Attack of the 50 Foot Woman!
Feb
26

Attack of the 50 Foot Woman!

Join us in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum for dinner and the 1957 classic - Attack of the 50 Foot Woman. 

There is nothing worse than a woman scorned; and when that woman happens to be 50 feet tall - look out!  The film's storyline concerns the plight of a wealthy heiress whose close encounter with an oversized alien causes her to grow into a giantess, complicating her marriage, which is already troubled by a philandering husband. 

The event starts at 5pm.

$35 per person includes dinner, movie, dessert and coffee.

Reservations please!

570-296-8126

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Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration Event: Abe Lincoln:From Rail Splitter to President
Feb
9

Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration Event: Abe Lincoln:From Rail Splitter to President

This event is SOLD OUT!

On Sunday February 9th we will host a very special program in Honor of Lincoln’s Birthday!

Abe Lincoln: From Rail Splitter to President

✯ Starring: Lou Del Bianco ✯

Endorsed by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission!

In this interactive, dramatic program, actor storyteller Lou Del Bianco portrays Abraham Lincoln as Civil War President, frontiersman and storyteller. Lincoln’s values...honesty, education, equity, inclusion, social justice and perseverance shine through in this dynamic presentation. Actual historical quotations are used throughout.

Sunday, February 9
The Columns Museum Foundation Room
3:00 o’clock
$15 per person

Birthday Cake and Coffee Will Be Served on the Main Floor After the Presentation and Guests Can View the The Lincoln Flag.

Reservations Please: 570-296-8126 or email: pikemuse@ptd.net

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Museum Mysteries
Jan
24

Museum Mysteries

Registration is closed - stay tuned for more dates!

MUSEUM MYSTERIES? CAN YOU SOLVE THEM?

Join us Friday, January 24 at 6:00 PM for the kickoff of our exciting new program!

Participants will face the challenge of answering questions related to the exhibits and history of the museum, completing three levels in the fastest time with correct answers.

“It’s like a scavenger hunt meets an escape room, then meets Trivial Pursuit and Clue,” said Lori Strelecki, Museum Director and creator of the program.

The fun begins in our Foundation Room, where players will receive a folder with clues to help solve historical riddles, interpret hints, and complete tasks on all three levels of the Columns Museum.

Prizes will be awarded, and light refreshments will be available for purchase at the beginning and end of the program.

Teams can consist of 1-4 people — $25 per person.
Think of a cool team name and sign up today!
Call 570-296-8126 or email pikemuse@ptd.net.

Come for the history, stay for the fun!

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The Abominable Snowman
Jan
15

The Abominable Snowman

Join us on Wednesday, January 15th at 5 p.m. in The Foundation Room for a very special evening as we continue our Creature Feature Dinners.

We will be showing The Abominable Snowman, the 1957 classic starring Forrest Tucker and Peter Cushing with shrieking from Maureen Connell, Richard Wattis, and Robert Brown.

The film follows the exploits of British scientist Dr. John Rollason (Peter Cushing) who joins an American expedition, led by glory-seeker Tom Friend (Forrest Tucker), to search the Himalayas for the legendary Yeti. Alas, poor Fred Johnson, who plays the Yeti, is uncredited, and without him the film would have been rather odd. Oh, what fun to laugh and sing a slaying song tonight.

Wednesday, January 15th.  5pm in The Foundation Room

$35 per person includes dinner, movie, dessert and coffee.

Reservations please!

570-296-8126

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Scottish Holiday Tea and Celebration
Dec
29

Scottish Holiday Tea and Celebration

SOLD OUT!

Please join us at the Pike County Historical Society and Museum on Sunday, December 29th for a very special tea and birthday celebration in honor of the Scottish-born actress who brought the Lincoln Flag to Milford and was in the cast at Ford's Theater the night President Lincoln was shot. 

Jeannie Gourlay Struthers was born on December 27, 1844 in Edinburgh, Scotland.  She was only 21 years of age when she appeared in the production of Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre in Washington DC on that fateful night of April 14, 1865.

The actress, who had left the stage only moments before the shooting, later recalled that Booth ran towards them "waving a great knife. He dashed between us toward the stage door, thrusting me aside with one hand and slashing at Mr. Withers [the orchestra conductor] with the knife." At this point, few people outside of the theater knew what had just happened inside.  In the hours to follow, her father, Thomas, also an actor in the play,  is believed to have taken the flag that was used to cushion Lincoln's head while he lay dying in the Presidential Box.  The flag ended up in Jeannie's care and she brought the blood stained relic with her to Milford when she moved here in 1888.  She ran a boarding house called the Bonnie Burn Cottage and raised her family in Milford.  She was known to enjoy her afternoon tea.  Jeannie resided here until her death in 1928. The flag would eventually be donated to the Pike County Historical Society in 1954 by her son, Vivian Paul, along with a few of her stage costumes and other items related to her time in the theater.  These items are on permanent display, along with The Lincoln Flag, at The Columns Museum in Milford, PA. - home of the Pike County Historical Society. 

