Blog

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?

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Over 150 years after the Civil War, the name of George G. Meade is not well known outside the world of scholars and students of that war, overshadowed by U.S. Grant and shunned by the press, Meade deserves to be recognized for his victory at Gettysburg and his command of the Army of the Potomac longer than any other general.