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 of Independence. We invite you to come out to the museum to view this early part of our nation's and county's history. 

Our first program in the scheduled lineup will be a collaboration between HGSIC and the Indiana County Tourist Bureau.  As part of America 250 Pa high school students from across the county were invited to participate in the Indiana County Art Contest sponsored by ICTB.  Their artwork is now showcased in the Indiana County Tourist Bureau annual calendar.  The event will recognize these students’ creative efforts and their historical interpretation of the 250th anniversary of our country.  Join us on March 26, 2026 at 6:30 pm as we honor these students.

Melinda Gressely and Laura Herrington from the Indiana County Tourist Bureau pose with the completed calendar featuring contest winners.

Our first author series event will take place on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. We welcome Tom McMillan who will present “The Year that Made America”.  This insightful work uncovers the untold story of how America's declaration of independence was shaped by seven pivotal months in 1776, highlighting the courageous votes that forever altered the course of history.

Tom McMillan has dedicated a significant portion of his career to sports media and communications; however, his true passion lies in the exploration of history. The Year That Made America marks his fifth publication focused on American history. A native of Bellevue, PA, Tom holds a degree in journalism and communications from Point Park University. He and his wife, Colleen, who assists him with research, divide their time between Pittsburgh and Gettysburg. 

Our next author will be Dr. Charles Cashdollar who will share The IUP Story chronicles the history of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, tracing its history from its founding in 1875 to the present day. Dr. Cashdollar, a professor emeritus of history at IUP who retired in 2005, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this discussion. The program will be held on April 28 at 6:30 p.m.

While both author talks are free and open to the public, the Program Committee requests that guests RSVP to these programs so they can adequately prepare seating and refreshments for our guests.

Fundraising

The Historical Society’s highly anticipated Time Traveler’s Trivia is officially returning on April 17 at the Armory. Whether you are a trivia veteran or a first timer, this is the perfect excuse to gather a group for a great cause. You don’t need to be an historian to win, as we will be questioning everything from pop culture to science.

What color were Dorothy’s shoes in the Wizard of Oz?

What planet is known as the “Red Planet”?

See? You are ready for the 17th! One more way to add to the fun: all the questions are multiple choice. The questions have been pulled together from a wide range of subjects, so every member of your team will have a chance to be a hero. 

A sharp mind requires fuel. Your ticket includes a full dinner, followed by a well-earned dessert and beverages. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a night out with friends.

The competition is friendly, but bragging rights are real. Gather a team of up to six members or come solo and we’ll help you find a team at the event. You might even take home a prize. 

After the success of last year’s sale, we are pleased to bring back The Oldies But Goodies Sale, May 5 - May 9. Last year your generosity helped us exceed our fundraising goal, and we are looking to make this year’s event even bigger. To make this a success, we are seeking donations of pre-loved items. We are looking for items such as decor, kitchenware, collectibles, toys, tools, seasonal items, books, and more. Please: no clothing. 

We will be collecting items between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the following dates:

          Saturday, April 11

          Tuesday,  April 14

          Tuesday,  April 21

          Tuesday,  April 28

          Saturday, May 2

If you absolutely cannot do any of these times but are interested in donating, please contact me at fundraising@hgsic.org 

Thank you for helping us turn your “goodies” into great things for local history.