Category Archive: Stories

What a fantastic event we had with Mobsters & Molls: A Murder Mystery at the Heritage Discovery Center on April 13! Our wonderful house of more than 125 people set about solving the mystery all over the museum, and a …

The American retailer Anthropologie has filmed a new ad campaign in the Johnstown Train Station! The shoot was completed in September, showcasing the brand’s clothing, accessories, home decor, furniture and more.

How did they find us? Well, the creative director had …

On September 29, the Greater Johnstown YMCA and JAHA hosted Corks & Cocktails: 13th Annual Charity Wine Auction in the Community Foundation Oilhouse at Peoples Natural Gas Park! What a wonderful evening, and we are grateful to all who made …

After 44 years, Richard Burkert is calling it a career. The president and CEO of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA) today announced his retirement effective August 31, although he will continue to serve JAHA in a consultant role. Patty …

by Yamila Audisio, Curatorial Assistant

“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman,” Virginia Woolf once wrote. This is especially true in the 19th century when written history only portrayed upper-class men. Johnstown’s history is no exception. This was the case …

The idea of having a sign to welcome people to the Cambria City National Historic District was proposed in the design charrettes JAHA held more than 10 years ago to address the future of several of the district’s ethnic Catholic …

Like most large events, the Path of the Flood Historic Races had to be canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis. Held annually on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the races consist of a 5K, 8-miler, and …

Last August, a Wentzscope was installed in the Johnstown Children’s Museum, thanks to support from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. The Wentzscope is a sturdy, hands-on microscope that allows kids to explore the world of microscopy.

The Wentzscope came with …

On Feb. 11, 2021, Russell Shorto discussed his new book, “Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob,” with Richard Burkert, JAHA president. There was great interest in this virtual presentation, and we reached the webinar’s 250 capacity. We …

JAHA staff gathered for a (socially distanced) retirement luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 30, for Marcia Kelly (left) and Kim Baxter! The two honorees are pictured above, holding chocolates to commemorate the number of years they’ve spent with us — 43 …