OPENING HOURS
Winter Hours Wednesday’s 10;00 to 2:00
By Appointment at elkcountyhistory@gmail.com
It's Wednesday 2:54 PM — Closing in 6 Minutes
ABOUT
The Historical Society
The Elk County Historical Society is located in the heart of Ridgway, Pennsylvania, the county seat of Elk County and a National Historic Register District.
The Historical Society is run by an incredible team of tireless volunteers whose efforts help preserve the vast history of Elk County and surrounding areas.
We will be practicing Social Distancing and ask our visitors to do the same. If you have any questions, please contact us via email or by phone. 814-776-1032
Visit Our Locations
ROBINSON MUSEUM
Named after Florence Robinson who donated the funds of the muesum, the Robinson Museum houses thousands of artifacts spanning the county’s nearly two-hundred year history.
CENTER HOUSE
The Center Street House Museum is a circa 1890 Victorian house containing period furniture, costumes, and a doctor’s office with examples of period medicines and quack cures, among other items from the last two centuries.
DECKER’S CHAPEL
One of the smallest churches in the world, Decker’s Chapel was built in 1856 and named after German Catholic immigrants who came to North America at the beginning of the 19th century
Explore The
Digital Library
We have collected over 100 years of local newspaper, publications, records, and more and want to share that with you! Whether you’re researching for specific information or want to peruse our library, we encourage you to purchase a subscription to our Online Archive and explore what we have to offer.
Your subscription purchase is a fantastic way to support the Elk County Historical Society and help us Preserve the Past for the Future.
Ridgway High School Marching Band
Upcoming
Events
The Elk County Historical Society has a wide variety of events and fundraisers throughout the year.
Check back often to keep up-to-date on the latest events we’re hosting!
Annual Strawberry Festival
WHERE: St. Leo Magnus Church
111 Depot St., Ridgway, PA
WHEN: Friday June 20, 2025
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO EVERYONE!
We will have basket raffle, burgers and hotdogs, fire truck tours and the Allegheny Harmonizers will be performing!
Annual Membership Meeting
WHERE: Elk County Historical Society
WHEN: Tuesday, March 11th 2025 – time TBD
Annual Banquet
WHERE: Elk County Historical Society, Ridgway PA
WHEN: April 22nd, 2025 at 5:00pm
SPEAKER: TBD
Menu Choice: Snacks and refreshments will be served
Tickets Available: N/A – This is our way of saying THANK YOU to our volunteers and board members!
Call us at 814-776-1032 with questions.
Elk County History
In Pictures
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- An aerial view of Instanter, Pennsylvania
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- Men working a gas well in Hallton, Pennsylvania 1910
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- St. Marys Steam Laundry horse-driven delivery truck, about 1903. Fred J. Swanson, proprietor.
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- Elk County Bank and Trust Company.
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- St. Marys, Pennsylvania during the Great Depression. View of town from the corner of Mill Street and South St. Marys Street.
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- Albert Weis & George Smith (date unknown) driving a hearse.
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- Postcard of Ridgway’s Main Street in the 1940s. The family owned Cliffe’s Drugs is still in operation today.
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- Identified as the Klingel house on Main Street around 1915. Label identifies the vehicle as a threshing machine.
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- No. 3 baggage transfer wagon dating to around 1920.
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- An image of main street in Ridgway
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- Illustration of Ridgway’s Main Street in the 1940s. The family owned Cliffe’s Drugs is still in operation today.
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- Elk County Courthouse in the snow with the original Blind Justice statue on top. The statue was destroyed by lightning in the 20th century.
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- Ridgway postal employees carrying parcels, Christmas 1904.
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- Ridgway Vulcanizing Works tire store in the early 20th century.
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- Main Street, Ridgway, PA
