Erie History Center building was renovated in the spring of 1992 to serve as the headquarters of the Erie County Historical Society and the Erie Society for Genealogical Research.
Erie
Erie County is about a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or Buffalo in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania. The County has a Home Rule Charter form of government. The charter establishes an executive branch headed by the County Executive and a legislative branch with a seven-person council.
County Executive Lynch says, "This area has teetered on the brink of becoming one of the major growth areas in the United States. I believe the 21st century will see that growth flower and flourish." While also a major center for the plastics industry, tourism is the second largest industry. Presque Isle, with its seven miles of sandy beaches and rated by National Geographic as one of the best places in the world for viewing sunsets, attracts millions of visitors. You can visit the restored US Brig Niagara, maritime museum, multistoried observation tower, and other waterfront developments at the bayfront. Away from the lake, you can enjoy scenic pastureland, covered bridges, and vineyards.
Locations
Museums
Erie Maritime Museum, Homeport U.S. Brig Niagara, 150 East Front Street. As the homeport of Pennsylvania's official flagship, the museum offers the story of the Niagara from the reconstruction of the warship that won the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.
The Firefighters Historical Museum, Inc. is located at the corner of West 5th and Chestnut Streets in downtown Erie. The museum was founded in 1969, Incorporated in 1971 and opened to the public on May 3, l976.
Housed in a beautiful 1839 Greek Revival building located in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania, this member-supported non-profit organization offers year-round programming which includes exhibitions, concerts, classes, workshops, guided tours, lectures, and special events.
The Watson-Curtze Mansion stands as a symbol of the upper class lifestyle of the 1890s in Erie. The Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Organizations
The Erie Planetarium is a division of the Erie County Historical Society which has over 500 members. Members receive free admission and benefits at all ECHS sites.
The Society houses historical archives for genealogical research and excellent folios on Harborcreek families, cemeteries and other history. The Society office includes a reference library and several items such as the cemetery list in quick access format on the computer.
Lake Shore Railway Historical Society is governed by a member-elected Board of Directors that meets monthly to conduct LSRHS business.Lake Shore Railway Historical Society's mission is to preserve, enjoy and share the memory, history and experience of railroading, particularly that of northwester