Upcoming Events

Decoration Day Celebration - May 27, 2013

We will be holding a Memorial Day Commemoration for Civil War dead at the Everett Cemetery on Monday, May 27 in conjunction with the regular Memorial Day service held at the Everett Cemetery by the American Legion. Click here for details. To see a list of Civil War soldiers buried at the Everett Cemetery and possibly find your relative or ancestor, click here.

Quilt Show and Sale - October 5-13, 2013

Our 23rd annual Quilt Show & Sale will be held at on October 6-14. For detalis about the event and the Pioneer Quilt Challenge, click here.

Ongoing Commemoration of the Civil War

In April 2011, the Bedford County Historical Society and other historical organizations in Bedford County will begin to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. Over the next 5 years until 2015 there will be re-enactments, lectures, exhibits, and events to commemorate our ancestors that fought to preserve the Union. Click here for more details.

Recent Events

Book Signing by Judith R. Coopey - May 18, 2013

On May 18 we hosted Judith Redline Coopey for a book signing for her new book, "Looking for Jane." Click here to learn more about the book.

Gettysburg Tour - May 9, 2013

The Society had our Gettysburg Battlefield Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2013, with Dr. Walter Powell as our tour guide.

Annual History Banquet - April 20, 2013

On Saturday, April 20, 2013, we hosted our 28th Annual History Banquet at the Hall at Kinton's Knob. We honored the East St. Clair Township Supervisors as Historians of the Year. Our speaker was Tom Bullock, a Virginia historian and genealogist, who sharee reasons families left Virginia and settled in Bedford County. For more details, click here.

Ship Hotel Exhibit - Sunday, March 17, 2013

On Sunday, March 17, 2013, we hosted Ken Gardner with his collection of memorabelia and artifacts from the famous Ship Hotel. For more details, click here.

Bedford County Day - March 9, 2013

On Saturday, March 9, 2013, Bedford County Day was held at BCHS. This included music, speeches, student participation and a talk by Roger Kerwin about Bedford County's participation in the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. For more details, click here.

Book Signing - February 16, 2013

The Bedford County Historical Society hosted a book signing of the book, "Savage Silver," by Bedford County resident Trudie C. Hyre. For details, click here.

Bus Trip - Carnegie Free Library and Soldiers & Sailors Museum - February 7, 2013

The Bedford County Historical Society sponsored a bus tour on Thursday, February 7, 2103 to the Carnegie Free Library (Carnegie, PA) to see the Capt. Thomas Espy Post 153 of the GAR. We toured the Music Hall and the Soldiers and Sailors Museum in Pittsburgh. For details, click here.

Lecture on the War of 1812 - January 19, 2013

The Bedford County Historical Society sponsored a lecture on the War of 1812 entitled, "Mr. Madison's War, or America's Second War for Independence," on January 19 at 2:00pm. This was given by Dr. Walter Powell, an author, historian, and adjunct professor of History at Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. For details, click here.

Past Events - 2012

Book Signing on Saturday, October 27, 2012

On Saturday, October 27, we hosted a book signing with Dr. Daniel Felix, the author of, "A Scout for E Company: 1944, The Story of PFC Gene Wentz." For details, click here.

Quarterly Meeting and Lecture - October 20, 2012

We held our Quarterly Meeting on October 20, 2012. Larry Garlock spoke about, "The American Flag Throughout History." Details may be found here

Quilt Show and Sale - October 6-14, 2012

Our annual Quilt Show & Sale was held at on October 6-14. Justin Irvin from Portage, PA, won the Raffle Quilt. We want to thank all of the quilters who submitted many beautiful quilts to the show. To see a list of winners of quilting awards and a picture of Justin with the Raffle Quilt, click here.

Fort McHenry Tour - September 6, 2012

We took a bus tour to Fort McHenry and the Star Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore, Maryland, on Thursday, September 6, 2012, in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. For details click here.

Dancing, Silent Auction & Pig Roast

We held a Dancing, Silent Auction and Pig Roast Fundraiser at the Historical Society on Saturday, July 28, 2012. For details click here. To preview the list of excellent items being sold at the Silent Auction, click here.

Decoration Day Ceremony - May 30, 2012

Decoration Day Ceremony & Parade at Fockler Cemetery, Saxton Parade, Music, Speeches, Grave Decoration. For photos of the event click here. To see a video that the Bedford County Free Press took, click here

Book Signing - May 12, 2012

Judy Coopey was on hand at 2:00pm on May 12 to sign her new book, "Waterproof," which details the events of the 1889 Johnstown Flood. Click here for more details.

Annual History Banquet - April 21, 2012

We held our Annual History Banquet on April 21, 2012, at Homewood @ Spring House Estates. Attendees were treated to an excellent lecture on the War of 1812 given by Roger Kirwin, our Historian of the Year in 2011. Also, Skip Allen, former Usher at the White House, shared first-hand knowledge about damage that remains at the White House when the British burned it in 1814. Honored at the Banquet were Debra Topinka and Lynn Garn as Historians of the Year for their accomplishments in 2011. For details, click here.

