EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Dates and programs are subject to change, please contact the Museum to confirm event details.
They Fell Silent - A Guided Shrine Tour
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, July 19, at 2PM for the program, They Fell Silent: A Guided Shrine Tour. At the onset of World War I, Theodore Boal, a prominent citizen of Centre County, privately-funded a machine gun company for the Pennsylvania National Guard. In 1919, the unit commemorated its fallen. This modest memorial transformed into the 28th Infantry Division National Shrine. Guests will learn of those brave individuals whose names are etched in stone. Attendees are expected to dress appropriately for the weather and have proper footwear due to uneven terrain. The tour will happen rain or shine, unless deemed unsafe by staff. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the program will be canceled or rescheduled. If so, participants will be contacted via email or social media at least one hour in advance. Admission is $15 per person and all sales are final. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
Under the Canopy - A Vietnam War Experience
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, from 10AM-4PM for Under the Canopy: A Vietnam War Experience. By examining this Cold War conflict, the public can reflect upon the importance of cultural understanding, the impacts of military force, and the potentials of unintended consequences. At 11AM, families can participate in the History Mystery Kid’s Program, where children can “meet” soldiers of the era. At 1PM, a historic weapons demonstration will showcase several pieces that were used during the conflict. Vietnam War veterans will be on-site Saturday to share their stories. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. Museum merchandise will also be available for purchase. The Vietnam War Remembered: A Cemetery Lantern Tour will also take place at the Boalsburg Cemetery on Saturday, August 2, at 7PM. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
The Vietnam War Remembered - A Cemetery Lantern Tour
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum and Local Historia on Saturday, August 2, from 7PM-8PM for The Vietnam War Remembered: A Cemetery Lantern Tour. History professor Jared Frederick will guide patrons through the Boalsburg Cemetery, highlighting stories of veterans and their families. All tours begin at the “Honors to the Fallen” monument (“the Three Ladies Statue”) located at 305 North Church Street, Boalsburg. Attendees are expected to dress appropriately for the weather and have proper footwear due to uneven terrain. The tour will happen rain or shine, unless deemed unsafe by staff. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the program will be canceled or rescheduled. If so, participants will be contacted via email or social media at least one hour in advance. Tickets can only be purchased through Local Historia. Admission is $15 per person and all sales are final. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
Hell on Wheels - Guided Armor Tours
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, September 6, from 1-3PM for Hell on Wheels: Guided Armor Tours. From Knights to Ironclads to Tanks, come hear of the armor that transformed warfare and society. Explore vehicles of the past, including the M4 Sherman Tank, the M42 Duster, the M59 APC, and the M60A3 Tank. Participants will learn of their technicalities and their operators. Tours will start at the M4 and conclude at the M60. Attendees are expected to dress appropriately for the weather and have proper footwear due to uneven terrain. The tour will happen rain or shine, unless deemed unsafe by staff. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the program will be canceled or rescheduled. If so, participants will be contacted via email or social media at least one hour in advance. Admission is $15 per person and all sales are final. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
History After Hours - Author Scott Hartwig
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Thursday, September 11, from 7-8PM for its speaker series, History After Hours. Author Scott Hartwig will present on his book, I Dread the Thought of the Place: The Battle of Antietam and the End of the Maryland Campaign. By using letters written by participants, Hartwig will share battlefield experiences and explore how veterans coped with their trauma. He also penned To Antietam Creek: The Maryland Campaign of September 1862. This one-hour lecture will take place at the Country Inn & Suites at 1357 East College Avenue, State College. The author will conduct a book signing afterwards. Other museum merchandise will also be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. Contributions benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum. This lecture series is proudly made possible by the generosity of Altoona's Lawruk Builders Incorporated.
