Local Historia

02/24/2025

02/13/2025

Good times tonight - hope to see you there!

02/12/2025

Prohibition Era Tales! Tickets and details at: https://www.gamblemillbellefonte.com/post/prohibition-era-tales-in-the-speakeasy-with-local-historia

02/08/2025

A little past and present video tour of the historic Gamble Mill!

Gamble Mill (Then and Now)

Early photographs of the Gamble Mill in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Mills on this site go back to the late 1700s but the current building and most of the photo...

02/06/2025

Very interesting discussion on a unique topic!

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions on the last post. I have another one that I need your help with!
This is a 1949 aerial of Bellefonte, I marked the location of the current high school and Bishop Street. This would be between today's Hughes and Hamilton Streets. The Bellefonte Academy pool (which closed in 1945) was the narrow light colored strip between the portion I'm curious about and Bishop St.
The area in question is highlighted in yellow, which had been the Bellefonte Academy athletic fields. What was it being used for at this period in time (1949)? By 1957 that area was developed into much of what it looks like today.

02/05/2025

A little visit to Laurel Spring Cidery, such an inspiring place with the Revolutionary era spirit! Had an amazing candlelight tasting experience and lots of fun! Give our new friends a Like and Follow. Cheers!

02/05/2025

Step back in time with Local Historia for an immersive journey into the Prohibition Era! Join us on Sunday, February 23, for a unique experience filled with historical stories, engaging surprises, and the chance to enjoy two signature 1920s-inspired cocktails, the Bee’s Knees and Old Fashioned, available for purchase from The Republic.

Seatings are at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. and spaces are limited to 25 guests per session. We encourage guests to don their best 1920s apparel, though it’s not required. Tickets: https://checkout.square.site/buy/HUJVRCL4KWC2HPZJ5GMY7CD3

02/05/2025

New episode alert‼️ In this episode of Hidden Happy Valley, we uncover a powerful and often-overlooked chapter of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania’s history—its role in the Underground Railroad. Featuring expert insights from Local Historia, we explore the secret pathways, historic landmarks, and courageous individuals who helped enslaved people on their journey to freedom. Hidden Happy Valley is a series of virtual tours that explore the rich, untold history of the region. Brought to you by The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Centre County Library & Historical Museum, Schlow Centre Region Library, and Local Historia. Bellefonte’s past is filled with stories of bravery, resilience, and community action. Join us as we walk in the footsteps of history and shed light on the town’s contributions to the abolitionist movement.

https://youtu.be/yLXSHr6x_uQ?si=kNX1XuXwgZRdcxuI

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau Schlow Centre Region Library Centre County Library and Historical Museum

In this episode of Hidden Happy Valley, we uncover a powerful and often-overlooked chapter of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania’s history—its role in the Underground ...

02/02/2025

Make your Sunday Funday unforgettable on February 23 as transports you to the Prohibition Era! Enjoy intriguing stories and interactive activities, all within the secretive atmosphere of our Speakeasy. With only 25 spots per session, be sure to grab your ticket for either 2:00 or 4:00 pm before they’re gone! Tickets available via the link in our bio.

Indulge in two specialty 1920s-inspired cocktails from , and don’t forget to dress up in your best '20s attire if you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience!

01/22/2025

A True Crime and manhunt from Pittsburgh to Black Moshannon!

What do a murder at a Pittsburgh gas station during the Great Depression, a shootout near the Rattlesnake Mountain airmail beacon, and Bellefonte Academy

01/19/2025

The legendary Walter L. Main Circus train wreck occurred Central Pennsylvania on Memorial Day, May 30, 1893. This video guides you through what happened and ...

01/16/2025

Manhunt in the mountains! Wanted for murder in Pittsburgh in 1930, George Clark Skidmore fled to Centre County, where he had been a Bellefonte Academy student. Read about the search for Skidmore in January Town&Gown's Local Historia!

01/15/2025

Join Matt and Dustin from Local Historia on Thursday, January 16 at 6:30pm in the Downsbrough Community Room as they discuss "one of the most infamous railroading disasters of the 19th century."

A Centre County Reads program. Find more events and book discussions at centrecountyreads.org

No registration required.

01/12/2025

Join us Thursday! 🚂 🐘 📕

Join Matt and Dustin from Local Historia on Thursday, January 16 at 6:30pm in the Downsbrough Community Room as they discuss "one of the most infamous railroading disasters of the 19th century."

A Centre County Reads program. Find more events and book discussions at centrecountyreads.org

No registration required.

01/09/2025

Join us every second Thursday of the month for a night of Irish music in our Speakeasy! No tickets required and come and go as you please. Drinks available for purchase at .

01/07/2025

History Pub in Bellefonte is this Wednesday Jan. 8th at 7pm. Dustin and Matt will be sharing some crazy True Crime Stories from the area. Please RSVP at [email protected]

12/22/2024

in Bellefonte! Focusing on connections to the Civil War.

Last up in Hidden Happy Valley Season 4 is: Bellefonte Civil War History 🪖

Hidden Happy Valley is a series of short virtual tours that explore the lesser-known history behind some of our favorite spots across the region. The series is brought to you by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Centre County Library and Historical Museum, Schlow Centre Region Library, and of course, Local Historia.

Watch Episode 3: https://youtu.be/gFae7L7LmRQ