industrial history Archives

Kinzua Bridge State Park: A Tale of Innovation, Destruction and Renewal

Posted on March 12, 2024March 4, 2024by Jody Arneson

A train trestle bridge extends over a gorge, abruptly stopping. Green lush foliage is in the foreground; the sky is deep blue. You can see ruins of bridge supports on the other side of the gorge.

Kinzua Bridge State Park sits in McKean County, PA, in north-central Pennsylvania. This state park’s focal point is the once proud Kinzua Viaduct. Do you enjoy weird railroad history? Check out the abandoned Coburn Rail Tunnel in Centre County! Built in 1882 by the Phoenix Iron Company, this engineering marvel stretched 2,053 feet long and […]

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Discover Riverfront Park: Where History and Nature Intertwine

Posted on February 20, 2024February 11, 2024by Jody Arneson

In the foreground, the West Branch Susquehannah River flows quietly by on a cloudy day. Green trees line the opposite shore. Behind, there's a sliver of a mountain visible.

Explore the mysteries of Riverfront Park, where the footprints of ancient civilizations meet modern-day trails.

The Enigmatic Abandoned Coburn Tunnel of Centre County

Posted on February 10, 2024October 23, 2023by Jody Arneson

A wall of rock with a train tunnel, in black, with just a faint point of the other side, in the middle. Moss covers some of the rocks.

This abandoned tunnel lures many to explore its shadows. Do you dare to explore it too?

haunted
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The Tenement Museum: Bricks, Mortar, and Memories

Posted on February 3, 2024October 22, 2023by Jody Arneson

A five-story red brick tenement building; the ground level is the entrance to the Tenement Museum

From crowded tenements to tales of resilience: step inside the Tenement Museum to experience New York’s rich immigrant history.

The Twisty Tale of America’s Oldest Pretzel Bakery: Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

Posted on November 25, 2023August 30, 2023by Jody Arneson

Immerse yourself in 160 years of delicious history at the Sturgis Pretzel Bakery!

heritage tourism
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Exploring Erie’s Rich History at the Hagen Museum

Posted on October 21, 2023August 29, 2023by Jody Arneson

You won’t want to miss this history museum!

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budget-friendly day trip
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Forging History: The Legacy of Curtin Village at Eagle Ironworks

Posted on August 29, 2023October 25, 2023by Jody Arneson

From its founding by an Irish immigrant to its survival for an astounding 112 years, discover how this unique village blended community, industry and innovation.

Civil War
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Have a Blast at the Hagley Museum

Posted on May 30, 2023May 5, 2023by Jody Arneson

Stone buildings that are powder mills at Hagley Museum

Discover how the DuPonts became an American powerhouse dynasty at this fascinating museum!

heritage tourism
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Explore Art, Cars and Industrial History at the Frick Pittsburgh

Posted on April 25, 2023March 5, 2023by Jody Arneson

This Pittsburgh museum complex offers three museums for one!

Exploring Forgotten History: Catoctin Furnace and the African American Cemetery Trail

Posted on November 8, 2022June 26, 2022by Jody Arneson

Explore Catoctin Furnace’s rich history and learn why this iron-making village was so important to America’s history.

Erie Canal
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Discover the Secrets of the Erie Canal at the Erie Canal Museum

Posted on July 2, 2022March 29, 2022by Jody Arneson

Most Americans have heard of the canal, but few know much about it. If discovering new facts is something you enjoy, then you need to visit this museum.