2026 Friday Night at the Museum

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Step into history after hours and let the walls sing. This immersive evening celebrates America’s 250th anniversary while shining a spotlight on the rich musical roots right here in Bradford County. Surrounded by artifacts, stories, and echoes of the past, the Brass Storm quintet will bring history to life - one bold, brilliant chord at a time. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or just looking for a unique night out, this is your chance to experience the museum like never before. Expect powerful brass, local connections, and a patriotic spark that’ll make history feel very present.

Stephen C. Foster: The “Father of American Music” in Bradford County, Pennsylvania

Songwriter Stephen C. Foster, whose 200th birthday will be celebrated this July 4, has been hailed as the “father of American music.” But did you know he studied in Towanda and Athens, Pennsylvania? Come learn about his life, music, and legacy from Christopher Lynch, author of the new book “Formulating Foster: Stephen C. Foster and the Creation of a National Musical Myth.”

One of Bradford County’s important connections to the Revolutionary War centers on events in 1778 and 79, before the county was officially formed. After British-allied Native forces attacked frontier settlements in 1778, Thomas Hartley led 200 Continental soldiers through what is now Bradford County to strike Native villages and prevent further raids. In 1779, George Washington ordered a major campaign against British-allied Iroquois nations, sending more than 3,000 troops north in the Sullivan-Clinton Expedition, or Sullivan’s March. BCHS Educator Tom Schuster will present an overview of this chapter of local history.

How does a young woman grow up on Main Street, Towanda, study painting in Paris in the 1890s, open a portrait studio in Philadelphia, and forever change the history of Western art without knowing it? How could her work disappear completely, with the exception of a few family heirlooms, a sketchbook from her college days, a single magnificent painting from her Paris years, and some wildly surreal book illustrations attributed to an unidentifiable “Miss Macfarlane”? After eight years of research, involving visits to multiple archives, transcribing hundreds of pages of letters and diary entries, and tracking down dozens of newspaper articles, author Kurt Leland tells the strange tale of Eugenia Hargous Macfarlane Balch (1868–1921). 

Following its establishment in 1810, Bradford County experienced a gradual and distinctly rural form of industrialization that unfolded between 1810 and 1880.  Unlike large factory centers, early industry developed around water-powered commerce which not only supported agriculture but utilized our natural resources as a means of production and survival.  With a large focus on the Susquehanna River, communities started to form around the production and transportation of goods which would connect Bradford County to broader regional markets while remaining deeply rooted in its natural resources.  In this second installment in the “Back to the Basics” series, local historian Michelle E. Knight will offer a deeper insight into Bradford County's rich history and development, from the establishment of the county in 1810 through 1880.

Join us for a captivating PowerPoint presentation presented by David Lenington showcasing 40 remarkable special-interest automobiles owned by Bradford County residents. This unique program highlights rare, historic, and beautifully preserved vehicles, including: a 1969 Camaro Super Sport Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Edition; a 1966 Corvette Stingray wrapped in cloth/plastic and stored for 42 years; a 1964 Studebaker Avanti, one of 809 built; a 1951 MG TD; and a 1930 Model A Ford donated to Troy Farm Museum. From American muscle to European elegance and Depression-era craftsmanship, each vehicle has its own fascinating story. Whether you're a lifelong car enthusiast or simply enjoy local history, this presentation offers a memorable look at automotive heritage right here in Bradford County.