"100 Years of the Erie Zoo" exhibit now open

Erie Zoo

100 years of the Erie Zoo 

Step into a captivating journey through 100 years of Erie Zoological history, where the past and present collide in an immersive display of conservation, animal care, and environmental change. 

This unique exhibit showcases animals, timelines, vintage photographs, and artifacts that trace the history. Special thanks our archivist Steven Mooradian; Scott Mitchell of the Erie Zoo; our volunteer Chris Spare; and Zoo volunteer Linda Henson for bringing this exhibit to life! 

It's located on the third floor of the Watson-Curtze Mansion.

With a blend of nostalgia, education, and hope for the future, the exhibit serves as both a tribute to past achievements and a call to action for the next 100 years. 

Come on in and share the memories! 

New exhibit with Ad-itude is now open!

Dave made you look

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign!

Step back in time to see the magic behind the pitches of brand names that you might or might not remember in our "Made You Look" advertising exhibit open on the second floor of the Watson-Curtze Mansion.

Thanks to our staff Steven Mooradian, Rick Schwab and Dave Pugh for bringing this exhibit to life. Special thanks to all of our volunteers and interns for their help. 

By the way, that's Dave Pugh in this photo! He created that Rudy Voss' storefront from items in our archives.  

Half-price admission again! – Dec. 13 to 15

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Who has more than 30 trees? We have more than 30 trees!

Last weekend's snow kept a lot of us at home, but we still want to share more than 30 trees and a dozen fireplaces adorned with holiday finery – at half price admission!

  • History Center and EFCU members $5
  • Veterans $5
  • Adults $6
  • Students $3.25
  • Children 6 & Under FREE
  • Museums for All $3 each (EBT card holders, up to 4 people per card)

We have two new exhibits:

  • Made You Look: Erie signs with plenty of history and nostalgia
  • 100 Years of the Erie Zoo: it roars with memories

Thanks to Copper Carriage and all our staff and volunteers for decorating!

In addition to festive holiday displays, we have some terrific exhibits:

  • 100 Years of the Erie Zoo  – it roars with memories!
  • Made You Look (nostalgic signage with a recreated storefront in the mansion)

Coming in January: Triggering History: Legacy of Erie firearms

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday, noon to 5 pm

Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1

Host an Event

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Create the wedding or event of your dreams in a Victorian mansion or rustic farmhouse, right in Erie County! Step back in time and enjoy the natural beauty of the Hagen History Center’s grounds for your special day.

Regarded as one of the best wedding and event venues in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Hagen History Center is the perfect backdrop for a Victorian-inspired, unforgettable experience.

Located in Erie, Pa., the Hagen History Center’s West Sixth Street Campus, which includes the Watson-Curtze Mansion and the President’s Room, is conveniently located near downtown Erie, close to hotels and Bayfront attractions. The Hagen’s Girard Campus includes the Yellow House, an elegant farmhouse situated on more than 130 acres.

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