Warmth and the gathering of friends is what makes an Afternoon Scottish Tea memorable.  Our Historical Society's President, Liz Steen, is pleased to bring some Scottish tradition to our guests as we celebrate Jeannie Gourlay - Milford's first lady of the theater!

The event starts at 3pm.

Tickets are $40 and we ask that you please make a reservation by calling 570-296-8126 or emailing pikemuse@ptd.net

For tickets purchased online, please bring your email receipt with you.

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Holiday Creature Feature - 20 Million Miles to Earth
Dec
18

Holiday Creature Feature - 20 Million Miles to Earth

Holiday Creature Feature Dinner!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New YMIR!

20 Million Miles to Earth

You won't want to miss this one!

A spacecraft returning from a trip to Venus crashes into the sea just off the coast of Italy. A small boy finds a canister containing a strange jelly substance and takes it to a visiting circus to see what it is. The owner of the circus takes charge of the jelly and a strange creature, the Ymir emerges from it. The following day, the Ymir has grown into a giant and it escapes and goes on the rampage, eventually ending up in Rome. The Military are called to try and capture it but fail. While in Rome, the Ymir is put in the zoo as a tourist attraction, but it escapes, and controversial scenes ensue.

Wednesday, December 18th.  5pm in The Foundation Room

$35 per person includes dinner, movie, dessert and coffee.

Reservations please!

570-296-8126

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Smoky Joe Wood's Birthday Bash
Oct
25

Smoky Joe Wood's Birthday Bash

Smoky Joe Wood’s Birthday Bash will take place on Friday October 25th, which just so happens to be Joe’s Birthday!

Our own “Mr. October”, Smoky was a force to be reckoned with atop the pitcher’s mound. His record speaks for itself, highlighted by his performance in the 1912 World Series.

The party starts at 6 p.m. with a showing of the segments from “Baseball”, the great documentary by Ken Burns, which features Joe and the years he played. Then the fun begins as guests may participate in games of skill, and luck, including the famous “baseball darts” competition, to win trophies.

People are encouraged to dress as old-time baseball players or don your favorite team’s jersey to add to the fun.

$5 Donation to get in. Hot Dogs, Beer, soft drinks and Pop Corn available for purchase.

Live Music! And don’t worry, we know the World Series is happening - the broadcast will be available if the party runs long!

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Black Bear Festival Film Salon
Oct
20

Black Bear Festival Film Salon

The Pike County Historical Society will host a Black Bear Festival Film Salon on Sunday October 20th

The Museum will be open from 11-2. Featuring the exhibit: The Lenape, Original People. Reconciling the Past, Embracing the Future. This exhibit relates to the opening night feature film. Also featured is a fine collection of antique fishing lures - all retrieved from the depths and banks of the Delaware River- and antique rods, reels and tackle from the Bob Hartman Collection.

Our film Salon will take place in the Foundation Room, located on the right side of the building, commencing at 12pm with Salmon Secrets - a documentary which looks at the impacts of salmon farming through the eyes of those fighting to protect wild salmon from extinction.

After Salmon Secrets things get really fishy with a marathon of Science Fiction Creature Feature films from the 1950's that showcase some of the classic monsters of the deep!

1:00pm The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms 1953 1hr 20 min. A prehistoric sea beast leads a path of destruction across eastern North America! (The "beast" is rumored to be the inspiration for "Godzilla")

2:30pm Attack of the Crab Monsters 1957 69 min. A Roger Corman Classic! Radioactive Crabs make life for some nosy scientists difficult.

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Dinner & A Creature Feature of the 1950’s The Killer Shrews
Oct
16

Dinner & A Creature Feature of the 1950’s The Killer Shrews

The movie this time around is The Killer Shrews!  This 1959 classic tells the story of a group of scientists who have got themselves in a pickle as a result of their experiments with shrews. The group barricade themselves inside their compound every evening before the sun sets due to the creatures' nocturnal feeding habits. They have not contacted the coast guard so that they can complete their research, predicting that the shrews will cannibalize each other once they have consumed all other food on the island.

Are they correct in their hypothesis?

Find out on Wednesday, October 16th at 5 pm in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum!

Dinner, movie, dessert and coffee.  

$35 per person

Reservations please.  570-296-8126 or pikemuse@ptd.net

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Historical Sunday Series at the Museum - Canals, Coal and Railroads in Song
Sep
29

Historical Sunday Series at the Museum - Canals, Coal and Railroads in Song

Historical Sundays Series Continue on September 29, 2024.