Honors to the Fallen - A Cemetery Lantern Tour
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum and Local Historia on Saturday, October 24, at 7PM for Honors to the Fallen: A Cemetery Lantern Tour. History professor Jared Frederick will guide patrons through the Boalsburg Cemetery, highlighting stories of veterans and their families. All tours begin at the “Honors to the Fallen” monument located at 305 North Church Street, Boalsburg. Attendees are expected to dress appropriately for the weather and have proper footwear due to uneven terrain. The tour will happen rain or shine, unless deemed unsafe by staff. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the program will be canceled or rescheduled. If so, participants will be contacted via email or social media at least one hour in advance. Tickets can only be purchased through Local Historia. Admission is $15 per person and all sales are final. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
Spirits of the Shrine - Hidden Histories of Sacrifice
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, October 25, at 6PM for the program, Spirits of the Shrine: Hidden Histories of Sacrifice. At the onset of World War I, Theodore Boal, a prominent citizen of Centre County, privately-funded a machine gun company for the Pennsylvania National Guard. Boal later dedicated the 28th Infantry Division National Shrine to the fallen in 1919. Guests will learn of those brave individuals whose memories are etched in stone. Attendees are expected to dress appropriately for the weather and have proper footwear due to uneven terrain. The tour will happen rain or shine, unless deemed unsafe by staff. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the program will be canceled or rescheduled. If so, participants will be contacted via email or social media at least one hour in advance. Admission is $15 per person and all sales are final. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
History After Hours - Author Jeff Shaara
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Thursday, November 13, from 7-8PM for its speaker series, History After Hours. Author Jeff Shaara will present on his book, The Frozen Hours: A Novel of the Korean War. In November 1950, Allied forces, already battling cold weather, found themselves caught completely off guard as Chinese forces advance around the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. American soldiers were soon on the brink of complete annihilation. This one-hour lecture will take place at the Country Inn & Suites at 1357 East College Avenue, State College. The author will conduct a book signing afterwards. Other museum merchandise will also be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. Contributions benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum. This lecture series is proudly made possible by the generosity of Altoona's Lawruk Builders Incorporated.
Hell on Wheels - Guided Armor Tours
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, November 15, from 1-3PM for Hell on Wheels: Guided Armor Tours. From Knights to Ironclads to Tanks, come hear of the armor that transformed warfare and society. Explore vehicles of the past, including the M4 Sherman Tank, the M42 Duster, the M59 APC, and the M60A3 Tank. Participants will learn of their technicalities and their operators. Tours will start at the M4 and conclude at the M60. Attendees are expected to dress appropriately for the weather and have proper footwear due to uneven terrain. The tour will happen rain or shine, unless deemed unsafe by staff. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the program will be canceled or rescheduled. If so, participants will be contacted via email or social media at least one hour in advance. Admission is $15 per person and all sales are final. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
The 28th Infantry Division Remembrance Ceremony
Join the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Sunday, May 17, from 12PM-3:30PM for The 28th Infantry Division Remembrance Ceremony. Founded in 1879, the 28th Infantry Division is the oldest continuously serving unit in the United States Army. Since 1919, typically a week before Memorial Day, service members of the division visit their national shrine, continuing a long tradition of honoring the “Iron Division” and commemorating its fallen comrades. This ceremonial occasion typically features remarks from dignitaries, equipment displays, an artillery gun salute, and music by the 28th Infantry Division Band. Come watch the military parade, meet Gold Star families, and learn of the soldiers whose names are etched in stone. The Pennsylvania Military Museum’s information booth will be open from 11AM-4PM. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
A Walk to Remember Our Fallen
Join A Soldier’s Hands, Carry the Load, and the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, May 23, from 8AM-9:30AM for A Walk to Remember Our Fallen. Attend a morning of remembrance and reflection as the community gathers around Gold Star families. Starting at 8AM, attendees can participate in the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. An opening prayer and remarks will occur afterwards. At 8:30AM, the Somber Walk begins. There will be activities available for all ages including: note writing for care packages, creating poppy flowers, and coloring pictures. Veteran organizations will be on-site for support and guidance. The Pennsylvania Military Museum’s information booth will be open from 8AM-4PM. Patriotic music and a 21-gun salute will conclude the event. This annual walk is free and open to the public. Event proceeds benefit A Soldier’s Hands, a non-profit organization that supports deployed service members. Learn more and register via the link.
