About the Crawford County Historical Society

Who We Are

The Crawford County Historical Society is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to helping people, locally and globally, connect with their past while also connecting our past with the present through our research archive, community programming, public museums, and historic interpretation as well as by the historic preservation of properties that contribute to the area’s economic development. Ultimately, the Society’s goal is to become a self-sustaining organization with the means and resources to protect the nationally significant history of Crawford County, Pennsylvania for generations to come.

What We Do

For those interested in the history of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, including genealogists, academics, community organizations, municipalities, businesses, general enthusiasts, and the community at large, the Crawford County Historical Society has been a dedicated resource responsible for preserving the records, artifacts, and sites that, collectively tell the county’s story and its significant contributions to the story of our country since the society’s founding in 1880.

Today, the Society works to make our area’s history both accessible and relevant through an extensive research archive, community-focused programming, public museums, interpretive history, and historic preservation projects meant to ensure people aren’t left without answers that our past can provide.

By attending our programs, joining as a member, volunteering time, sponsoring events, donating to the cause, or simply visiting us, you are investing in our community’s future by helping to protect both its past and its sense of identity.

Our Mission

The Mission of the Crawford County Historical Society is to protect Crawford County's past in order to enrich its future.

Our Purpose

Founded in 1800, the Crawford County Historical Society is a 501c3 nonprofit entrusted with preserving this area’s history while seeking enterprising ways to share that story with those who have various interests in the county’s history. To do this, the Society:

Oversees an extensive research archive, public museums, and interpretive history containing items with national significance

Engages the community through relevant well-received programming

Manages historic preservation projects that contribute to local economic development and ultimately, will allow us to become a self-sustaining organization

Our Staff & Board of Directors

The Society's programs, events, properties, and resources are managed on a day-to-day basis by a dynamic staff of one full-time employee and six part-time staff members. We are governed by an energetic and thoughtful fifteen member board of directors who help steer the direction of the organization as a whole. Click below to learn more about the people who are entrusted with using our community's history to inspire - to inform - and to transform Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

Meet Our Staff & Board