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History
of the Society |
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| The Huntingdon County Historical Society was formed in 1936
to plan the observance of the county's 150th anniversary. At the successful conclusion of
that effort, those involved elected to charter the Society as an ongoing organization. In
1952 the Society entered a new phase in its history when it inherited, jointly with the
Huntingdon County Library, the real property of Miss Clara McMurtrie, a charter member of
the historical society. Initially the Library and the Society shared the McMurtrie home at
332 Penn Street, but in 1965 the two groups divided the total McMurtrie property, with the
society becoming the sole owner of the William McMurtrie house at 106 Fourth Street, the
former McMurtrie store building at 100 Fourth, and the garage-apartment behind 106 Fourth. The
William McMurtrie house was restored, principally as a house museum, for Huntingdon's
Bicentennial in 1967. In 1974 an exhibit gallery was created in the store building, and
the Society was finally able to conduct all its activities, including meetings, in its own
quarters. With ever greater use of the society's research facilities, more space was
allocated to the library and office functions, which were moved to a more convenient
location on the first floor of the McMurtrie House in 1984.
To mark the Huntingdon County Bicentennial in 1987, the McMurtrie Museum rooms were
completely redecorated to the period of the County Centennial in 1887. The out-kitchen at
the rear of the house was restored and added to the Society's house museum tour, and the
little "1887" house, built for a float in the Centennial parade, was placed in
the yard of 106 Fourth street. |
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Research
Library - 106 Fourth Street
The research library is open to the public on a seasonal schedule, with a
staff of trained volunteers. The majority of researchers use the library's genealogical
sources, many of which are unique materials not available elsewhere.
In addition to a large collection of published histories and genealogies, including rare
and out-of -print titles, the library offers extensive card files and manuscript sources
compiled and collected over the years. A special Civil War collection, established by the
Aughwick Civil War Round Table, is available for research in that era.
The library and archives also include a variety of sources for general historical
research: a large photograph collection; a county-wide survey of buildings and historic
sites; maps; special projects on local art and artists, coverlets, quilts, and stoneware;
scrapbooks; ledgers; and extensive manuscript and clipping files.
The research staff responds to all requests for information, genealogical
and general, which are received by mail or by phone, as well as assisting
those who use the library in person. A daily fee of $5.00 is charged
library users who are not Society members, and a schedule of charges
and services has been established for research done for those who cannot
visit the library in person. |
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 McMurtrie House
Museum - 106 Fourth Street
The McMurtrie House Museum includes the parlor, hall, and two bedrooms, which
have been decorated in the period of the Huntingdon County Centennialin 1887, for the
purpose of interpreting the furnishings and styles of that era to the public. In addition,
children's toys of many eras are displayed inthe McMurtrie home, and kitchen equipment and
lighting devices are exhibited in the out-kitchen. The museum rooms are open at announced
times, or arrangements can be made for guided tours, for large or small groups, by calling
(814) 643-5449. A modest fee is charged for group tours, except for school groups, which
are free. |
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The Exhibit Gallery -
106 Fourth Street
The Exhibit Gallery offers a large meeting room where Society programs and exhibits are
held. Equipped with display panels and cases, and track lighting, the space is ideal for
varied exhibit purposes. The room can be heated or air-conditioned, depending upon
the season. The gallery has been rented to a variety of community organizations for their
exhibits or programs. Arrangements for such use can be made by calling the Society during
Wednesday office hours at (814) 643-5449. |
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Old
Stone Church - Manor Hill
Since 1970, the Society has owned this historic property on Route
305, in Barree Township. It includes the Shaver's Creek Presbyterian
Church, built in 1825, and a large two-part cemetery adjacent to it.
The building is the oldest existing church in Huntingdon County and,
because it has been without a regular congregation for more than a
century, it has undergone few changes and retains much of its early
character. A Sunday morning worship service is held in the church each
summer, and the building has also been used for weddings, baptisms,
hymn sings, Christmas caroling, picnics, and as a destination for groups
touring historic sites. Arrangements for use of this site can be made
by calling the Society at
814-643-5449. |
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