Potter County Today

An injustice that dates back to early 1800s is about to be corrected as part of Potter County’s America250 observance. At 1 pm on Saturday, Oct. 11, Potter County Historical Society will recall the life Asylum Peters, one of the county’s founders. His grave marker at the Ayers Hill Cemetery, referring to him as a “colored slave,” will be replaced with a stone rightfully memorializing Peters as a “Potter County pioneer.” Peters was wrongfully enslaved as a child and continually denied his freedom until he reached adulthood. Despite evidence to the contrary, he was referred to — during and after his life — as a slave, even as he lived his entire adult life contributing the growth and development of Potter County.

Spearheading countywide activities marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence are Potter County Historical Society (PCHS), represented by David Castano; and Allegewi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, represented by Ilene Altenhein. Commissioner Paul Heimel is county liaison with the America250PA organization. Those interested in becoming involved should contact PCHS (814-274-4410) or DAR/Allegewi Chapter (814-274-9798). Here are some of the upcoming events:

Bells Across Pennsylvania: To commemorate the Liberty Bell and spotlight its significance, PCHS has provided funding and materials for students at each of the six public school districts in Potter County to fashion bells with localized history themes. Art teachers are coordinating the projects. The bells have been crafted from native hardwoods. Bells will initially be displayed for public viewing at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum prior to being placed at each school.

Nurturing Our Next Generation: Goal is to help students in grades 4-8 to learn and practice the civic leadership and skills that will help them develop into responsible, ethical citizens. PCHS will provide guides with localized content for each school district to use during the 2025-26 school year. Pennsylvania Lumber Museum staffers Jennifer Haines and Josh Fox will host field trips customized to include content relevant to the boroughs and townships in each school district. Thirty guides featuring Potter County history will be distributed to each school district for classroom use.

‘Pa. Proud’ Service Member Spotlight: Local “spotlights” are being prepared to memorialize selected Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans. Focus is on Revolutionary War soldiers connected to Potter County, prepared by DAR; and Civil War soldiers, provided by Ed Worman, Civil War historian for PCHS. The latter chronicles the experiences of those who were held as prisoners at Andersonville, Ga., Richmond, Va., and Salisbury, N.C. Spotlights will culminate with Memorial Day observances in 2026.

Road to Pennsylvania: America250PA is promoting walking, running, biking or wheeling through races, organized walks/hikes or other events. In partnership with the DCNR and county partners, America250PA will also highlight and encourage visitation to state parks, county parks and local historic points of interests. Locally, PCHS is identifying trails with historical connections to railroading within Lyman Run, Denton Hill, Ole Bull and Sinnemahoning state parks. A hiking guide/brochure will be produced with local railroad photographs. Plans could expand to include scholastic cross-country teams, hiking clubs, running clubs and other potential partners.

Township/Borough Engagement: Summit, Harrison and Stewardship townships are the first Potter County municipalities to sign up through America250PA. For more information on how to sign up, township and boroughs can visit the website, america250pa.org or send email to info@america250pa.org.

American250 Parade: Organizers are planning a Potter County America250 Parade on July 3, 2026. Details will be announced. DAR/Allegewi Chapter and the Coudersport Rotary Club are working on the arrangements. DAR will also host a rededication of the David Zeisberger monument and other activities at the courthouse square at 11 am on July 3, 2026.

Coudersport has been named the 2025 Heritage Community of the Year by the Pa. Route 6 Alliance, based on a series of events and activities taking place under its Heritage Community Work Plan to make the town more vibrant. These range from downtown revitalization activities by a re-energized Chamber of Commerce, to festivals organized by volunteer organizations and charitable activities to support cancer patients and underprivileged citizens. “Coudersport is undertaking meaningful projects that show what we can achieve together,” said Candace Hillyard, executive director of the Pa. Route 6 Alliance. More information about the organization and the awards program can be found at paroute6.com. Shown from left during the presentation ceremony are Jill Grosch, representing Rep. Martin Causer; Tamara Bleggi, representing Sen. Cris Dush; Will Hunt, Potter County planning/community development director and Pa. Rt. 6 Alliance board secretary; Nancy Grupp, chair, Potter County Commissioners; Chamber of Commerce officers Shelley Butler and Caroline Powers; Danielle Stilson, Chamber member and Pa. Rt. 6 Alliance representative; and Pa. Rt. 6 Alliance representatives Dan Glotz, board chair, and Candace Hillyard, executive director.

The Potter County Commissioners have approved a $10,000 grant to Crary Hose Company of Westfield to support a regional live-burn training center for volunteer firefighters. The money will come from the county’s Pa. Act 13 repository. Those funds are generated from a state “impact fee” on shale gas production. Portions of the revenue are allotted to counties, townships and boroughs. Local fire departments had encouraged the commissioners to support the center, which is being created on an eight-acre parcel which was previously used for a leather tannery. Shown during the check presentation ceremony, from left, are Mike Raber from Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company of Ulysses, Commissioner Nancy Grupp, Crary Hose Fire Chief William Goltz, Commissioner Robert Rossman, Crary Hose Vice President Todd Streeter and Commissioner Paul Heimel.