Great Key Hunt

Unlocking History: Great Key Hunt begins! Here's your first clue!

Remember the old Key Hunt game that the newspaper ran?

Well, it's game on with our new version! If you love history as much as we do, you'll have fun with clever clues we provide that will help you locate keywords that, when combined, lead you to the location of the final actual key and a $1,500 prize.

This contest is brought to you by Hagen History Center, Erie News Now and our sponsor, Erie Federal Credit Union.

Key Hunt Clue 1
example key hunt

Here’s how it works:

  • History Center Director of Programming & Visitor Experience Adam Macrino announces one clue per week, starting August 19, during the Monday morning newscast at 6 a.m. on Erie News Now. The segment will be repeated on the 4 p.m. newscast. In case you miss it, you can catch up on the Erie News Now YouTube page. And, we’ll repost the clues on our social media.
  • The clue will be sourced from a panel at the Hagen History Center.
  • The Clue will lead contest participants to a public place where they will find an object that has the History Center logo on it, along with a keyword.
  • The keyword will be one of 8 clues that will lead contestants to the location of the final physical key. You find that key, present it to the History Center, subject to verification and win the grand prize.
  • Keywords are placed the night before the clue is unveiled on ENN.
  • Keywords will remain in the location for one week. When the new clue is put in place, the previous keyword will be taken down.
  • The final keyword and grand prize will be placed at the same time. You can only search for the grand prize key during the final week of the contest.

Rules for Contestants

  • The clue will lead you somewhere in Erie County
  • It will be a public, outdoor space.
  • You will not have to dig or disturb anything for the actual keyword.
  • Please DO NOT REMOVE THE KEYWORD
  • Do not damage property
  • Be respectful toward other contestants
  • The clue will have the Hagen History Center logo on it.
  • Employees and family members of History Center and Erie News Now are not eligible.

For more information, contact Adam Macrino amacrino@eriehistory.org