Committee Updates - August

Program

Join the Program Committee for an exciting evening at the Wax Museum on August 7, 2026 at 6:00-8:00 p.m.  As you walk through the Clark House, the museum, and Memorial Park, you will meet historic figures who will share their stories, which are a part of Indiana County’s early history. The evening will offer you a chance to learn more about the settlers who were part of our county’s history. While our presenters will be giving presentations throughout the evening, we recommend that you begin as close as you can to 6:00 p.m. if you want to see all the historical figures.

If you are a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, you will not want to miss Bob Fulton’s presentation on September 4, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.  His book When Rooney Sold the Steelers is a collection of unique stories about the team and the franchise.  Did you know that Joe Greene drained 27 bottles of Coca-Cola while filming the famous commercial?  During the program, Mr. Fulton will share many other unusual moments in the history of the Steelers.  

Our 4^th annual piano program will be held on September 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Clark House. Three talented musicians will be performing on the 1858 Chickering Grand Square piano and the 1924 Lexington piano. A variety of musical selections will be played that evening.  

As part of our America 250 line up of events, Allen Fiechuk will be presenting Frontier Law on September 16, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the museum. This program focuses on how the early Pennsylvania legal system was created and how it changed as the frontier grew. Join us on the eve of Constitution Day for an informative and interesting presentation. 

On September 30, 2026, we will be hosting Jeffrey Frazier as he shares his collection of Fireside Tales. The tales are a collection of old-time Pennsylvania folktales, folklore and legends. These tales date back to the Civil War and beyond. Come and enjoy the program as Mr. Frazier tells his stories.

Fundraising

Following the success of last year’s event, we are excited to host our second annual historic house tour on August 22 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m., but the houses will not open until 10:00 a.m. This year, “Indiana: Through the Keyhole” will open the doors to storied properties that truly chronicle Indiana County’s past.

Our town’s history isn’t just found in books; it is built into the streets we walk every day. This year’s tour highlights the incredible variety of our local heritage, showcasing homes that feature unique architectural details, stunning stained glass windows, and amazing staircases.  Walking through these homes will be a powerful reminder of a bygone era, when meticulous craftsmanship and distinct local character were built to last for generations. The homes also contain displays that span everything from historical toys and vintage clothing to interesting clocks. These deeply personal keepsakes do more than just decorate a home; they add vibrant layers to the home’s stories.

Every home has a unique voice, and each tells the stories of the families that shaped our county.  Imagine a garden lovingly tended by a previous owner, who can trace her family’s lineage to the men who first laid out the plots for Indiana. In another home, the walls whisper of the boyhood memories of a former occupant who witnessed the operations of the Underground Railroad firsthand. You will walk through homes whose previous owners played a large part in the lumber industry or who were instrumental in Western Pennsylvania’s coal industry.   As you tour these properties, you will stand in spaces that directly connect to defining moments of this community’s past. There are many stories waiting to be told this year. Stories that will turn old bricks and mortar into living history. 

On September 12, as the air turns crisp, there is no better time to gather for an afternoon tea, where you can indulge in an array of delicate tea sandwiches and some seasonal sweets. To complement the refreshments, there will be a selection of three tea flavors that capture the essence of the season.

Following our spring tea, which explored the unsung heroines of the Revolutionary War, we are shifting our focus to the architects of American independence. It is the men’s turn. The script written by Mary Jo Bowes pis an amusing yet accurate retelling, through song lyrics, of the fiery debate leading to the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Prepare for an afternoon of storytelling that brings the tension, wit, and relationship of the Founding Fathers to life.

Please remember that our teas do sell out, so get your tickets soon.

The fundraising committee is thrilled to host a new event, “History is Haunting”, on October 2 at 6:00 p.m. The evening will be filled with unique, spirited activities designed to bring history to life, while hopefully avoiding any real disruptions from the local “spirits.”

Come ready to test your knowledge, witness a bit of the past, and enjoy some festive competition. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of stories, laughter, and a Halloween-inspired light supper.   

Get ready for an eye-opening evening on October 9 as we welcome Kenny Biddle, Chief Investigator for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, for a special presentation. Kenny, who was once a ghost hunter, uses his experience to help others look at paranormal claims through a critical lens.

Join us for this fascinating presentation titled, “How Mentalists (Don’t) Talk to the Dead”. Kenny will pull back the curtain on the world of mentalism and mediumship, demonstrating the techniques often used to communicate with the “other side.’ Spend an evening exploring the psychology behind the “spirits” that capture our imagination, while joining together for a hauntingly good light supper.

From historic tours to cozy gatherings, our calendar for the next few months offers something for everyone. Check our website, mark your calendars, invite some friends, and join us as we continue to celebrate and preserve the unique character of our region.