Third Annual Open House Scheduled
September 01, 2009 at 9:53 PM
Local historical authors P.J. Piccirillo and James P. Burke (pictured at left) will join in welcoming visitors during the DuBois Area Historical Society’s Third Annual Open House, Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at the E.D. Reitz Museum, 28 W. Long Ave., DuBois. The open house is free and open to the public.
“The Society wants to share what we have developed in DuBois,” said Society President Evo Facchine. “The museum exhibits thousands of items related to local history. We are very pleased to have P.J. and Jim, who are preserving history through their writing, to be with us for this event.”
The open house will include guided tours of the facilities including the genealogical library. Because of the tours genealogical research cannot be conducted during the open house but arrangements can be made to return at a later time for help in finding family information. The first 60 guests attending will receive a free gift.
“This is an excellent chance for everyone in the community to see what the Society owns and what the Society is currently doing,” said Facchine. “This is our history and the Society wants all to appreciate it, learn from it, and enjoy it.”
Piccirillo, an award-winning author is attending the open house to meet the visitors and sign autographs. He is the author of “Heartwood,” a historical novel that traces the intertwined lives of two men with common roots in the rugged timbering industry of north central Pennsylvania. He teaches creative writing at arts agencies, and conducts seminars on craft at writers’ conferences. He holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.
Piccirillo is scheduled to the guest speaker at the DuBois Area Historical Society’s annual dinner on Feb.4, 2010, at the DuBois Country Club.
Burkes, the president of the Mt. Zion Historical Society, Bennetts Valley, is the author of Pioneers of Second Fork,” which chronicles how the area progressed from Seneca Indian territory into established settlements. Burke focuses in particular on 16 adventuresome family settlers of Second Fork, relating the history of their families, ancestry and descendents. He examines their diverse backgrounds, explores their reasons for settling in the western wilds of Pennsylvania and relates true-life experiences of these hardy individuals who brought civilization to this land.
The open house is the first activity of a busy fall for the DuBois Area Historical Society. Upcoming are:
Oct. 17 – The Second Spirit of DuBois Lantern Walk, Oct. 17. In planning since January, the Spirit of DuBois Lantern Walk will begin at 6:30 p.m. and leave every 20 minutes from the DuBois Area Historical Society. The entirely new walk will follow a different route through the downtown area and will encounter new “Spirits” of DuBois’ history. The walk topics are suitable for all ages. Admission for the tour is $5 for adults and $3 for students, with children sixth grade and younger free if accompanied by an adult.
Nov. 7 – The Third Annual DuBois Area Historical Society luncheon, noon at the DuBois Diner, featuring guest speaker Julie Stewart, Downtown Program Manager, Downtown DuBois Revitalization Group, “The Evolution of Downtown DuBois." Cost for the luncheon is $13.50 with reservations due by Oct. 26. Reservations can be made by sending a check payable to the DuBois Area Historical Society to DuBois Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 401, DuBois, Pa. 15801, telephone 814-371-9006.