Music of Miners, Canalers, and Rail Riders with Lucas Maehara

Join us for a Canal Supper dessert and coffee, and a musical storytelling program presented by Lucas Maehara.

Lucas is a songwriter in the Folk-American tradition who has written songs that reflect the hardship and happiness surrounding mining, coal, and railroads, and the common themes that run throughout. The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter is a storyteller of the human experience. His lyrics and music blend the whimsical and the profound creating a sound as diverse as the influences that have shaped the journey. He can connect hearts and souls through expressive artistry and poetic imagination and storytelling prowess. We believe our guests will enjoy the subtleness as well as the intensity of his live performance.

Join us at 3pm in The Foundation Room on Sunday, September 29th!

Tickets to the program are $45 per person.  Seating is limited, so reserve early!

570-296-8126 or email pikemuse@ptd.net or purchase below.
Please print confirmation email from purchase, this is your ticket.

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Tunes Along the Towpath 4
Sep
21

Tunes Along the Towpath 4

Join us for Tunes Along the Towpath 4 on September 21st.

TICKET SALES ONLINE IS NOW CLOSED. Purchase tickets at the door, cash only.
$30/ticket (15 & under are free) at the door - CASH only

All proceeds will benefit the Pike County Historical Society.

Come dressed in your best 60’s attire for our Hippie Contest and you could win a CASH prize!

Soft drinks, burgers, hot dogs, and snacks will be available on-site for purchase. CASH Only.

BYOB, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome.

Enjoy music by Feast of Friends & Reverend Jefferson

Gates open at 12pm for this family-friendly event

Music starts at 1pm with Reverend Jefferson.

Formed in 2013, Feast of Friends stands out as one of the only continuously active Doors tribute bands in the Northeast. Unlike typical parody acts, this tribute avoids costumes and impersonations, instead honoring the music itself with precision and passion. Blending the studio sound with the band's epic live improvisation, they capture the Doors' essence in a "spooky, accurate" way that's been called "unbelievable!" and "powerful and electrifying."

Reverend Jefferson was formed as a tribute in sound and spirit to the music of the legendary Jefferson Airplane. This mission soon became a point of departure upon a musical journey of exploration into terrains both familiar and wholly unknown. Jefferson Airplane's music originated from San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury hippie community of the late 1960's, but soon evolved into a sound which at once reflected that era's psychedelic ethos while virtually capturing the rapidly expanding revolutionary fervor of the times. With full soaring 3-part vocal harmonies and improvisational jams that range from thunderously powerful to psychedelically exploratory, Reverend Jefferson delivers the music of Jefferson Airplane like no other. Fly Reverend Jefferson- they'll get you there on time.

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Historical Sunday Series at the Museum - Cornelia In Confidence
Aug
18

Historical Sunday Series at the Museum - Cornelia In Confidence

SOLD OUT!

Historical Sundays at the Museum

"Cornelia in Confidence" Encore Performance on Sunday, August 18th

A performance of the short play "Cornelia in Confidence" starring Patricia Durante will be followed by a delightful light supper, cake and coffee to commemorate the birthday of Mrs. Cornelia Bryce Pinchot! The event will take place in the Foundation Room of the Pike County Historical Society at 3pm on Sunday August 18th. 

Cornelia Bryce Pinchot, wife of Governor Gifford Pinchot, was a 20th-century American conservationist, Progressive politician, and women’s rights activist. She was founding member of the Committee of 100 and major donor to the education and legal defense funds of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during the organization’s first years of operation, she has been described by some historians as “one of the most politically active first ladies in the history of Pennsylvania.”

About the Performance

Cornelia in Confidence is a staged interpretation of a radio broadcast by Cornelia.  Mrs. Pinchot hosted a regular program during her days living in Washington DC after the death of her husband, Gifford Pinchot.  The topics she took on where often related to conservation, but when a guest cancels she is left to fill the airtime and chooses to talk "in confidence" to her listening audience giving them a glimpse into her life and times as a fiery suffragist and politician as well as a wife and mother. Patricia Durante gives a mesmerizing performance as the lady in red,  and will join us all for supper afterwards to answer any questions and have a slice of  birthday cake and coffee. The play was written by Lori Strelecki and Directed by Jeffrey Stocker as a combined effort on behalf of The Pike County Historical Society and American Readers Theatre, and funded through a grant from The Greater Pike Community Foundation. 

Tickets to the program are $45 per person.  Seating is limited, so reserve early!

570-296-8126 or email pikemuse@ptd.net or purchase below.
Please print confirmation email from purchase, this is your ticket.

