Friday Mar 19th, 2021
Ida M. Tarbell’s name would become synonymous with the term muckraker after publication of her 19-part expose of the business practices of John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company that had destroyed her father’s oil business, as well as many other small oil related companies in Pennsylvania’s oil region in the 1870s.
Wednesday Mar 17th, 2021
Beginning two-hundred million years ago, at various times Pennsylvania was literally covered by an ocean! The land would rise and fall over the millennia. When it rose, lush vegetation would cover the land only to be covered by water when it fell. Each time, sand and water would compact the vegetation forming layers of coal such as what is found south of Pittsburgh near the Scranton area and into West Virginia.
Monday Mar 15th, 2021
The Nicholson House, at 4838 West Ridge, Erie, was built in 1837 for Isobella Nicholson, widow of John Nicholson, one of Erie’s pioneer settlers. The Hagen History Center houses many collections containing the photos, papers, and ephemera of Erie County’s earliest settlers. These collections will once again be available to researchers after HHC’s grand reopening this summer.
Saturday Mar 13th, 2021
Do you have a family member who worked here for the Watson or Curtze families between 1891 and 1941?
If so, we would love to hear from you. We would like to share their stories with our visitors. If you have photographs or stories, please contact Museum Educator Jeff Sherry at jsherry@eriehistory.org.
Friday Mar 12th, 2021
Before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into World War II, Americans had been enlisting in the military in growing numbers. The total number of Americans that served topped 16 million. Of that number, over 350,000 were women. One such woman was Erie’s Elvira “Vera” Mannarelli.
Thursday Mar 11th, 2021
Pennsylvania Historical Museum & Commission has approved 23 new state historical markers. One of the plaques will be dedicated to Charlotte Elizabeth Battles.
Thursday Mar 11th, 2021
John "Casey" Wells, Executive Director of Erie County Convention Center Authority (Erie Events) and Board Member of the Warner Theater Preservation Trust will present the History of the Historic Warner Theatre here in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Wednesday Mar 10th, 2021
I have been on the lookout to buy some “rural” property lately. I don’t want anything fancy or expensive but not quite a hunting camp either, just some quiet place to relax. So, in my efforts to escape the “big” city of Erie, I have been driving around Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties admiring the natural beauty of the region we call home.
Tuesday Mar 9th, 2021
The Nicholsons of Millcreek were among the earliest settlers of Erie County. Irish immigrants John and Isobella Nicholson, so the legend goes, arrived in Erie, on horseback, bundled infant son in tow, in the spring of 1797, and, in true pioneer spirit, cleared a piece of land for themselves on the ridge above the lake (later clearing a road all the way into town), planted crops, operated grain and lumber mills, opened a tavern, and were instrumental in the construction and establishment of more than one of the area’s earliest church.
Monday Mar 8th, 2021
Harrisburg – PA Museums has announced the winners of its 2021 Special Achievement Awards. Since the 1980s, PA Museums has invited nominations from its membership and chosen institutions, projects, and individuals to be recognized.
