New exhibits include:
In 2024, we added multiple new exhibits in the Watson-Curtze Mansion. They include:
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"Guest of the Nation" traveling exhibit by the American Friends of Lafayette. We have the exhibit in advance of the 200-year, June 2025 celebration of Lafayette’s visit to Judah Colt’s home as a dinner guest of honor in Erie in June 1825. The national exhibit leaves July 31, but History Center artifacts and additional pieces will remain on display.
- Our Iverd (1893 to 1936) collection gained recognition for his cover illustrations in popular magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, McCall’s, Ladies Home Journal, and The American Magazine and for Campbell’s Soup and many others.
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Lester R. Roesner (1905-1973) The original watercolor paintings, by local artist Lester R. Roesner, feature landscapes or cityscapes depicting scenes in the Erie area from the mid-20th century. Roesner was born February 27, 1905, in Waukegan, Illinois and later attended Academy High School in Erie. He graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and returned to Erie.
He painted an Erie Series of buildings in addition to national works. He also completed murals in local schools and organizations.
He was president of the Erie Art Club in 1938 and was employed as the art director at the National Service Engraving Company. He also opened an art studio in Erie.
COMING JUNE 1, 2024:
- History on Tap: A History of Brewing Culture Through Items from Erie’s Beer Making Past will officially open in the mansion with Erie beer collector and Guest Curator Ray Barber’s personal collection and artifacts from our archives
- Teamwork: Celebrating Erie's Sporting Heritage: Through jerseys, photos, and memorabilia, this exhibit highlights Erie's vibrant history of team sports including hockey, baseball, roller derby, basketball, soccer, and more.
- City Lights: The Stained Glass of Erie City Hall and the Erie Steam Bakery will illuminate our second floor in an exhibit of windows and panels that adorned these commercial buildings. Backlighting will reveal the vibrant colors of the original glass designs.
We still have the following exhibits on display:
- Children’s Exhibit-Winifred Watson’s Bedroom
- Expanded Griswold Ironware Exhibit
- Mr. Watson's Billiard Room
- Servants’ Quarters
- Battles Bank President Charlotte Elizabeth Battles’ clothing, personal paintings and furnishings
- A tribute to the Curtze family
