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
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
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/
105th Bowdish Birthday Bash and Premiere of New Exhibits
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
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
It’s a Bowdish Christmas!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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,
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.