Blog

The Wall that Heals v5

Honoring our Fallen Vietnam Service Men

Jeff Sherry

Monday Feb 7th, 2022

This Memorial Day, “The Wall That Heals,” a portable version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. will visit Erie. In recognition of the visit of “The Wall That Heals,” the Hagen History Center will recognize the 59 servicemen from Erie County that are among the over 58,000 Americans who gave their lives in Southeast Asia. Each week, a few veterans will be featured on our social media. The week of Memorial Day, several servicemen will be honored.

93.32.19 1997 Box6

African Americans in Erie County: A Trail of Shared Heritage #3

KayAnn Warner

Saturday Feb 5th, 2022

For the month of February, Hagen History Center will be recognizing African Americans in Erie County: A Trail of Shared Heritage (The Trail).

Isalys

Isaly’s: What We Did Before Fast Food

Jeff Sherry

Friday Feb 4th, 2022

In the days before the proliferation of fast-food restaurants,  hungry folks could stop at their local Isaly’s store for a meal, a loaf of bread, ice cream and milk. While there were no Isaly’s in Erie County, over 700 stores and dairy plants dotted the cities and towns of western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. This blog will look back at the not too distant past and certainly jog the memories of many readers.

Heritage Room

African Americans in Erie County: A Trail of Shared Heritage #2

KayAnn Warner

Thursday Feb 3rd, 2022

If you missed it, for the month of February, the Hagen History Center will be recognizing African Americans in Erie County: A Trail of Shared Heritage (The Trail)!

Groundhog Day

Tips on attending Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney

Becky Weiser

Wednesday Feb 2nd, 2022

Living in Northwest Pennsylvania, we have all heard of Groundhog Day and look forward to the prognostication of Spring’s arrival.  We have all probably seen the movie “Groundhog Day” and sometimes feel like we live that movie at times.  Well, have you ever gone to Punxsutawney to experience Groundhog Day?  I did go several years ago and if you are ever thinking about it, here are some points to consider!

Calling Card

Happiness & Long Life for All its Residents #75

Becky Weiser

Wednesday Feb 2nd, 2022

 Ah, the good old days!  So many people who walk through the Watson-Curtze mansion imagine a life of servants, fine clothing, and beautiful furnishings.  Others perhaps see a “gilded” cage of strict social rules and structure based on race, class, and gender.  Even though I prefer to imagine the former, the latter cannot be denied. 

Niagara after raising 1913

African Americans in Erie County: A Trail of Shared Heritage #1

KayAnn Warner

Tuesday Feb 1st, 2022

For the month of February, the Hagen History Center will be recognizing African Americans in Erie County: A Trail of Shared Heritage (The Trail).

Brownie Camera 1

We’re celebrating International Brownie Camera Day (Month)

Amanda Rockwood

Tuesday Feb 1st, 2022

Today we discuss the Brownie Camera. Here at Hagen History Center- Erie County Historical Society we have one in our collection. It is a Kodak Brownie Taget six-20 camera.

The Wall that Heals v4

Honoring our Fallen Vietnam Service Men

Jeff Sherry

Monday Jan 31st, 2022

This Memorial Day, “The Wall That Heals,” a portable version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. will visit Erie. In recognition of the visit of “The Wall That Heals,” the Hagen History Center will recognize the 59 servicemen from Erie County that are among the over 58,000 Americans who gave their lives in Southeast Asia. Each week, a few veterans will be featured on our social media. The week of Memorial Day, several servicemen will be honored.

Planetarium

Erie Planetarium History, Part I

Jim Gavio, Director, Yahn Planetarium of Erie

Friday Jan 28th, 2022

During the transformation of the Watson-Curtze Mansion from a house into a natural history museum in the 1940s, the decision was made in the 1950’s to add a planetarium to the complex. In July of 1957 a Junior League of Erie committee surveyed the needs of the community for a planetarium.