Indoor Yard Sale - April 13 and 14, 2012

Our Indoor Yard Sale was held at the Bedford County Historical Society on Friday, April 13, 2012, from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday, April 14, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For details, click here.

Bedford County Day - March 11, 2012

On March 11, 2012, Bedford County Day was held at BCHS. This included music, speeches, student & scout participation. Click here for news, pictures and a link to a video of the event.

Quarterly Meeting and presentation entitled, "The Metzgers of Dry Ridge and The Old Glade Pike - January 21, 2012

The Bedford County Historical Society held the quarterly meeting on January 21, 2012, at which Randy Hillegass and Wayde Hyde gave a presentation entitled, "The Metzgers of Dry Ridge and the Old Glade Pike." Click here to download our press release on the event.

Past Events - 2011

Tour of National Civil War Museum - November 16, 2011

The Bedford County Historical Society hosted a tour to the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg on Wednesday, November 16, 2011. This museum is the only museum in the United States that portrays the entire story of the entire Civil War. For details click here.

Quarter Sessions Presentation - November 12, 2011

The Bedford County Historical Society hosted a special presentation on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at 1:00 pm by Gerald H. Smith, author of the book, "Bedford County, PA Quarter Sessions, 1771-1801," which includes abstracts of Docket 1 (1771-1789) and Docket 2 (1777-1801). Both dockets begin with events at the formation of the county contain many items of historical interest. For details click here.

Quilt Show - October 1-9, 2011

The Bedford County Historical Society held the annual Quilt Show from October 1 through October 9. at the Society, 6441 Lincoln Hwy, Bedford. For details click here for results of judging of quilts.

Everything You Wanted To Know About The "Bill Of Rights" - September 24, 2011

The Bedford County Historical Society hosted a discussion of the "Bill of Rights" on Saturday, September 24. To celebrate the "National Constitution Week" a panel consisting of the Honorable Carson Brown, the Honorable Thomas Ling and the Honorable Jeff Leber discussed questions regarding the "Bill of Rights."

Walk for Life - Saturday, September 17, 2011

Precious Life of Bedford held a Walk-4-Life on Saturday, September 17, at 10:00am at the Bedford High School. For details click here.

Union Civil War Encampment - September 17, 2011

The Cumberland Valley Township Historical Society sponsored a reenactment of the encampment of several units of the Union army during the Civil War, which was at Camp Mason and Dixon on current U.S. 220 South near the Maryland state line as it borders Cumberland Valley Township. The Cumberland Valley Township Historical Society is also soliciting donations for a historical marker denoting occurrances at Camp Mason and Dixon. For details click here.

Book Signing - September 10, 2011

The Bedford County Historical Society held a book signing on September 10, 2011 for "Your Affectionate Son," Letters from the a Civil War Soldier by Milann Daugherty. To purchase the book, click here.

Tour of Meadowbrooke Gourds and the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center - August 24, 2011

The Bedford County Historical Society wass pleased to sponsor a tour of Meadowbrooke Gourds and the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. Click here for details.

A Celebration of Bedford County's Civil War Heritage - July 30 and 31

A commemoration of Bedford County's role in the Civil War was held at the Juniata Woolen Mill on July 30 & 31 with particular attention to the mill's role in keeping the army supplied during the conflict. Re-enactors added living history to the event. Click here for more details.

Motorcycle & Car Show - July 23, 2011

The Bedford County Historical Society was pleased to sponsor the History, Hogs, & Hot Wheels Motorcycle & Car Show once again on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the Tussey Mountain High School, Saxton, PA. Click here for details.

Civil War 150 Road Show - June 17-19, 2011

The Civil War Alliance of Bedford County, of which the Bedford County Historical Society and Old Bedford Village are a part, hosted the Pennsylvania Civil War 150 Road Show on Friday through Sunday, June 17-19, 2011, from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at Thomas Chevrolet, Business 220, Bedford. Click here for more details. Everyone had a wonderful time.

Special Memorial Day Service Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War

The Bedford County Historical Society was pleased to join with The Pleasantville Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9219, to co-sponsor a Special Memorial Day Service Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of America's Civil War to be held on May 30, 2011, in Pleasantville. Click on the soldier/flag on the right or here for more details.

Historian of the Year

On April 9, 2011, the Bedford County Historical Society held the Annual Banquet and named Roger Kirwin as the "Historian of the Year" for 2010. Click here for more details.

Bedford County Days - March 6, 2011

Elected officials, local historians, Scouts and the public gathered on March 6, 2011, at the Bedford County Courthouse for Bedford County Day, a celebration of Bedford County's founding on March 9, 1771 and our history. Everyone had a wonderful time. For more details about the celebration, click on the picture on the right or on this Bedford County Days link.

