Genealogy Workshop Set
Genealogy workshop sponsored by the
General Thomas Mifflin Chapter NSDAR &
Juniata County Historical Society
Featuring professional genealogist
Deborah White Hershey
Saturday, July 26, 2014, 10 AM
Juniata County Library Community Room
Introducing “Today’s DAR,” the application process, and working individually with those who wish to explore membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Reservations or questions call Nora Houser at 527-4296 or the Juniata County Historical Society office at 436- 5152 [open Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.]
Deborah White Hershey, current Pennsylvania State Chairman for Lineage Research, National Vice Chairman’s Association 2nd Vice President; Central Pennsylvania Regents’ Club Secretary Past National Vice Chairman, Eastern Division for Historic Preservation, South Central District Director of Pennsylvania State Society DAR and proud member of the centennial Harrisburg (PA) Chapter, NSDAR.
As a 34 year member of NSDAR, I have held numerous positions within my Chapter, State and National organization. The Harrisburg Chapter Historic Preservation Committee, of which I am a member, recently published a book entitled “Revolutionary War Patriot Historic Houses of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania” and I published a family history on the Shoemaker, Packard and Avery families.
I own my own genealogy company and work diligently on NSDAR, SAR, CAR, SR, First Families of Pennsylvania, Daughters of the American Colonist, and Sons of the American Colonist papers, as well as other lineage society applications.
Just Hanging Out At The Archives
The society recently added something new to their walls at the Archives — two clocks!
Those of you who haven’t visited the society’s Archives for some time should stop by and see what’s hanging out there. The clocks that were just placed on the walls last week are a rare Waterbury “Leipsic” model walnut parlor/regulator clock circa 1895-1915. This clock once hung in the 
Keystone Hotel in Mifflin, PA and actually survived the fire that took place in that Hotel in March, 1968.
The other clock once was in the Port Royal Times building that was located on Fourth Street, Port Royal and was a gift from a society member.
Both of these pieces make a nice addition to the Archives for visitors to see as they work on research projects.
Come visit and check the time on one of the clocks on the wall. You could also take a minute to do some research on local history or your own family members while you’re there. The Archives is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or call 717-436-5174 to make special arrangements, or for directions or more information.
Just In!
Steve Runkle
For those of you who are doing any genealogy on the families of Hench, Hartman or Rice, the society recently received the publication Genealogy of the Hench & Hartman Families, compiled by Steve Runkle and his wife Janeann, February 2012.
Runkle, who recently gave two presentations to area residents concerning the Revolutionary War, provided the society with a copy of the publication which tells about those families, who played parts in the war. Many of the ancestors of these families are local residents.
This book is available for research at the society’s Archives Room that is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Want to research your family members who were part of Juniata County at one time? There is one complete section at the Archives Room that holds various compiled family histories.
If interested in becoming a member of the society, they are available for as little as $15 per year. Call the society at 717-436-5152 between the hours listed above for more information. Or, just stop by to learn more about Juniata County Historical Society. We’re located directly below the Juniata County Library at 498 Jefferson Street, Suite B, Mifflintown.
We Made It!
This photo of the Juniata County Historical Society’s Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge is featured in the 2014 Project for Pennsylvania Transportation & Heritage’s [ProjectPATH] calendar. The photo chosen to be included in their calendar was taken by P. Joseph Lehman Inc. Consulting Engineers and Juniata County Historical Society and is featured in the month of July. It was the contest’s Facebook Fan Favorite runner-up with 55 votes, 11 shares and 15 comments. Thanks to those of you who voted via this website!
View the ProjectPath Winner announcement page!
Give Support Now For Senate Arson Bill
Senator Jake Corman
Senate Bill 1024, Printer’s No. 1661, sponsored by Sen. John Rafferty (R., Montgomery County), was amended by the House on Dec. 16, 2013, and referred to the Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee on Jan 7, 2014. Our Sen. Jake Corman (R., Juniata, Perry, and parts of Mifflin, Centre and Union counties) serves on this Committee.
The gist of the 8 page bill establishes an offense of “aggravated arson” a felony or murder charge, when someone intentionally sets a fire and a person is injured or killed. Rep. Paul Clymer (R., Bucks County) then added an amendment to protect historic resources by giving jail time to arsonists. Specifically, it protects “A historic resource – a building or structure, including a covered bridge, which: has been in existence more than 100 years… or has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places or The Pennsylvania Register of Historic Places.”
This bill would apply to our own Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge. Shortly after the $1.2 Million dollar restoration in June 2009, a person/persons lit a campfire on the wooden floor of the bridge. The results could have been disastrous, and caused the Juniata County Historical Society additional costs for fire retardants and bridge security. Both the Bridge AND the Tuscarora Academy are more than 100 years old and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Please contact Senator Corman, and support Senate Bill 1024. He can be reached at: Room 81, Main Capitol, Senate Box 203034, Harrisburg, PA 17120-3034 or 236 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823. His phone numbers are: Harrisburg, 717-787-1377, (FAX: 717-772-3146); or Bellefonte, 814-355-0477, (FAX: 814-355-6046). To read the full text of the bill, go to www.legis.state.pa.us and look for Senate Bill 1024, sponsored by Senator Rafferty.