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Historical Sunday Series at the Museum - Out of Rushmore’s Shadow
Jul
28

Historical Sunday Series at the Museum - Out of Rushmore’s Shadow

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT - Please join us for our other Sunday Series.

Historical Society to Host "Historical Sundays" Series!

The Pike County Historical Society and Museum will host a series of educational and entertaining performances starting on July 28th with a unique program, followed by a light supper, dessert and coffee. The program starts at 3pm and will be held in The Foundation Room of the museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa.

Lou Del Bianco portrays his grandfather, Luigi Del Bianco, and talks about his unsung contribution as chief carver on our nation’s greatest memorial, Mount Rushmore. Lou uses authentic photos, timelines and primary source documents to bring Luigi’s story to life. The presentation culminates with designer Gutzon Borglum’s praise of Luigi, the 25 year struggle to get him recognized and the CBS SUNDAY MORNING tribute where a plaque at Mount Rushmore is finally unveiled! Now a published book authored by Lou, “Out of Rushmore’s Shadow” is a dramatic and touching story about Luigi’s legacy and the immigrant struggle.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase, and Lou will be happy to sign them!

About Lou Del Bianco

Lou Del Bianco has been an actor, singer and storyteller for the past 35 years. His children’s recordings have garnered 5 Parents Choice Awards and his one-man shows have been seen by thousands of school children and adults all over the country. Lou’s latest passion is living history for all ages. His Abraham Lincoln program was endorsed by the Lincoln Bicentennial commission.  Lou’s book about his grandfather, entitled, “Out of Rushmore’s Shadow”, won a Readers Favorite award and CNN Historian Douglas Brinkley says it “turns orthodox history on its head.”

Tickets to the program are $45 per person.  Seating is limited, so reserve early!

570-296-8126 or email pikemuse@ptd.net or purchase below.
Please print confirmation email from purchase, this is your ticket.

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Museum Open House
Jun
20

Museum Open House

Pike County Historical Society and Museum To Host Open House on Thursday June 20th in Honor of Barbara J. Buchanan Day!

On June 20, 1988 the Pike County Commissioners declared June 20th Barbara J. Buchanan Day.  Her efforts on behalf of the Pike County Historical Society are detailed in Commissioner's Resolution Number 98-26 and signed by past commissioners Sally Thompson, Harry Forbes and Eugene A. Garvey. 

On Thursday June 20th from noon to 2pm, the Pike County Historical Society will host an open house, short membership meeting  and membership drive in honor of Past President and philanthropist extraordinaire, the late Barbara J. Buchanan.  It was Barbara's determination and drive that helped the museum in its campaign to put the blood stained Lincoln Flag on the map -  and Barbara was proud to have a thread from the Lincoln Flag incorporated into the National 9-11 Flag in February of 2011, forever uniting these two historical flags in hopes of healing our nation after the terrible events of September 11, 2001.  The National 9-11 Flag can be viewed at the National 9-11 Museum in New York City, the Lincoln Flag is housed at The Columns Museum as part of its permanent collection.

All current members  and potential new ones are invited to stop by and enjoy a  complimentary hot dog or hamburger,  meet our newly elected officers and tour the museum.  Bring a lawn chair, if you like, - and a friend who might be interested in joining or volunteering,

Join us in celebrating Barbara, on her day, and spend some time with your friends in history!

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Civil War Encampment
May
11

Civil War Encampment

The Pike County Historical Society and Museum are proud to announce that their annual Civil War Encampment will be held on Museum grounds once again this year on Saturday, May 11th from 10-4pm. President Lincoln will be attending the Civil War Encampment on May 11th. He will be in camp between 11:30am - 2:30pm, with a special address to be delivered at 1pm.


The ladies and gentlemen of the 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company G re-enactors, and others, will be on hand to demonstrate life in camp during the Civil War as well as depict the routines of civilians including period dress, weaponry, food, medicine and folk lore of the times.

Admission for the day is $10 and includes museum admission. Children under 15 are free!

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Dinner & A Creature Feature of the 1950’s
Apr
17

Dinner & A Creature Feature of the 1950’s

After a nuclear bomb test conducted far north of the Arctic Circle a 200-foot-long carnivorous dinosaur known as a Rhedosaurus is released from the ice where it had been held in a state of suspended animation for millions of years. Needless to say, havoc follows! But what fun it is.

The Rhedosaurus is an influential and iconic fictional monster who was the inspiration for other historical monsters such as Godzilla.

Join us for dinner and a Creature Feature! THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS (1952)

$35 per person includes dinner, drinks, dessert, coffee and the movie.

Reservations please! 570-296-8126 or pikemuse@ptd.net

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Madame Peirce’s Cabaret & Tarot Card Party
Mar
23

Madame Peirce’s Cabaret & Tarot Card Party

Madame Peirce’s Cabaret & Tarot Card Party!

