Peggy Butler kicked off this year’s Tuesday Talks on May 25th with a presentation on the state insect, the firefly. Peggy and her husband Ken have chaired the PA Firefly Festival for the past 9 years to celebrate rare synchronous fireflies found here in Forest County.

Peggy was followed by Georgene Searfoss, author of Longings of the Heart.

On June 8th, Hillary Jebitsch from The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania discussed her research on diversity within our region’s lumber history.

Our next speaker was Robert Pringle, author of several fictional books that take place in Forest County. Robert shared his research and study of the Nebraska area that he used to write his books.

On June 22nd, Steve Sorenson, an award-winning outdoor writer whose column “The Everyday Hunter” currently appears in the Jamestown Gazette and the Forest Press, presented “Pennsylvania – Home to Coyotes for more than 80 years.”

On June 29th, Mary Alyce Knauff gave a presentation on the Robinson family and the house they built, which is now the home of our county’s History Museum.

The following Tuesday, Brian Hale spoke about the Purinton Pottery Factory, which used to be located in Tionesta. It later became the Evenflo-Crater factory. The History Center has many pieces produced by both Purinton and Evenflo.

On July 13th, Kevin Carter discussed the restoration of the Marienville Railroad station.

On July 20th, Terry Janosik, President at Townline Lumber and Excavation, showed videos of some historic spots in Forest County.

Doris Bisker England joined us the following week. She is the author of In the Forest. Doris drew a record crowd of people wanting to hear about life in the past. Her daughter Diane joined her and read some excerpts from her book.

Ed Bell, writer for the Forest Press, gave us an appreciation for “The Magic of The Forest”. He spoke about the magic of the forest and how he came to feel that way from the time he was introduced.

On August 10th, Matthew Savinda from the PA Game Commission gave a very animated talk about owls found in Pennsylvania, including identifying the sounds they make.

The following week, Amanda Hetrick, Superintendent of Forest Area Schools, presented American Folk Songs. Amanda was accompanied by Elisha Pospisil on the guitar.

On August 24th, FCHS Board member Leonard Nicklas taught us about trivia facts from around Forest County with an emphasis on the Marienville clubs.

The last speaker for the summer was Jim Brunner, a writer for the Forest Press who spoke on “The wonders of your own backyard.”

We ended our Tuesday Talks at the museum last night. Special thanks to Mr Jim Brunner, Forest Press columnist for a great ending to our season with “The magic  of your own back yard.”  Thank you Jim for reminding us what a gem we have here in Forest County.
Last night after the talk we ended the season with cookies and visiting with the friends we have made this summer. This summer we have seen 223 visitors come to hear these short talks about concerns to Forest County. Thank you to all who came and shared and got to know their neighbors a little better as well as learn about Forest County. We hope to see you again next year. If you know of a person. Or subject you would like to see next season, or if you could share your appreciation of any part of Forest County please let us know through our email forestcountypahistory@gmail.com
See you next summer.

We had another outstanding talk at the museum. E.G. Bell, writer for the Forest Press, gave us an appreciation for “The Magic of The Forest”.   E. G. Bell is now living the dream that was planted in him so long ago by his grandfather. He came to the mountains as a child and fell in love with the whole area. He says he carries the forest with him wherever he goes and has found a forest connection with people all over our country. Thank you E. G. Bell!

Next week we welcome Matthew Savinda from the Pennsylvania Game Commission who will talk about owls. Come learn about this amazing bird which is very prevalent in Forest County.
Tuesday Talks at the Museum is a lecture series offered each Tuesday throughout the summer.  Talks are always free for members while guests are asked for $5.00 which can include a tour if you come early before the 7:00 speaker. Hope to see you there.

A special thanks to Terry Janosik who spoke on “Forgotten Tionesta“. Terry is a video hobbyist and has travels up beyond the Tionesta Lake and Dam. He told us about Braceville and the many sawmills that were booming in the 1800’s. There are even some structures that are still standing!

Next week we have Doris Bisker England, author of “In the Forest” and writer for the Forest Press. She will talk about growing up in Tionesta. Please join us on Tuesday at 7:00. It is always free for members and $5.00 for guests.

Forest County Historical Society would like to thank Steve Sorenson for an outstanding presentation about coyotes. Steve brought in a record number of visitors from far and wide.

Please join us next Tuesday as Roxanne and Jerry Thornton present a “History of East Forest School”. They taught for a combined 55.5 years at East Forest and have both been very active in the Marienville community.