Past Events - 2010

20th Annual Quilt Show - October 2-10, 2010

The Bedford County Historical Society hosted its 20th Annual Quilt show from October 2 through October 10, 2010 at the Pioneer Library. The show was a great success with many beautiful quilts displayed, over 400 people who visited, and a beautiful quilt that was raffled off. Mary Lou Pelin of Schellsburg won the raffle quilt. Click on the picture on the right or on this 2010 Quilt Show link for a more information and a list of winners of various awards given at the show.

Underground Railroad Presentation and
     Book Signing - August 21, 2010

On Saturday, August 21, the Bedford County Historical Society hosted a presentation by Judy Coopey about the Underground Railroad and some of the associated activity in and around Bedford County.

Click here for more details about the presentation and to learn about the book she has written about the Underground Railroad.

Motorcycle & Car Show - August 1, 2010

The Bedford County Historical Society hosted the History, Hogs, & Hot Wheels Motorcycle & Car Show on Sunday, August 1, 2010, at the Tussey Mountain High School, Saxton, PA. The event was a huge success. Click here for details.

Bloody Run 5/10K Race - June 19, 2010

The Second Bloody Run 5/10K Race sponsored by the Bedford County Historical Society was held on June 19. The race course followed an historic Indian trail beginning at the Juniata Woolen Mill on Lutzville Road near the UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital. You will find more details about the race, a map of the course, and a registration form by clicking on the image or you can go directly to the registration form by clicking here.

County Flag flies with the Coast Guard

The Bedford County Flag was recently flown over the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Monomoy in the Persian Gulf. Boatswain's Mate David Wenger of Cessna had the flag flown above the ship in January of this year. He recently returned home from duty and presented it to the Bedford County Historical Society. Click here to read the story that appeared in the Bedford Gazette.

Bus Trip to the Broad Top - May 15, 2010

The Bedford County Historical Society sponsored a tour of the Broad Top on Saturday, May 15, 2010. We visited the Coal Miners Museum, Robertsdale Middle, the Coal Camp Office/Company Store Site, Dudley, a coal town, the Coke Ovens at Riddlesburg, and the Keystone Foundry at Hopewell. Click here for more details.

Everett Sesquicentennial Celebration - May 7 & 8, 2010

On May 7 & 8, 2010, Everett began celebrating 150 years as a Borough. Additional Susquicentennial Celebration events are planned for later in the year, which will be highlighted as they approach. Click here for more details.

Quarterly Banquet - April 24, 2010

Our Quarterly Banquet was be held at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, East John Street, Bedford, at 6:30pm on April 24, 2010. The talk for the Banquet was being given by Walter Powell, PhD. The title of the talk was: "The most famous keynote speaker we never knew: Edward Everett and the Preservation of Mount Vernon." Dennis Tice was named the Historian of the Year for producing a film on World War II veterans from Bedford County.

Lecture on ARTILLERY IN THE U.S. - March 20, 2010

On March 20, 2010, the Bedford County Historical Society hosted a special presentation by Melvin Huston, who spoke about about Military Artillery in the U.S. until 1865, with his emphasis being on the artillery of the Civil War. For more information about the lecture, click on the picture on the right or click on this Artillery Lecture link.

Bedford County Days - March 7, 2010

Elected officials, local historians, Scouts and the public gathered on March 7, 2010, at the Bedford County Courthouse for Bedford County Day, a celebration of Bedford County's founding on March 9, 1771 and our history. Everyone had a wonderful time. For more details about the celebration, click on the picture on the right or on this Bedford County Days link.

Circus Train Wreck Lecture - January 16, 2010

On January 16 the Pioneer Library hosted a lecture by Paula Zitzler about The Town of Tyrone and the Wreck of the Walter L. Main Circus Train in 1893. A number animals and people were killed in the wreck. For more details about the lecture and the train wreck, click on the picture on the right or on this Train Wreck link.

Basket of Books Raffle - January 16, 2010

On January 16 the Pioneer Library held the drawing for the Basket of Books that the raffled off for a fund raising activity. The raffle was very successful. Over 900 tickets were sold. Arlene Cottle from Everett, PA, won the raffle. To see a picture of Arlene with the Basket of Books that she won, click on the image or on this Raffle Winner link.

Past Events - 2009

19th Annual Quilt Show - October 3-11, 2009

The Bedford County Historical Society hosted its 19th Annual Quilt show from October 3 through October 11, 2009 at the Pioneer Library. The show was a great success with many beautiful quilts displayed, over 300 people who visited, and a beautiful quilt that was raffled off. Arden Moser of Alexandria, Virginia, shown on the right, was a very surprised winner of the raffle quilt. Click on the picture on the right or on this 2009 Quilt Show link for a more information and a list of winners of various awards given at the show.