Hagen History Center Heating Up for Summer
Nonprofit looks forward to opening more opportunities to look back
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 22 - 26
It is shaping up to be a historic first week of summer in Erie County.
When it comes to the past, the Erie County Historical Society (ECHS) maintains a large presence in Northwestern Pennsylvania, and will make that felt with numerous events through the weekend.
Men at the Museum Fundraiser
This Wednesday, the EHCS is calling for sponsors and supporters to "man up" for their inaugural Men at the Museum fundraiser. Featuring hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and the opportunity to network with other history loving lads, the event will showcase the exciting new developments across its Hagen History Center campus, which includes the Watson-Curtze Mansion, Woods-Morrison House, Carriage House Visitor Center and Gift Shop, King-Mertens Archive Building, and New Exhibit Building. Young men with an interest in local history are especially welcome, with men under 40 paying an entry fee equal to their age. Consider it an investment in the future.
Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. // Hagen History Center, 356 W. 6th St. // $21-$39 or $100+
Free Tours of the Battles Estate White House
Out west, ECHS operates a second campus encompassing the former estate of Girard banker Rush Battles, which includes the Battles Estate Yellow House (the family's mansion), the Battles Estate White House (the family farmhouse), and 130 acres of preserved farmland (with nearly a mile of public walking trails). Cultivate your curiosity in local history with free tours of the farmhouse during the Girard-Lake City Chamber's Summer Solstice Block Party. While you're out there, check out the Battles Bank on Main Street (now occupied by Full Circle Winery) and grab a beverage or bite to eat from one of ten vendors while enjoying live music from West County Rangers.
Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m. // Battles Estate at the Hagen History Center, 436 Walnut St., Girard, Pa. // Free
Author Justin Dombrowski Visits the Hagen History Center
It probably wouldn't kill true crime enthusiasts to meet local author Justin Dombrowski, author of Murder & Mayhem in Erie, Pennsylvania, a painstakingly researched resuscitation of six cold cases from Erie's past. Dombrowski, a 2007 Central Tech graduate and alumnus of Mercyhurst University, will be on hand to speak and sign copies of his book, released just last week.
Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m. // Hagen History Center, 356 W. 6th St. // Free
A fourth HHC-sponsored event, the Unseen Erie Bus Tour, is sold out for Saturday — but the wheels are already spinning on future dates. For a glimpse into when you might next see the unseen, visit eriehistory.org/events
Matt Swanseger can be reached at mswanseger@eriereader.com