Battle Cry of Freedom - A Civil War Experience
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 10AM-4PM for Battle Cry of Freedom: A Civil War Experience. This living history weekend allows visitors to explore the lifestyles, cultures, and principles of the two armies that battled over slavery. By examining the American Civil War, the public is able to reflect upon freedom, unity, and the cost of division. At 11AM, Keystone Tintype will conduct a photography demonstration, with tintypes being available for purchase. At 1PM, an historic weapons demonstration will showcase pieces used during the conflict. At 2PM, families can participate in the History Mystery Kid’s Program, where children can “meet” a soldier of the era. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. At The Civil War Remembered: A Cemetery Lantern Tour will take place at the Boalsburg Cemetery on Saturday at 6:30PM. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
The Civil War Remembered - A Cemetery Lantern Tour
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum and Local Historia on Saturday, May 23, at 6:30PM for The Civil War Remembered: A Cemetery Tour. History professor Jared Frederick will guide patrons through the Boalsburg Cemetery, highlighting stories of veterans and their families. All tours begin at the “Honors to the Fallen” monument (“the Three Ladies Statue”) located at 305 North Church Street, Boalsburg. Attendees are expected to dress appropriately for the weather and have proper footwear due to uneven terrain. The tour will happen rain or shine, unless deemed unsafe by staff. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the program will be canceled or rescheduled. If so, participants will be contacted via email or social media at least one hour in advance. Tickets can only be purchased through Local Historia. Admission is $15 per person and all sales are final. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
Over There - A World War I Experience
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, from 10AM-4PM for Over There: A World War I Experience. This living history weekend allows visitors to explore the different nationalities, cultures, and politics that influenced the First World War. By examining the “War to End All Wars,” the public is able to reflect upon the risks of complex alliances and the importance of diplomacy. They Fell Silent: A Guided Shrine Tour ($15 per person) will occur at 11AM on Saturday. At 1PM, an historic weapons demonstration will showcase pieces used during the conflict. At 2PM, families can participate in the History Mystery Kid’s Program, where children can “meet” a soldier of the era. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. The Great War Remembered: A Cemetery Lantern Tour ($15 per person) will take place at the Boalsburg Cemetery on Saturday at 7PM. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
Blair County’s Juneteenth Jubilee - St. Luke’s Episcopal
Join the Blair County African American Heritage Project, Pennsylvania Military Museum, Blair County Historical Society, Blair County NAACP, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Saturday, June 21, from 1-3PM for Blair County's Juneteenth Jubilee. Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, commemorates the emancipation of slaves in America. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on June 19, 1865, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. This second annual commemoration for freedom fighters will consist of history, scripture, prayers, and musical performances. Proceeds benefit the African American Heritage Festival and the preservation of Eastern Lights Cemetery, where veterans of the United States Colored Troops are buried. Local Historia and Dr. Jared Frederick will also conduct a Civil War Altoona Walking Tour at 7PM, starting at Levity Brewing Company.
Civil War to Civil Rights - Baker Mansion
Join the Blair County Historical Society and the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Friday, June 20, for Civil War to Civil Rights. This free presentation will explore Civil War era Blair County and the African American experience. Dr. Jared Frederick, a Penn State Altoona History professor, will provide a broad overview of the Antebellum Era, the events that led up to the American Civil War, and how those events affected the people of Pennsylvania. Mark Frederick, director of "Blair County: A People's History," and educator at the Pennsylvania Military Museum, will showcase segments of his award-winning film, featuring freedom seekers, USCT veterans, and the iconic War Governors' Conference. Harriett Gaston and Dustin Smith will guide attendees on tours of Baker Mansion's African American Heritage and Civil War exhibits. These presenters will also be attending Blair County's Juneteenth Jubilee Commemoration on Saturday, June 21 from 1-3PM.