Updates From the Centre County Historical Society


HISTORY UNCOVERED: A New Look at Memorial Day
Posted Sunday, June 10, 2012


History Talk:  A War, Three Women, and a Tradition
Friday, July 13 ~ 2:00 pm
at the Central PA Visitors Center
800 E. Park Ave., State College, PA  16803

The recent discovery of Civil War era letters from a Boalsburg family has sparked new research behind the Memorial Day tradition.  What has resulted is an in-depth look into the lives of the three women whom locals credit with having started Memorial Day.  The letters and the resulting research takes us to life in Boalsburg during that most threatening time in our history.

The letters provide a firsthand account that an historian could only hope to relate.  The research has extended to contacts in distant parts of our country, providing details and photos never before assembled.  It provides a unique view of the Civil War, its impact on Boalsburg, and the creation of Memorial Day.  Hosted by the Centre County Historical Society, join presenters Cathy Horner and Bob Hazelton on May 13 at 2:00 pm at the Central PA Visitors Center.

This program will be one of many Civil War history events planned for the summer of 2012 around the arrival of the PA Civil War 150 Road Show, coming to Centre County July 12-15 during the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.  Visit the CCHS website for Road Show information and countywide special event details.  For questions, contact CCHS - the Official Host Site organization - at (814) 234-4779.