Saturday, March 23rd from 6-9pm in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum

$50 per person includes the show, libation and snacks, and a 10-minute Tarot Card Reading. ( if you like)

Madame Juliette Peirce was the wife of heralded philosopher Charles Saunders Peirce who resided in nearby Westfall Twp. in the home known to them as "Arisbe".  The philosopher had every intention of making the home a place for somewhat of a "think tank" where many of the great minds of the time could meet and discuss theories and philosophies still new and uncharted.  Juliette, Charles' second wife, was a woman of mystery and intrigue.  She supported her husband wholeheartedly until his death and admired him profoundly.  She was cloaked in a shroud of mystery, as no one is clear about where she came from.  She claimed to possess a deck of Tarot cards which were used to foretell the downfall of Napolean; she often did tarot readings for local charities.  In the spirit of Madame Peirce, we offer a celebration that we believe she would have enjoyed!

Show Description

Broadway Favorites- Some Old, Some New!

Collin Maier on piano 

Collin is a Barrymore award-nominated musical director, composer, and singer who has worked in many professional theatres throughout the tri-state area. His original musical, The Bisley Boy had its world premiere in 2023. Patricia and Collin met in 2008 during a production of Blood Brothers where they became good friends and collaborators. 

Patricia Durante may be a familiar face to some PCHS members. She has performed as Mary Todd Lincoln, Laura Keene, Cornelia Pinchot, and more in Lori Strelecki’s historical plays. 

Patricia has been a singer and actor for over 30 years and has traveled the world performing in musicals, comedies, dramas, and even Shakespeare!

She is so pleased to perform this cabaret with her good friend and collaborator, Collin Maier 

Make your reservation now by calling 570-296-8126 or purchasing your tickets below.

*Tickets purchased online - please bring a printed receipt with you to the event.

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Jazz Legend Ronny Whyte and Friends with Special Guest Amy London
Mar
3

Jazz Legend Ronny Whyte and Friends with Special Guest Amy London

Jazz Legend Ronny Whyte and Friends to Perform at The Columns Museum with Special Guest Amy London

The Museum and Historical Society are pleased to announce that jazz great Ronny Whyte will once again be making his winter appearance in The Foundation Room of The Columns Museum.  Ronny has been a regular guest, putting on a great show each year for the benefit of the museum.  This year Ronny has been rehearsing some tunes with another jazz great - Amy London, and Amy and Ronny look forward to performing a few duets featuring the compositions of the late Cy Coleman (Witchcraft, The Best is Yet to Come).  Ronny will be accompanied by Boots Maleson on bass, and Sean Harkness on guitar, two talented guys who have also spent many a winter afternoon at The Foundation Room over the years, and are the best of the best when it comes to their craft.

"We are so happy to have them all back!  It's a tradition, and a show everyone looks forward to." 

Tickets to this event are $60 each and include a glass, (or two ), of wine and assorted cheeses.

(PCHS Members may attend the event at a discounted rate of $50. Please call the Museum for a discount code. )

There are only 35 seats available, so make your reservation now by calling 570-296-8126 or purchasing your tickets below.

*Tickets purchased online - please bring a printed receipt with you to the event.

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Dinner & A Creature Feature of the 1950’s
Feb
28

Dinner & A Creature Feature of the 1950’s

Join us for our next movie in the Creature Features of the 1950's.

The Alligator People, February 28th at 5pm in The Foundation Room of the Columns Museum.

In this 1959 film, we find that newly married nurse Joyce Webster doesn't know what to think when her husband disappears during a train ride. She hires private investigators and eventually tracks him to an old bayou plantation, where the owner insists she's never heard of Paul. Joyce sticks around anyway and soon learns that local doctor Mark Sinclair has been using a life-altering alligator serum on the town's residents, and that Paul is among them. Starring Beverly Garland and Lon Chaney Jr., this film received some great reviews when it opened. Time has only made it more appealing.

Join us for dinner and a movie on February 28th at 5pm.

$35 includes dinner, movie, dessert and coffee.

Reservation please. 570-296-8126

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Lincoln’s Birthday Pizza Party and Museum Tour
Feb
19

Lincoln’s Birthday Pizza Party and Museum Tour

Lincoln’s Birthday Pizza Party and Museum Tour for Students

The Pike County Historical Society and Museum is excited to offer a special program geared for 11–14-year-olds who would like to learn more about the history of Pike County and explore the exhibits in The Columns Museum.  The program is open to 20 children between the ages of 11 and 14 and is free.

