All of our programs are open to the public and free of charge (except where noted).
If you will be attending in person, the presentations will begin at 7:00 p.m. but the doors will open at 6:30 at South Hills School of Business and Technology (Room 14), 480 Waupelani Drive, State College.
Zoom links to meetings are available as a benefit of membership. The Membership Chairperson will email the link prior to the meeting. Pre-registration is not necessary.
If you have any questions, please contact Elaine Prestia, Membership Chairperson, at elaine@prestia.net or (814) 574-0107. Hope to see you at our events!
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Our Next Programs
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 7:00 PM
Finding What You Need and Making the Most of What You Find – presented by Pam Vestal of generationsgen.com
Pam Vestal specializes in conducting extensive family history research and then turning the genealogical facts into illustrated stories than anyone can enjoy. After a 20-year career as a professional writer, Pam turned her full attention to her longtime love of genealogy. Since then, her articles have appeared in the National Genealogy Society Magazine, the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and the Federation of Genealogical Society’s Forum magazine. As a national speaker, her lectures have taken her all over the United States.
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 7:00 PM
Discussing a Famous PA Outlaw named David Lewis. – presented by Matt Maris of Local Historia
World Cultures and AP Human Geography teacher Matthew Maris is seen in the halls of Bellefonte High. While his passion for teaching history surely shines through in the classroom, what you probably don’t know is that Maris spends time outside of the school teaching locals about the history of Bellefonte. Since Fall of 2019, Maris has led many walking tours around Centre County, teaching people things about the Civil War, potential haunted locations, and historical figures in our own town. Maris and Dustin Edler together run Local Historia LLC where individuals can access their mission in sharing their passions for local history.
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:00 PM
Centre Furnace Mansion and What it Has to Offer – presented by Mary Sorensen, Centre County Historical Society (CCHS)
Mary Sorensen is the Executive Director of the Centre County Historical Society (CCHS) founded in 1904 and headquartered in the Centre Furnace Mansion. She oversees the Society’s programming, collections, grant writing, project management, & outreach including collaboration with other community organizations and local, regional, and state agencies. During her tenure, the Historical Society has restored the Centre Furnace Mansion’s exterior, and Boogersburg School historic site, launched online Centre County Encyclopedia of History & Culture, & introduced Centre County Explorers Passport Program.
Thursday, May 7, 2026, 7:00 PM
Who Put the “7” in Seven Mountains? – presented by Paul Fagley, Mifflin County Historical Society
Mr. Fagley is a park ranger and an Environmental Education Specialist at Greenwood Furnace State Park. He has authored several papers on central PA history including the origins of Pennsylvania’s industrial history. Paul is a board member of the Mifflin County Historical Society.