Triggering History: Legacy of Erie firearms exhibit open
Triggering History: Legacy of Erie firearms
Our archives includes dozens of firearms of many sizes, time periods, and geographical locations. Currently on exhibit on the second floor of the Watson-Curtze Mansion are pre-Civil War era firearms that are either directly or indirectly related to Erie. This exhibit also has rifles made by Erie gunsmiths, guns owned by Erie families, War of 1812 era muskets, and archaeological finds from the site of Fort Presque Isle.
Some of the firearms were made by Erie firearm manufacturers Daniel Weeks and Henry S. Drake. Daniel Weeks was known as one of the best rifle shots in Northwest Pennsylvania. Moving to Erie in 1849, he was a “practical gunsmith” operating out of 139 State Street and later 1203 State Street. Henry S. Drake appears on an 1851 map as a gunsmith and brass foundry on State Street between 7th and 8th. While not much is known about him, based on our collection, he made percussion rifles, some with octagon barrels.
Additional firearms are linked to Henry Jarecki's brass foundry and Hugh Lord's family and company, the Lord Corporation.
Find out more about the firearms of the early years of Erie by visiting the Hagen History Center.
Pay What You Wish extends through March 30
Pay What You Wish for Erie County residents begins Thursday, Jan. 2.
We are the first museum to do this in the region.
Through the generous underwriting of the Sorce family, the entire first quarter of the year as Pay What You Wish for all Erie County residents.
Our newest exhibits include:
- Made You Look: Erie signs with plenty of history and nostalgia
- 100 Years of the Erie Zoo: it roars with memories
- Triggering History: Legacy of Erie firearms
- Elk Creek Historical Society (opening soon)
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday, noon to 5 pm, CLOSED Mondays
Host an Event
Create the wedding or event of your dreams in a Victorian mansion or rustic farmhouse, right in Erie County! Step back in time and enjoy the natural beauty of the Hagen History Center’s grounds for your special day.
Regarded as one of the best wedding and event venues in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Hagen History Center is the perfect backdrop for a Victorian-inspired, unforgettable experience.
Located in Erie, Pa., the Hagen History Center’s West Sixth Street Campus, which includes the Watson-Curtze Mansion and the President’s Room, is conveniently located near downtown Erie, close to hotels and Bayfront attractions. The Hagen’s Girard Campus includes the Yellow House, an elegant farmhouse situated on more than 130 acres.
Upcoming Events
Pay What You Wish for Erie County residents extends to March 30
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
We are the first museum in our region to offer this opportunity.
Pay What You Wish for Erie County residents extends to March 30
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
We are the first museum in our region to offer this opportunity.
Pay What You Wish for Erie County residents extends to March 30
12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
We are the first museum in our region to offer this opportunity.
Pay What You Wish for Erie County residents extends to March 30
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
We are the first museum in our region to offer this opportunity.