On Monday, February 19th from 10am-2pm, the museum will host a special program which will provide for a guided tour of the museum and a fun filled and educational scavenger hunt for history.  Participants will learn about the famed Lincoln Flag as well as the many other people, places and things which make up the history of Pike County.  A guided tour will be followed by a “scavenger hunt for history” for which the students will be divided into teams and challenged to search for the answers to questions about the many exhibits and artifacts housed in the museum.  The program concludes with a pizza party and birthday cake in honor of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.

To register for this fun filled day, please contact Liz Steen, President of PCHS at peacegrl62@gmail or call 570-296-8126.

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Presentation and Book Signing - Tocks Island: Dammed if You Do by David C. Pierce
Jan
21

Presentation and Book Signing - Tocks Island: Dammed if You Do by David C. Pierce

Pike County Historical Society to Host Presentation and Book Signing on Sunday January 21, 2024

Tocks Island: Dammed if You Do by David C. Pierce

The Delaware River dam’s defeat 13 years after its 1962 authorization by Congress and the 70,000-acre site’s conversion to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will be the subject of a free program Sunday, Jan. 21 at The Columns Museum at 3pm in The Foundation Room.

Author David C. Pierce’s presentation is a well-documented journey through the trials and tribulations surrounding the Tocks Island Project.  At the conclusion of the presentation,  the author will happily sign copies of the book - which will be available for purchase.

Pierce, a retired journalist, moved to Stroudsburg in 1969, at age 14, as the contentious, sometimes bizarre, and often heart-wrenching story played out across Pike, Monroe and Northampton counties, Pennsylvania and Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey. Pierce describes the Tocks Island saga as the most volatile regional news story of the 20th Century.

For his book, Pierce interviewed people who lost their homes and businesses to forced government acquisition, reviewed decades of newspaper and magazine stories, and researched libraries, state and national archives, historical societies, and government property records and reports. He tracked down long-lost federal court documents and deed transfers at the National Archives that were never recorded in the counties where the property acquisitions took place.

Pierce looks forward to describing some of the twists and turns of Tocks Island and answering audience questions.

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Dinner & A Creature Feature of the 1950’s
Jan
17

Dinner & A Creature Feature of the 1950’s

Invasion of the Saucer-Men! Wednesday, January 17th • 5:00 pm in the Foundation Room You won’t want to miss this one!

Just recently available, we have been waiting patiently to show this 1957 gem! Here is the highly believable plot: A flying saucer lands in the woods. A teenage couple, Johnny and Joan, accidentally run down one of the saucer’s large-headed occupants. A drunken con man stumbles across the alien’s corpse after the teenagers have left to report the incident. Imagining future riches and fame, he plans to keep the body stored for now in his refrigerator. After failing to convince his friend to help him retrieve the alien body, he returns to the scene. Other aliens soon arrive, however, and quickly inject alcohol into his veins via their retractable needle fingernails. Con man Joe, who was already intoxicated, dies from alcohol poisoning. The aliens remove their dead companion from the scene and replace it with Joe’s corpse. Meanwhile, the dead alien’s hand has detached itself from its arm and runs amok in the woods, causing all kinds of trouble.

What more can you ask for in a movie plot?

Tickets are $35 Reservations, please! 570-296-8126

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Lecture on Child Labor on the Delaware and Hudson Canal
Dec
10

Lecture on Child Labor on the Delaware and Hudson Canal

The Pike County Historical Society and Museum is pleased to announce that they will be hosting a lecture focusing on Child Labor on the D&H Canal by Bill Merchant, Canal Historian and Deputy Director for Collections at the Delaware and Hudson Canal Historical Society, on Sunday, December 10th at 3pm.

The lecture will take place in The Foundation Room of the Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa.

The Delaware & Hudson Canal was an important industrial enterprise in 19th century America, marketing Pennsylvania anthracite coal through its Canal and, later, its extensive railroad network. It relied on the labor of marginalized peoples-immigrants, women, children, and people of color- to construct and operate its Canal. Historian Bill Merchant has conducted extensive research on the plight of the many marginalized people who comprise the vast majority of this workforce. This presentation relates how the labor of children contributed to its immense success, using stories from primary sources along with many period images.

$5 donation is suggested, and cookies and coffee will be served.

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Attack of the Giant Leeches
Nov
15

Attack of the Giant Leeches

SOLD OUT!

Join us for a thrilling movie night on Wednesday, November 15th at 5 PM in The Foundation Room! We're bringing you a classic cult favorite:

Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959)

In the Florida Everglades a pair of larger-than-human, intelligent leeches live in an underwater cave. They begin dragging locals down to their cave, where they slowly feed on them, draining their victims of blood. The local game warden discovers the leeches' underwater cavern and plans to destroy the leeches are set into motion.

The movie was filmed in 8 days, and it shows! There was no budget for costumes and it is rumored the “leeches” wore dark raincoats or even garbage bags.

