. “Pud” McMurray, heard that Knapp’s surviving negatives, many of which were on glass plates, had been taken to the dump. He went out and literally READ MORE
September 13, 1928 – Lockheed Vega Makes Emergency Landing in Brookville
This interesting old photo was posted on Facebook a couple of years ago by Richard & Sandy Holben. It was supposed to have been taken at the old Brookville air-port. I recognized the airplane as a Lockheed Vega, a model that was produced from 1927 to 1934. It was state of the art in its 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
Jefferson County Historical Society Receives Archival Records Care Grant
The Jefferson County Historical Society is pleased to announce it is a recipient of a 2023 Historical & Archival Records Care Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.
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
Hidden Treasure Escape Room
An escape room is an interactive and immersive game where a group of 2 – 6 players work together to discover clues, open locks, solve riddles, and complete brain teasers to solve the mystery and escape within 50 minutes. Teams are often made up of friends, coworkers, or even strangers. The game begins with an READ MORE
2022 Bicycle Poker Run & Family Fun Ride
It was a great sunny day for our 4th Annual Bicycle Event – a leisure ride along the picturesque Redbank Creek with games and prizes!
4th Grade at JCHS Scripture Rocks Heritage Park
Brookville 4th graders visited the park learning about the rocks and Douglas Stahlman, forestry, archaeology, plants and pollinators, and history through songs.
Guided Tour At Scripture Rocks
An interpretive guided walking tour through Scripture Rocks and learn the story of Douglas Stahlman, a troubled man with a powerful message.
Jefferson County Historical Society Announces the Launch of Our New Archives Building
JCHC announces a newly acquired two-story facility that will be renovated and used to properly hold and preserve our collectibles, archives, and county records.
State Capital Senate Citation, PA House of Representatives Citation and Congressional Citation Honoring Kenneth Burkett for his Archaeology Accomplishments
State Capital Senate Citation, PA House of Representatives Citation and Congressional Citation Honoring Kenneth Burkett for his Archaeology Accomplishments
Military Collectibles Show
Vendors and Exhibitors displaying military collectibles for show, sale, and trade from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars to the present.
PA MUSEUMS 2022 Annual Statewide Museum Conference
JCHC staff and volunteers will be presenting the new Native Plant-Pollinator Pond Habitat and ADA Accessible Education Area at PA Museums’ Statewide Conference
Ken Burkett: Recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award
Ken Burkett receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Society for PA Archeology (SPA)
Society for American Archaeology to Honor JCHC Executive Director Kenneth Burkett
JCHC Director, Ken Burkett, is being honored with the 2022 Crabtree Award by the Society of American Archaeology for his outstanding service to PA Archaeology.
Redd Up The Rocks!
REDD UP THE ROCKS! Jefferson County History Center is holding a Clean-Up Day at the Scripture Rocks Heritage Park.
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
Wagon Returns Home to Brookville
BROOKVILLE – On July 15, 2017, a piece of local history made its way back to Brookville, PA in the form of a large, horse-drawn wagon which was donated to the Jefferson County History Center by Matt and Mary Puskarich of Cadiz, Ohio. They wanted the wagon to be returned to its hometown and be READ MORE