Hagen History Center Unveils Pay What You Wish for 2025
Locals can visit the museum for any price during the first quarter of 2025
CONTINUING THURSDAY, JAN. 9
For the first time, the Hagen History Center will offer Pay What You Wish for the first quarter of 2025 for all Erie county residents. Local visitors must show proof of residency and will be able to decide the amount to pay for admission for access to the entire museum, including their new exhibits.
Executive Director Cal Pifer (2013 honoree of Erie's 40 Under 40) explained that the museum is looking to attract more locals, since the majority of their visitors are from outside of the area. "It's a phenomenon we see across the country. I mean, how many New Yorkers have never visited the Statue of Liberty?" Pifer said. "We all have gems in our own backyard so this is just a little bit of a push to get people to either check us out for the first time or come back if it's been a while."
The new exhibits on the second and third floor of the Watson Curtze Mansion reflect Erie's unique history. The "Made You Look: Erie signs with plenty of history and nostalgia" exhibit features historic signage from around the Erie area. "It's really nice because they're large pieces that really haven't been displayed previously due to their size," Pifer said.
The other exhibit, "100 years of the Erie Zoo: it roars with memories" displays aspects of the zoo from its founding to the present day. "It brought back so many memories for me, as a kid growing up here in Erie." Pifer explained. "The zoo was a part of so many of our childhoods."
Since March 2024, the museum has opened 10 new exhibits with pop-ups monthly, with more to come in the new year.
The Pay What You Wish promotion will continue through March 30, 2025 // Hagen History Center, 356 W. 6th St. // For more info: eriehistory.org