We can’t wait!

Oh, and it’s Polish Night! Dinner will consist of that delicious kielbasa from Adma's Market - located in the Polish capital of America – Wallington, NJ.   Also, Liz's famous pierogi casserole; and lest we forget the red cabbage and babka!  Pyszny!

Please reserve early by calling 570-296-8126. Tickets are $35/each.

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To Serve Man
Oct
15

To Serve Man

The Pike County Historical Society, Arrowhead SF Foundation/Virginia Kidd House, and Black Bear Film Festival will combine forces and offer a viewing of To Serve Man - the classic episode of the Twilight Zone derived from the story by onetime Milford resident Damon Knight - on Sunday October 15th at 3:00 pm in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum.

In the 1950s Milford was the place to be if you were a science fiction writer. In fact, it was in Milford, during that time, that one of the most widely accepted methods of critiquing works of literature was conceived. The Milford Writers Conference was co-founded by Knight, James Blish, Virginia Kidd, and Kate Wilhelm.

Knight and Blish made their way to Milford after spending much of their early careers in New York City. Blish married Virginia Kidd and Knight married Kate Wilhelm. They all were writers of the genre originally called Futurians, and all went on to become famous in their own right. Kidd started the Virginia Kidd Literary Agency, which is still operating right here in Milford. Blish, Knight and Wilhelm are heralded authors who boldly led the way for their peers in the early days and influenced generations of Science Fiction writers.

Learn more about these folks, and the roots of Science Fiction in Milford, and watch a great episode of the Twilight Zone.

Admission is free. Cash refreshment bar.

3:00 - 5:00 pm Sunday, October 15

Damon Knight • 1922-2002

To Serve Man

TWILIGHT ZONE

Season 3 • Episode 24

Aired: March 2, 1962

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Tunes Along the Towpath 3
Sep
16

Tunes Along the Towpath 3

Join us for Tunes Along the Towpath 3 on September 16th.

$30/ticket (15 & under are free) at the door - CASH only

Six Foot Flower Productions proudly presents an afternoon of live music tributes to the Grateful Dead and The Doors

Enjoy music by Feast of Friends & Gratefully Yours

Gates open at 2pm for this family-friendly event

Music starts at 3pm

All proceeds will benefit the Pike County Historical Society.

Come dressed in your best 60’s attire for our Hippie Contest and you could win a CASH prize!

Soft drinks, burgers, hot dogs, and snacks will be available on-site for purchase. CASH Only.

DIY Tye-Dye Table - CASH only.

BYOB, blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers are welcome.

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Civil War Re-Enactment
Aug
12
to Aug 13

Civil War Re-Enactment

We are so excited to be part of this NEW event in 2023!

Visit the event website here to find all the information about the weekend’s festivities. Note to the public: While the Website is, at this time, intended for living historian recruitment, it provides excellent details on what story the organizers will tell. Additional information: Bill Watson,   wjwatson1967@gmail.com

The American Civil War comes to Pike County this August when the PIke County Historical Society and the 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry present "Defending the C&O Canal" at Lockhouse 16 on the Lackawaxen River. Located: 495 Towpath RoadHawley, PA 18428

The event will feature tours of Union and Confederate encampments, interpreters in period garb detailing the lives of both soldiers and civilians during the war, plus the life and work of a typical lockhouse family on the Delaware and Hudson canal in the 1800s. The similarity between the Lackawaxen Valley -- a  river, railroad and canal route for commerce -- and the Potomac River valley -- a major river, the Chesapeake and Ohio canal and a railroad --  will be used to demonstrate late-war military tactics and maneuvers. The C&O was a chronic target for Confederate raiders and a major supply route between the eastern and western theatres of the war for the Union armies.

Save the Date:  Aug. 12-13, 2023. Camps open 10 a.m. Military demonstrations, 2 p.m.  each day. Camps close 4 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.

Entry fee to the civil war event is $10/adult - Pay at the door

On-site food and beverages will be available from 11am-2pm at the Cannonball Cafe.

PARKING: Event signs will be posted along Towpath road to direct you to Engvaldsen Road, where parking will be. Please follow the signs.

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Cornelia in Confidence
Jul
16

Cornelia in Confidence

The Pike County Historical Society and American Readers Theatre are proud to announce the newest addition to their living history series of short plays.

Cornelia in Confidence is slated to be performed at the Columns Museum on July 16th at 2pm in the museum's Foundation Room. The multi-talented Patricia Durante will take on the role of Cornelia Pinchot, the outspoken and at times controversial wife of Governor Gifford Pinchot.

The play depicts Cornelia in her later years when she resided in Washington DC and hosted a radio show.  Cornelia will talk about many things, both political and personal, giving the audience a look into the fascinating life of "the lady in red".

