304 East Main Street
Boalsburg, PA 16827
(814) 466-3035
boalsburgheritagemuseum@gmail.com
Our Mission
The Boalsburg Heritage Museum (BHM) is committed to education and the community with the mission of preserving historical items significant to Boalsburg and Harris Township, and, thereby, promoting interest in the village through historical education. Learning to appreciate our past provides a vital link with the families and memories that have made our community. Since 1984, volunteers at the BHM have worked tirelessly to acquire and preserve items of historical importance to Harris Township and Centre County. We are pleased to share with visitors the history of beautiful Central Pennsylvania and particularly the village of Boalsburg that reflects an earlier simpler life. To that end, the home is open to the public regularly from April through early December. Visitors can view historical artifacts and more, with free admission to the Boalsburg Heritage Museum any Saturday between 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. or by appointment.
A climate-controlled archive, which was once a woodshed, is used for storage of historical documents that are sensitive to temperature extremes, as well as humidity, dust, and other pollutants. Important items, such as books, paperwork, photographs, and other historical treasures can be kept safe and preserved for future generations.
Testimonials
“I have enjoyed the high caliber of changing exhibits at the Boalsburg Heritage Museum over the years, featuring all aspects of 18th and 19th century agrarian life, from hearth cooking to hat making. Each time I visit the museum, I learn something new and gain a richer appreciation for those that came before.”
“We fondly remember and appreciate Mrs. Ruth Corter for spearheading the development of the Museum. Her legacy lives on.”
“I donate to the Boalsburg Heritage Museum because I value local history and the importance of preserving it for our citizens.”
Our Town: Boalsburg 2018
Season 22 Episode 2 | 1h 17m
The 99th production in the Our Town series shares the rich history of Boalsburg, from the Pennsylvania Military Museum to the Boal Mansion, the Heritage Museum, the Blacksmith Shop, and many more.
Aired: 12/07/18
History of the Museum
William Murray built this house in 1825 on a parcel of land at the east end of the town called Springfield, later named Boalsburg. By 1837, Daniel and Jonathan Mosser had begun to buy several tracts of land in the east end of town, including the 38 acre, 34.5 perch, William Murray property that housed a tannery operation, one of the earliest enterprises in the settlement when Andrew Stroup began selling lots in his development about 1810. The Mossers continued operation of the tannery through 1880 when the property was sold to Philip Meyer who made several changes such as closing the fireplaces to permit coal/wood burning stoves and lengthening windows and shutters.
William M. Myers (no relation to Philip) purchased the farm in 1902. Electricity to light Boalsburg’s first street was produced in the property’s “lighthouse” during this time. Additional farm buildings included a summer kitchen, bank barn, and corncrib. Upon William’s death, in 1932, daughter Sarah Catherine purchased the farm from the estate. Sarah’s home, for 51 years, then became known as the Myers-Sweet House. In 1983, it became the property of the Boalsburg Heritage Museum Association and is listed in the Pennsylvania “Register of Historic Sites & Landmarks”.