Friday Feb 12th, 2021
In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s 212th birthday, the Hagen History Center would like to honor one of our donors, Mr. Robert P. King. Mr. King donated his Lincoln “everything” collection in 1944 and I do mean everything …coins, plaques, badges, anything with Lincoln on it or about it. Here are some of the highlights! We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the President.
Wednesday Feb 10th, 2021
An Act for the gradual abolishment of slavery in Pennsylvania passed in 1780. What it stated was that the importation of slaves from overseas into the Commonwealth would cease. People in slavery born before this date could remain in slavery until they died or were freed. People born of slave parents after that date would remain “indentured servants” until the age of 28, then would be free. Erie County was settled around 1795; were there slaves here at that time?
Monday Feb 8th, 2021
As a tribute to Black History Month, Hagen History Center is hosting The Beauty of a Colorful Mind; Honoring the Past while Inspiring a Brilliant Future, Poetry Hour. The purpose of this event is to pay homage to famous African American Poets and Artists of the past.
This project also gives local poets and word artists an opportunity to use their creative talents to honor the past, appreciate the present and inspire a bright and brilliant future through recorded words.
Sunday Feb 7th, 2021
Friday Feb 5th, 2021
John S. Hicks, son of a former slave, was born in Virginia on February 14, 1845. He began in the ice cream business in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1864. He moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1878 and soon built his business in a large, modern building at 1216 State Street that housed his ice cream “factory” in the basement, an ice cream parlor on the first floor and an apartment on the second floor he shared with his wife Frances and daughter Ida.
Thursday Feb 4th, 2021
A brief history of raising Union black regiments during the Civil War will be provided. The focus will be on the several USCT (United States Colored Troop) regiments that were partially recruited in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Wednesday Feb 3rd, 2021
This is a story of a man and his enduring legacy. Born in Erie of humble beginnings, he became famous as a composer, arranger, editor and lecturer. He performed on stages in Erie, New York City and throughout the country as far west as Minnesota. Books have been written about him and a society was formed in 2017 to honor him, his work and to address issues of today through art. His name is Henry Thacker Burleigh.
Monday Feb 1st, 2021
Born and raised in Erie, Harry T. Burleigh graduated from Erie High School in 1887. While working at the Colby Piano Company in Erie as a stenographer, he practiced the piano in his off hours. In 1892, he traveled to New York City where he auditioned for the Conservatory of Music and made the acquaintance with famed composed Anton Dvorak.
Friday Jan 29th, 2021
Pat Monahan, singer, songwriter, musician and actor was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. Born on February 28, 1969. the youngest of seven children of Jack and Patricia Ann Monahan, he attended McDowell High School in Millcreek Township and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Wednesday Jan 27th, 2021
Have you ever heard of the “Gibson Girl”? These pen and ink drawings were created by Charles Dana Gibson (1867-1944) and published in “Life” magazine beginning in 1890. Referred to as the first pin-up girl, she was an idealized version of American young womanhood and every man’s dream.
