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HGSIC Historic Happenings
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Historic material culture, or the things people used daily to survive, is fascinating to me. For the last 25 years, I have made a study of the different styles of clothing throughout history as well as the different fibers and methods used for processing that fiber into fabric. While I am by no means an expert, I do know quite a bit, and, as such, have been asked to help identify or date textiles for various local collections including those at the HGSIC. Identifying and d
Katie Gaudreau
May 20


President's Comments - May 2026
Spring is here and we have a full list of programs at the Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County (HGSIC). Please follow Events on the HGSIC website. We average two programs a month. For most of the HGSIC events, there are no charges, but we do ask that you reserve a space, so we have a head count ahead of the event. There is a wide variety of topics that are covered. Longines Symphonette LCR-500 Slumber Center Electric Clock Light Radio As I think back to what th
Donald Lancaster
May 14


Committee Updates - May 2026
Programs A special thank you to authors, Tom McMillan and Dr. Charles Cashdollar, for their engaging presentations in April. Their programs were a wonderful way to open up our events for the America250 celebrations at the Society. We also want to thank all those who joined us. As we move into May, the Program Committee is looking ahead with excitement to two outstanding upcoming events. We are especially excited to welcome a remarkable group of 31 young musicians—the Indian


President's Comments - April 2026
As Winter fades into the oncoming Spring, the programs at the Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County (HGSIC) are beginning to pick up. Check out our website for all of our upcoming events. We average two programs a month. For most of the HGSIC events, there are no charges, but we do ask that you reserve a space, so we have a head count ahead of the event. There is a wide variety of topics that are covered. As I think back to what things I did as a kid growing up
Donald Lancaster
Apr 10


Meet our April Authors
Tom McMillan Tom McMillan recently retired after a 43-year career in sports media and marketing, including 25 years as VP/Communications for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. Now he spends his time studying and writing about his true passion: history. Tom is the author of five books on American history, including The Year That Made America , which recounts the intense political battle that led to the Declaration of Independence. He has also written two bo


Committee Updates - April 2026
Fundraising The Fundraising Committee is kicking off this year's events with our annual Time Traveler’s Trivia . You don't have to be a trivia expert to enjoy the evening. It's all about having fun, sharing laughs, and enjoying great company. To keep everyone energized, the HomeMade Restaurant will serving a delicious taco bar, complete with sides and desserts prepared by the committee. And of course, no taco night is complete without refreshing mocktails to round out the ex


From the Executive Directors Desk - April 2026
The Society was able to survive the rollercoaster of weather that hit Indiana during the month of March. Windstorms, warm spells, torrential downpours, and the occasional frost and snow battered both buildings throughout the month. Fortunately, our structures remain leak-free and in one piece. Next on the agenda are the seasonal April showers, which will test the new roof on the armory and the capabilities of our sump pumps. After a brief break for the Easter Holiday, the Soc

Jonathan Bogert
Apr 6


Women on the Western Pennsylvania Frontier
The history books are full of stories about life on the frontier during the 1700s. They discuss life on the frontier during the French and Indian War, or a soldier’s life during the Revolutionary War, or the basic tasks of starting a homestead in an “untamed” land. However different the subject, one thing these stories have in common is that the main characters are usually men: the men who cleared the land and built the cabin, the men who enlisted and fought, the men who mad
Katie Gaudreau
Mar 18


President's Comments - March 2026
I am happy to report that the oral history program is coming together as Executive Director Jonathan Bogert and I start to work on how we envision the program and what we need to make that happen. We are busy pulling together a release form, a letter of welcome explaining the program, and learning what we need to do in order to make our oral histories usable by the Indiana University of Indiana’s Cultural Anthropology Department and History Department. I believe that there we
Donald Lancaster
Mar 13


Committee Updates - March 2026
Programs As Spring approaches the Program Committee is anxiously awaiting to begin our events for the year. The months of January and February were set aside to complete research for upcoming displays and programs as part of the “Spirit of America’s Semiquincentennial”. The committee took on the task of designing a display for the Gallery Wall, called “Prelude to Independence” which will feature national, state, and local events leading up to the signing of the Declaration o

The Historical Society
Mar 11


From the Executive Director's Desk March 2026
As the remnants of winter slowly give way to spring, the Society is excited to share a packed schedule of events and important updates for the coming months. Many of these happenings are centered around the historic America 250 celebration and the Society's involvement. We also take a moment to welcome back our student volunteers and a new student work study who enhances our capacity to serve the community. On March 26 at 6:30 p.m., the Society is hosting an award ceremony in

Jonathan Bogert
Mar 9


Step Back in Time: Experience a Victorian Garden Party!
Come support the Society at its first-ever Victorian Garden Party.
Mary Ann Wagner
Jun 6, 2025


Unlocking Ancestral Paths: Using Historic Maps in Genealogical Research
Introduction Delving into your family’s history is like embarking on a captivating journey through time. As you piece together the...

Allen Fiechuk
Sep 28, 2024


Steeped in History: The Story of Tea’s Global Impact and Victorian Elegance
The Historical Society’s Fundraising Committee has become known for its Ladies’ Victorian Teas, complete with sweets, savories, teas, and...

Allen Fiechuk
Sep 23, 2024


Museum Happenings September 2024
This month, the Society is thrilled to roll out a line-up of fantastic events. Anyone joining us will find the grounds in impeccable...

Jonathan Bogert
Sep 6, 2024


1858 Chickering Square Grand Piano Shines Again
Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 19, 2024 to enjoy the second annual performance of the Historical Society's 1858 Chickering...

The Historical Society
Aug 31, 2024


A Day in History: Indiana County’s Past Comes Alive at NAFF
The Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County (HGSIC) is pleased to partner with the Northern Appalachian Folk Festival...

The Historical Society
Aug 24, 2024


Museum Happenings - August 2024
As summer drifts onward, August serves as a reprieve from the many activities which previously filled the last few months. For now, the...

Jonathan Bogert
Aug 3, 2024


New Exhibit Opening: “School Days: When We Were a Couple of Kids”
The exhibit “School days: When We Were a Couple of Kids” opened on July 16 and will be available through the end of December at the...

The Historical Society
Jul 20, 2024


Upcoming Programs at HGSIC
In honor of Memorial Day the Northern Appalachian Folk Fest and the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County organized a...
Elaine Maudie
May 20, 2024
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