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 Indiana County Fife and Drum Corps. Under the direction of Paul Rode (Penns Manor High School), Zack Karcher (Indiana Junior High School), and Luke Hamilton (United High School), this talented ensemble brings history to life through music in honor of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.

The formation of the Corps has been nearly two years in the making. Students from across the county applied through their band directors and the group’s website for the opportunity to participate. Their first rehearsal took place in September, and it wasn’t long before they made their public debut at a Daughters of the American Revolution event. That event honored John Montgomery and fourteen other Revolutionary War veterans laid to rest at Ebenezer Church Cemetery—a fitting beginning for a group dedicated to preserving and sharing early American musical traditions.

Since then, the Corps has maintained an impressive performance schedule. They have appeared at the Indiana Veterans Day Parade, the It’s a Wonderful Life Parade, Indiana Band Fest, Indiana County Band. They have also performed at local schools and community events, including the Wreaths for Indiana County Veterans Ceremony, the Bells Across PA bell dedication, and the America250 PA kickoff celebration. Each performance reflects not only their musical skill, but also their commitment to honoring history in a meaningful and engaging way.

This special ensemble has also earned the distinction of representing Indiana County at the America 250 Parade in Philadelphia on July 3, a tremendous honor for both the students and the community. We invite you to join us in welcoming these talented musicians and their directors on May 20 at 6:30 p.m. It promises to be an inspiring evening of music and history.

Our second program this month turns to one of the most pivotal—and sobering—moments in American history: the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863), the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Author James Gindlesperger, in his book Bullets and Bandages: The Aid Stations and Field Hospitals at Gettysburg, explores a lesser-known but deeply important aspect of the battle—how more than 21,000 wounded soldiers were treated in its aftermath. His work sheds light on the improvised aid stations and field hospitals that sprang up across the battlefield and surrounding communities, offering a powerful look at the realities of Civil War medicine and the human cost of the conflict. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Gindlesperger back to the Society for this compelling presentation on May 28 at 6:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you in May as we continue to bring history to life through engaging programs for our community.

Fundraising

Our Fundraising Committee has been hard at work these past few months. From hosting a lively Trivia Night to collecting donations for our Oldies But Goodies Sale, and now opening our doors for the sale itself, their efforts have kept things moving at a steady—and exciting—pace. A special thank you goes out to the Sweet Little Shop and Texas Roadhouse for providing prizes for Trivia Night and helping make the evening such a success. With those events behind us, we are now looking ahead to a full and vibrant spring and summer schedule.

Our annual Spring Tea is just around the corner, and the menu is officially set. Guests can look forward to a delightful assortment of classic finger sandwiches and sweet treats, all perfectly paired with a generous selection of teas. This year’s offerings include three distinct flavors: Irish Breakfast, White Peach, and our signature Clark House Spring Blend. Each year, it becomes a fun tradition to see which tea emerges as the favorite of the afternoon.

Adding to the charm of the event, our featured performance promises to be a highlight. The Society is thrilled to present an original work by Mary Jo Bowes, whose storytelling always brings a fresh and personal perspective to historical themes. This year’s program offers a glimpse into the wisdom, humor, and experiences of women during the Revolutionary era. Join us on May 16 for what promises to be a delightful afternoon of refreshments and “A Chat with the First Ladies of America.”

Looking ahead to June, be sure to mark your calendar for an evening that blends fashion, history, and community spirit. Our annual fashion show, “A Century of Style: Indiana’s Threads and Times, 1890–1980,” will take place on June 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Armory.

We are pleased to welcome back Scott Walton as our Master of Ceremonies. Known for his energy and engaging presentation style, Scott will guide guests through the decades, bringing each era to life with humor and insight.

While our models will showcase clothing from each time period, the event is much more than a fashion show. It is a journey through Indiana County’s past. Along the way, we’ll revisit beloved landmarks and memorable moments that shaped our community. Do you remember the Manos Theatre, or dancing the night away at the Red Rooster? Were you there when a future president visited town, or when students made their voices heard on the IUP campus? These shared experiences will help connect the fashions on display to the stories that define our local history.

To make the evening even more dynamic, students from Sharon’s School of Dance will take the stage with performances inspired by the signature moves of each era. From the lively steps of the 1920s to the unmistakable energy of disco, their routines will transform the runway into a living timeline, adding motion and excitement to the story of Indiana County.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of refreshments throughout the evening, along with the return of a crowd favorite—the Mystery Bags. Each bag contains a surprise item, with many including gift cards to local businesses. There’s always a sense of anticipation as guests discover what’s inside, making it a fun and interactive part of the event.

Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members, and are available through our website or at the Armory. We hope you’ll join us for this special evening that celebrates both our shared past and the vibrant community we continue to build today.

In addition to these events, we are excited to announce a new fundraising opportunity with Luigi’s Restaurant gift cards. The Society is now offering Luigi’s gift cards for purchase at just $10 each. Whether you’re picking up a quick lunch or planning a family dinner, these gift cards offer a simple way to support the Society while enjoying a local favorite. For every card sold, a portion of the proceeds comes directly back to us. They also make great small gifts—perfect for a “thinking of you” gesture or a little treat for yourself. Gift cards can be purchased at Society events or by stopping by the Armory.

As always, we thank you for your continued support. Every event you attend, every ticket you purchase, and every program you share helps us preserve and celebrate the rich history of Indiana County.