Blog

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The House that Isobella Built

Claire Varrieur

Monday Mar 15th, 2021

The Nicholson House, at 4838 West Ridge, Erie, was built in 1837 for Isobella Nicholson, widow of John Nicholson, one of Erie’s pioneer settlers. The Hagen History Center houses many collections containing the photos, papers, and ephemera of Erie County’s earliest settlers. These collections will once again be available to researchers after HHC’s grand reopening this summer.

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We need your help!

Saturday Mar 13th, 2021

Do you have a family member who worked here for the Watson or Curtze families between 1891 and 1941?

If so, we would love to hear from you. We would like to share their stories with our visitors. If you have photographs or stories, please contact Museum Educator Jeff Sherry at jsherry@eriehistory.org.

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Elvira Mannarelli and American Women Go to War

Jeff Sherry

Friday Mar 12th, 2021

Before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into World War II, Americans had been enlisting in the military in growing numbers. The total number of Americans that served topped 16 million. Of that number, over 350,000 were women. One such woman was Erie’s Elvira “Vera” Mannarelli.

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The History of the Historic Warner Theatre

Thursday Mar 11th, 2021

John "Casey" Wells, Executive Director of Erie County Convention Center Authority (Erie Events) and Board Member of the Warner Theater Preservation Trust will present the History of the Historic Warner Theatre here in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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23 New State Historical Markers Approved

Thursday Mar 11th, 2021

Pennsylvania Historical Museum & Commission has approved 23 new state historical markers. One of the plaques will be dedicated to Charlotte Elizabeth Battles. 

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Long Life & Happiness for All its Residents #48

Becky Weiser

Wednesday Mar 10th, 2021

I have been on the lookout to buy some “rural” property lately.  I don’t want anything fancy or expensive but not quite a hunting camp either, just some quiet place to relax.  So, in my efforts to escape the “big” city of Erie, I have been driving around Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties admiring the natural beauty of the region we call home. 

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Erie’s Pioneer Days: It Wasn’t Always About the Men!

Claire Varrieur

Tuesday Mar 9th, 2021

The Nicholsons of Millcreek were among the earliest settlers of Erie County. Irish immigrants John and Isobella Nicholson, so the legend goes, arrived in Erie, on horseback, bundled infant son in tow, in the spring of 1797, and, in true pioneer spirit, cleared a piece of land for themselves on the ridge above the lake (later clearing a road all the way into town), planted crops, operated grain and lumber mills, opened a tavern, and were instrumental in the construction and establishment of more than one of the area’s earliest church.

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PA Museums Announces Statewide Awards for Museums and Individuals

Monday Mar 8th, 2021

Harrisburg – PA Museums has announced the winners of its 2021 Special Achievement Awards. Since the 1980s, PA Museums has invited nominations from its membership and chosen institutions, projects, and individuals to be recognized.

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Erie Women Leading the Way in Politics

Jeff Sherry

Friday Mar 5th, 2021

Woman’s History Month is one that should be celebrated year-round, not just once each year. The role played by women throughout history deserves more than a month or a short section at the end of each chapter in a history textbook.

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Women of Note in Erie Cemetery- Virtual Speaker Series

Thursday Mar 4th, 2021

Join Betsy MacKrell for a virtual tour of the graves of strong women who forged paths in the wilderness of the Pennsylvania frontier, then in a growing community where roles for women in general and especially women of color were limited. Each of these women overcame the perception that a woman’s place was (and even should be) limited to unseen and largely unappreciated labor.