𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔! The Mercer County Historical Society is seeking raffle basket donations for our upcoming Annual Dinner & General Membership Meeting on June 21, 2025. This event includes a catered meal, a historical presentation, and a raffle to help offset event costs. Additionally, we will be conducting our annual board of directors election during the meeting. If your business would like to donate a basket or item, we’ll gladly recognize your support in our event program and promotions. It’s a great way to connect with local history supporters and show your community spirit. Donations are appreciated by June 20, 2025 and can be dropped off at 119 South Pitt Street, Mercer. Thank you for supporting the Historical Society. We couldn’t do it without you! (fb)

𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑵𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔! On May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam collapsed, releasing 20 million tons of water onto the unsuspecting city of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In minutes, entire neighborhoods were swept away. More than 2,200 lives were lost in what became the deadliest man-made disaster in American history at the time. Johnstown resident Victor Heiser later recalled, “The townspeople, like those who live in the shadow of Vesuvius, grew calloused to the possibility of danger. ‘Sometime,’ they thought, ‘that dam will give way, but it won’t ever happen to us.’” But it did. And from the destruction and death rose a story of tragedy, greed, perseverance, and community. Be sure to join us on 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟏 𝐚𝐭 𝟐:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌, for our 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 as we welcome back local historian 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐚 for a special presentation marking the 𝟏𝟑𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 of the Johnstown Flood. Douglas will examine the circumstances leading to the failure of the South Fork Dam, with comparisons to local entities. He will recount the flood itself, the horrific scenes and situations that unfolded, and the heroic bravery of everyday citizens. The presentation will also feature a local couple who was in Johnstown at the time, along with reflections on disasters that have occurred closer to home here in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Finally, Douglas will share several human-interest stories that emerged in the aftermath of this life-changing event. (fb)