This production marks the fourth collaboration of A.R.T. and P.C.H.S., all graciously funded through the Greater Pike Community Foundation and performed each year.  Last year's production Milton Bailey; Letters Home was presented to a standing room only crowd in The Foundation Room of the Museum.  We at P.C.H.S. hope for the same response this year, so we have added an additional date. 

The performance is open to all and free of cost. 

Cornelia in Confidence was written by Lori Strelecki and will be Directed by Jeffrey Stocker. Funding for the project was provided by The Greater Pike Community Foundation.    

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Cornelia in Confidence
Jul
15

Cornelia in Confidence

The Pike County Historical Society and American Readers Theatre are proud to announce the newest addition to their living history series of short plays.

Cornelia in Confidence  is slated to be performed  at the Columns Museum on July 15th at 4pm and 16th at 2pm in the museum's Foundation Room. The multi-talented Patricia Durante will take on the role of Cornelia Pinchot, the outspoken and at times controversial wife of Governor Gifford Pinchot.

The play depicts Cornelia in her later years when she resided in Washington DC and hosted a radio show.  Cornelia will talk about many things, both political and personal, giving the audience a look into the fascinating life of "the lady in red".

This production marks the fourth collaboration of A.R.T. and P.C.H.S., all graciously funded through the Greater Pike Community Foundation and performed each year.  Last year's production Milton Bailey; Letters Home was presented to a standing room only crowd in The Foundation Room of the Museum.  We at P.C.H.S. hope for the same response this year, so we have added an additional date. 

The performance is open to all and free of cost. 

Cornelia in Confidence was written by Lori Strelecki and will be Directed by Jeffrey Stocker. Funding for the project was provided by The Greater Pike Community Foundation.    

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A Night at the Museum
Apr
29

A Night at the Museum

Presented by The Columns Museum and Green Trees Early Learning Center, Inc.

Join us for cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres, meet and mingle with historic characters, silent auction with unique historical memorabilia.

All proceeds go to the historic preservation of these two buildings.

For more information on this event, please email the Museum’s Director at pikemuse@ptd.net

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B Movie Double Feature: "It Conquered The World" & "Sorority Girl"
Mar
25

B Movie Double Feature: "It Conquered The World" & "Sorority Girl"

The Pike County Historical Society and Virginia Kidd Science Fiction Foundation have conspired to once again bring some of the best cult films from the 1950's with particular attention paid to those gems directed by "The King of Cult Film", Roger Corman.

With hundreds of movies to his credit, Roger Corman is one of the most prolific producers in the history of the film medium and one of the most successful.  Corman has been dubbed, among other things, "The King of the Cult Film" and "The Pope of Pop Cinema".  His filmography is packed with hundreds of remarkably entertaining films in addition to dozens of genuine cult classics.  His influence on modern American cinema is most incalculable.  In 2009 he was honored with an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

In honor of Roger's upcoming birthday, we will be showing two movies directed by Corman.

First up is It Conquered the World.  This 1956 marvel concerns an alien creature from the planet Venus that secretly wants to take control of the earth.  The creature makes radio contact with a disillusioned human scientist, who agrees to help because the scientist believes that such an alien intervention will bring peace and save doomed humanity from itself.  The film features Peter Graves. Lee VanCleef  and Beverly Garland - who when she saw the strange looking cucumber-esque monster said: "THAT conquered the world?"  Musician and songwriter Frank Zappa talks about this movie before the song "Cheepniss" on his album "Roxy and Elsewhere" (1973).  As a fan of these types of movies Zappa said "the cheaper the better".  He describes the starring creature as "an inverted ice cream cone with fangs."  Why would anyone not want to see this?  We ask.

The second film is short and anything but sweet!  SORORITY GIRL is a "psycho-thriller" directed by Corman, completed in 5 days, in 1957.  We selected this movie because, well, it's only an hour long, and it stars our two faves from Wasp Woman (Corman 1959) Susan Cabot and Barboura Morris.  That's right!  Susan Cabot stars as a rich girl who joins a sorority and causes nothing but trouble.  Despite the script and the low budget, Cabot turns in a stellar performance as Sabra the misunderstood, friendless, ruthless mean girl.  Why would anyone not want to see this?  We ask again.

During intermission and throughout there will be libation, popcorn, a birthday cake for Mr. Corman and our fabulous Board Member Liz Steen,(both in their 90's!) and soda pop along with our museum's famous Coney Island Dogs and Miss Liz's delightful Cucumber Salad!  Why would anyone not want to eat this?  lol

Tickets are $35 and include movies and munchies!  Reservations are required, please. 

Reserve your place by calling 570-296-8126 or emailing pikemuse@ptd.net

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