Berlin Area Historical Society

Description

The Berlin Area Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history and genealogy of Berlin, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area. Currently, the society maintains a genealogy building, a records building/museum, and two faithfully restored buildings, the Heritage Haus and Glade One-Room Schoolhouse.

The site offers information about the society as well as upcoming events.

Asa Packer Mansion Museum [PA]

Description

The Mansion was the home of philanthropist, railroad magnate, and founder of Lehigh University, Asa Packer. Built in 1861 by Philadelphia architect, Samuel Sloan, the home was constructed over a span of two years and cost a total of $14,000 dollars, the equivalent of $2.3 million dollars today. Topped by a red-ribbed tin roof and a central cupola or belvedere, the home was built over a cast-iron frame and consists of three stories, 18 rooms and approximately 11,000 square feet of living space.

The museum offers tours and occasional recreational and educational events.

Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission

Description

The PHMC is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Created in 1945, the PHMC is responsible for the collection, conservation, and interpretation of Pennsylvania's historic heritage, which is accomplished through the Pennsylvania State Archives, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, the Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums, the Pennsylvania Trails of History, the Bureau for Historic Preservation, and the Bureau of Management Services.

The site offers a wealth of information for researches, including library access, geneology records, land records, and databases of historical landmarks and such.

The National Civil War Museum

Description

The National Civil War Museum portrays the Civil War as a time line, from the issues straining the nation through the war's conclusion at Appomattox Court House. In order to tell this story, the National Civil War Museum incorporates collections of artifacts, manuscripts, documents, photographs, and other printed matter that exceed 24,000 items. In addition, the museum chronicles the history of the nation in the aftermath of the war, up until 1876.

The site offers information about the museum and upcoming events, information for researches, lesson plans for teachers, and a museum shop.

First National Bank Museum

Description

The First National Bank is one of Columbia, Pennsylvania's oldest and most historic buildings. Founded in 1864, the First National Bank of Columbia moved into the building, which had been built in 1814 and had served as a residence and hotel up until that point. The building was converted into a museum in 1967. The museum is a faithful recreation of the bank in its original setting, and visitors can enjoy exploring the bank building as it looked in the late 19th century.

The site offers general historical information about the bank, as well as visitor information for the museum.

Norwood Historical Society and Morton Morton House [PA]

Description

The Society maintains the Morton Morton House, built around 1750 by Morton Morton (1701–1781) a great-grandson of Marten Martenson who settled in "New Sweden" in 1654. Morton Morton was first cousin to John Morton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The society offers educational programs and occasional recreational and educational events; the house offers tours.

Fort Bedford Museum [PA]

Description

Old Fort Bedford was a British stockade built in 1758 as part of the French and Indian War campaign against the French at Fort Duquesne. After several failed attempts in the early 1750s, the British launched a major offensive against Fort Duquesne in 1758. Facing the formidable task of crossing the Allegheny Mountains and the treat of attack, numerous stockades were built along the way west. Fort Bedford was constructed as a key fortification along the military path Forbes Road and served as the staging area for the successful campaign. After the war Fort Bedford stood until the 1770s, used as a British outpost on the frontier and as a refuge from Indian attack as westward migration increased in the 18th century. Today, a reconstructed blockhouse structure houses a large-scale model of the original fort. The Museum displays Native American artifacts collected from the region. Thousands of household items dating back 100 to more than 200 years ago from flintlock rifles to early clothing to antique hand tools help to recreate the atmosphere of pioneer days on the frontier of western Pennsylvania.

The museum offers exhibits.