Learn About World History at Local Museums
Learn About World History at Local Museums
Make your way through the Allegheny National Forest Region of northern Pennsylvania and discover history around every bend
As the weather cools, it is a wonderful time to come indoors and spend time exploring world history at local museums. Open a portal to local history at the seven museums located in McKean County, Pennsylvania. Learn how rural America helped to shape world history.
Inventions from McKean County are the Holley Carburetor, the Zippo lighter, and the world’s first oil can. At the Kinzua Bridge Visitors Center learn about the world-famous engineering marvel, the Kinzua Viaduct, the world’s longest and highest viaduct, when first constructed in 1882.
Eldred is host to the Eldred World War II Museum. In Smethport, at the Old Jail Museum, research Underground Railroad houses, the American Civil War and General Kane’s sharpshooter regiment. At the McCleery Discovery Center find out the history of Kane’s Lobo Wolves and how Dr. McCleery began the world’s first effort to save a species from extinction.
In Bradford, the Zippo/Case Museum is the home of two American icons - the Zippo lighter and the Case knife. At the PennBrad Oil Museum learn about the independent oil producers and the world’s first million-dollar oil field. Then venture into the world of opera at the Marilyn Horne Museum. Ms. Horne, born in Bradford, is a world-famous opera star.
A fun story, not sure if fact or fiction, declares the world’s first monorail was invented in Bradford. Constructed of wood, the monorail did not last long. A farmer liking the looks of this invention agreed to use it to transport his cows to market. The livestock were loaded into the rail cars; all seemed well. But, when turning a curve on the rail line, the weight of the livestock caused the cars to overturn, and very unceremoniously the cows were dumped on the ground, a fire started, and the monorail burnt to the ground!
ELDRED WWII MUSEUM
Veteran’s Day, observed on Thursday, Nov. 11th, is an annual federal holiday in the United States set aside to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This year, Jerry Kirk, a Vietnam Veteran, will have his fully functioning 10-½ foot model of the USS Boston on display at the Eldred WWII Museum. He will be on-site to answer any questions. Bring the family to meet Jerry and the staff at the museum who have a passion for military history.
Displays at the museum include an M551 Sheridan tank, a working submarine periscope, award-winning video, and an impressive collection of artifacts. During World War II, Eldred was the site of a British and American munitions plant that produced mortar, fuses and over eight million bombs. Fifteen hundred people worked there, 24 hours a day from January 1942 to May 1945, supporting the war effort. The museum is located at 201 Main Street, Eldred, PA. Hours are 10:00am-4:00pm Tuesday-Saturday and 1:00-4:00pm Sunday. Phone 814-225-2220, eldredpaww2museum.com.
MARILYN HORNE MUSEUM & EXHIBIT CENTER
This museum is a visual and audio experience. All ages will enjoy a visit to this museum. Exhibits include a theater designed to be a replica of Horne’s favorite opera house. In this theater you will hear Ms. Horne describe the distinct phases of her life and career. A series of exquisite gowns line the walkway as you enter the museum. These gowns are replicas of the famous costumes she wore while performing at a variety of opera houses around the world.
Horne performed an array of musical genres during her career, including performing popular music while guest starring on a variety of television shows. One such appearance was as a guest opera star on Sesame Street.
Admission to the museum is free. A gift shop offers books, fun and educational children’s toys, Christmas ornaments, plus a fascinating collection of gift items. The Marilyn Horne Museum is located at 2 Marilyn Horne Way (Main Street) Bradford, PA. Hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday, 11:00am-4:00pm Sunday. Phone-814-362-7990, marilynhorne.org.
Other museums to visit include the Zippo/Case Museum, the PennBrad Oil Museum, the Old Jail Museum, and the McCleery Discovery Center in Kane. For additional information on the museums listed and so much more, click on VisitANF.com or call 800-473-9370 for a free ANF Visitors Bureau Adventure Guide & Map.