This has certainly been an unprecedented year! Unfortunately, the Virtual Ribbon Cutting has been cancelled.
The Hagen History Center originally had planned a grand opening gala in May and transitioned that into a Virtual Ribbon Cutting to be held in July because of COVID-19. The goal was to unveil the 8 new exhibits on the campus. Later, our best intention was to host the virtual ribbon cutting before the end of summer. That timeframe, however, is no longer possible.
The company building the new exhibits is from Georgia. Prior to July 4, they completed about 80% of the work with the intention of returning to Erie to finish the job a couple of weeks later. Georgia now is on the two-week quarantine list for travel to PA; this complicates the completion of the exhibits in the Wood-Morrison House and the new exhibit building.
The Watson-Curtze Mansion remains open for visitation. The new children’s-oriented exhibit in Winifred’s bedroom was completed and the replica Justice Bell is on display in the foyer until early September. The mansion is open Friday through Sundays from 11am to 5pm. The Justice Bell was created over a century ago to advocate for the woman’s right to vote and is here to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
To keep visitors and staff safe, comply with Department of Health regulations, and give the new exhibits a celebratory opening, we are postponing the ribbon cutting and opening of the new exhibits until 2021.
This is a disappointing conclusion; however, the slowing of the exhibit construction and the uncertainty of the virus has caused us to make this decision. We do believe this is the best resolution under the circumstances.
Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and your support of the Hagen History Center.
You can become part of Erie’s future by donating to preserve Erie’s past.
Donations to ECHS help us maintain the Watson-Curtze Mansion, Carriage House and Archives Building on West 6th Street in Erie, PA. Donations also help maintain the Battles Estate Farm Houses in Girard, PA.
It is because of the ongoing support of the Erie community that ECHS maintains over 30,000 objects, over one and a half miles of materials, and archives of Erie County organizations.
Your annual gift to the ECHS shows your investment in Erie's future. Your support enhances existing exhibits, helps create new exhibits, and preserves Erie's rich history for generations to come.
You can choose to make your annual gift as an unrestricted gift, in memory of a loved one, or as a tribute to a loved one. DONATE NOW to make your gift or mail a donation to
Advancement Office
Hagen History Center
356 West 6th Street
Erie PA, 16501
If your employer will match your gift, please remember to submit the paperwork.
With your donation of $40 or more, you will become a member of the Hagen History Center. Members enjoy unlimited access to the museum all year.
You can choose to become a member on your first trip to the Hagen History Center, or on our website at www.eriehistory.org, or by contacting us at 814-454-1813 x 27.
Membership levels include:
All above levels receive general membership benefits as well. These benefits include 15% off all gift shop purchases, quarterly newsletters, Journal of Erie Studies, unlimited visits to the exhibits, guest passes, and invitations to members-only events such as the Christmas Party and Annual Meeting.
Download our membership form (PDF)
It’s the day Erie really does give! The Erie Community Foundation’s day for online giving will be held on August 11, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Donors can go to www.eriegives.org to make their gift.
Erie Gives will accept checks received by August 10. Donating by check will save the ECHS the credit card processing fee. Checks must be made out to The Erie Community Foundation, be accompanied by a Check Donation Form, and be delivered to the Foundation by Monday, August 10.
Download/Print Check Donation Form
Contact Geri Cicchetti at 814-454-1813 x 34 or gcicchetti@eriehistory.org with questions or to include your check prior to August 10th.
Don’t forget to attend an ECHS event.
You can also choose to host an event to benefit ECHS? Contact our Advancement office at 814-454-1813 x34.
Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC)
The Erie County Historical Society is an approved nonprofit to receive EITC funding. This is a program in which approved donors can give to ECHS and receive either a 75% or 90% tax credit on PA taxes in addition to a deduction on federal taxes. ECHS will direct donations to programs at the new Education Center in the Wood-Morrison-House
Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP)
Erie County Historical Society is an approved nonprofit to receive NAP funding. The Neighborhood Assistance Program’s goal is to encourage businesses to invest in projects which improve distressed areas and support, among other things, educational opportunities. A tax credit of up to 55% can be awarded. ECHS will direct NAP donations to fund the new exhibits in the building under construction
If you’d like additional information on either program, please contact Geri Cicchetti at 814-454-1813 x 34 or at gcicchetti@eriehistory.org.
You can also choose to immortalize your family name with a brick on the Carriage House Patio (former Planetarium). Bricks are $100 for up to 3 lines of copy.
Download the Buy a Brick Form (PDF)
Please consider remembering ECHS in your estate plans. You can choose to include ECHS in your will, in a trust and/or as the beneficiary of an insurance policy. This type of donation often provides transformational growth for the organization.
If you'd like to discuss any of the above options further, contact Geri Cicchetti, Advancement Director at 814-454-1813 x34 or at gcicchetti@eriehistory.org
Safely and securely give to the Erie County Historical Society in any amount you choose. We thank you in advance for your donation.
