JCHC in the News

History Happening, the Jefferson County Historical Society's new YouTube channel, is a Video Project funded by PA Humanities, their partner, Spring Point Partners, and the National Endowment for the Humanities that aims to teach local history through social media. This project dives into the rich tapestry of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania—where

On October 12th, JCHC hosted a dedication for Jack Theisen at the JCHS Scripture Rocks Park. Jack, whose idea it was to make this a park, passed away August 2023. Jack lived at the Brookville end of Sulgar Rd, just a stone's throw from the park, and often hiked these

The resurrected cemetery tour from years past, held on Saturday October 26th, was a guided tour led by Board President Larry Anthony of some of our historical characters of the community and county. Here's your chance to meet those whose life and work made them immortal!  Bring your imagination and

The BOWDISH HALLOWEEN TRICK & TREAT was held on  Saturday, October 26th at JCHC. Kids came in Costume looking for Trains and Treats ! The Bowdish Model Railroad and crew didn't disappoint - Everyone had lots of fun!The little dinosaur wanted to knowhow Art was making the trains run ! Sadie

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

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

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

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/ 

On Saturday, February 24, 2024, we celebrated the 105th Bowdish Birthday Bash. We had great attendance with a steady flow of visitors throughout the day. The model trains and animated miniatures came alive for a few hours, delighting young and old alike as they followed the trains through town and tunnels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.