‘America250’ Rolls Forward In Potter County
Potter County continues an extended “America250” celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Spearheading the observance are the 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’s a summary of upcoming events and ongoing activities:
Bells Across Pennsylvania: Members of the public are encouraged to attend a dedication ceremony for Potter County’s America 250 Liberty Bell, to be held at 1:45 pm on Friday, Dec 19, in the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building. Each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties was provided with a 3’ by 3’ fiberglass bell to be painted by a local artist in a theme that reflects the history, culture or people of its specific county. Additionally, 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 at each school have been coordinating the projects. The six bell-shaped silhouettes were crafted at The Carpenter’s Shop in Ulysses by Calvin Horning. They are 3’ by 3’ and manufactured from native hardwoods. Each school district received a $200 stipend for supplies. Bells will initially be displayed for public viewing during the Dec. 19 ceremony and then placed at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum prior to being permanently located 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, knowledge of their communities and respectful of their heritage. 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.
Proud Service Member: Local spotlights to memorialize selected Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans are being provided to the local media. Focus is on the 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 profiles focus particularly on those who were held as prisoners at Andersonville, Ga., Richmond, Va., and Salisbury, N.C. The project 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 interest. 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.
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 members will hold a rededication of the David Zeisberger monument and other activities at the courthouse square at 11 am.
Township/Borough Engagement: Summit, Harrison and Stewardship townships and Austin Borough are signed up through America250PA. For more information on how to register, township and boroughs can visit the website, america250pa.org or send email to info@america250pa.org.