Are you a history buff or do you find history a bit of a…bore? (Our goal is to inspire those in the latter category.)
Regardless of your historical leanings, the Susquehanna River Valley has more than a dozen historic sites to explore, plus seasonal heritage festivals that truly bring the past alive – making it fun for all ages to learn (or re-learn) about our region’s vibrant and tumultuous past.
Fort Augusta and Hunter House: According to the Northumberland County Historical Society, Fort Augusta was Pennsylvania’s stronghold in the upper Susquehanna Valley, from the days of the French and Indian War to the close of the American Revolution. 
This site, now within the limits of the City of Sunbury, is an area which the Native Americans called “Shamokin.” First constructed as part of the British defense against the raids of the French and Indians from the upper Allegheny region, it was later used as an American fortress to aid in the protection of the settlers of the upper Susquehanna from the Indian allies of Britain.
The museum at the Hunter House features a permanent exhibit of archaeological material recovered on the site during digs in 1937-1938, 1978-1979, and 1981. There are many items recovered from the Moravian Blacksmith Shop of 1743, Native American artifacts, as well as Fort Augusta.
G
utelius House Museum: Thanks to some historically-minded Mifflinburg residents, the Gutelius House is owned and managed by volunteers of Preservation Mifflinburg, Inc. The group restored the home and now makes it available for tours and small meetings. The home also displays articles collected from the area, many of which have been donated by local residents.
New Berlin Heritage Museum: Maintained by the New Berlin Heritage Association, this charming local museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing
the rich history of New Berlin and the surrounding region. Step inside to explore a carefully curated collection of artifacts, photographs, and print materials that capture the daily life, industry, and traditions of generations past. The museum also features exhibits on local businesses, schools, and the role New Berlin played in the early development of Union County. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, seasonal displays, which bring the town's vibrant heritage to life.
Historical Societies: Are you into genealogy? Each County in our region boasts extensive historical libraries and archives, plus professional staff to help you navigate the intricacies of genealogical research. If you have roots in the area, take some time to learn more about your family tree with the help of the Northumberland County Historical Society, Union County Historical Society, Snyder County Historical Society, Milton Historical Society, or the Watsontown Historical Association to name a few.
Taber Museum
: Located in nearby Williamsport and opperated by the Lycoming County Historical Society, this Museum has exhibits that include an American Indian gallery, a Fine and Decorative Arts gallery, the Shempp Model Train exhibit with over 300 toy trains, and period rooms depicting life from the 1700s through the 1900s. These include a dining room from the Greek Revival period, a general store and barbershop, a one-room school, to name a few.
History comes alive with these notable events this summer and fall:
- Pioneer Day at Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine on July 19: This is the perfect opportunity to take a coal mine tour, ride the steam train and learn more about our local history, while enjoying some modern amenities too! The Day features live music, crafters, food trucks, and kids’ activities like games and face painting. The kids will love the playground and picnic facilities on-site too.
- Save the date! The Dale-Engle-Walker House will offer tours on July 6. Bruce Teeple will discuss the history of the house and its occupants: immigrant Samuel Dale and his family, the Engles, and the Walkers. The c.1793 Dale house is complemented by the c.1789 Kantz log cabin, restored and reassembled on-site. Tours are offered at 1 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m.
- One of my personal faves: Fort Freeland Heritage Days takes place each October (this year, it’s October 4-5) at the Hower-Slote H
ouse and Farm and offers authentic demonstrations led by volunteers in period costumes covering a wide array of foods, crafts and trades. Among the crafts highlighted are appliqued wool, chair caning, rope making, quilting, papermaking, spinning, Fraktur painting, pottery, quill pen making and loom weaving. Colonial foods are a central component of the event, with demonstrations showing the art and craft of making apple cider, apple butter, horseradish, butter, sourdough bread, apple molasses, crackers, pies, clear toy candy, potato candy, popcorn, ice cream, pickled cabbage and sauerkraut. Each station provided tastings of the foods and recipes to take home. The event also includes a reenactment of the Battle of Fort Freeland. On Sunday, visitors can attend a church service in the historic Warrior Run Church. Read more about the 2024 event here; it takes place every October thanks to dedicated volunteers.
- Middlecreek Valley Antique Machinery Association preserves agricultural artifacts and educates the public about farming and rural lifestyles of bygone days. Attend spring and fall shows featuring antique sawmill demonstrations, shingle making, antique stone crushing, machinery demonstrations, Hit and Miss engines, antique tractor and machinery parades, antique and stock tractor pulls, gas and steam engines and farm, utility and garden tractors. The shows also offer a flea market, crafts vendors and antique dealers plus your favorite fair food.
And that’s just the beginning…
What surprises will you discover about the Susquehanna River Valley’s vibrant history and heritage?
Take some pics along the way and share what you’ve learned! Tag us #ExploreSRV
