Exciting Events on Tap For Society this Autumn

by | Sep 22, 2025

The Historical Society of Perry County is bustling with activity this fall—mark your calendars! 🍂

📖 Upcoming Events (Sept–Nov):

• Sept 26: 2025 Lecture Series: Folk Stories by Pennsylvania Jack – PA Folk Stories, 7 PM at the Fetter House, Landisburg

📚 2025 Lecture Series Continues: Folk Stories with Pennsylvania Jack! 

Join the Historical Society of Perry County for a lively night of storytelling with none other than Pennsylvania Jack — Perry County’s own Jack Graham — as part of our 2025 Lecture Series!

🗓 Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fetter House, 102 S Carlisle St, Landisburg, PA 17040
Suggested Donation: $5

Sponsored by The Bank of Landisburg – thank you for your generous support!

Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of entertainment created by people the world over. Good stories just waiting to be told are abundant; good tellers of such tales are not quite so common. Perry countian Jack Graham, aka Pennsylvania Jack, is one of those good tellers. Many of the tales he tells have been passed down through the generations from our early settlers, especially the Scots-Irish and the Pennsylvania Germans. They are American folk tales, of Pennsylvania and the Appalachian mountains, such as the hapless “Jack” who journeyed from the highlands of Britain to the new world. Jack specializes in making these stories come to life. 

Come early, bring a friend, and enjoy an evening of history, heritage, and unforgettable storytelling.

• Oct 6: Twin Kiss Ice Cream Fundraiser – Present flyer and a portion of proceeds will be donated to HSPC 🍦 (See photo below for details)

• Oct 18–19: 2025 Apple Festival Blue Ball Tavern Museum Tours and Rug Hooking Demonstrations, 10 AM–3 PM both days

Join the Historical Society of Perry County at the Society’s Blue Ball Tavern Museum in Little Buffalo State Park for free tours of the Tavern during the Apple Festival on October 18th and 19th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Donations are happily accepted! 🍎

Step back in time as you explore unique exhibits highlighting Perry County’s history and see what an early American frontier tavern looked like.

While visiting, you can also discover the fascinating folk art craft of rug hooking with the Magdalena Briner Eby Rug Hookers. They will be demonstrating their craft, showing how rugs are made, and answering questions.

The Historical Society is proud to own a hooked rug by Magdalena Briner Eby, one of Perry County’s most famous folk artists. Don’t miss this chance to experience history, art, and tradition all in one place!

More information on the Magdalena Rug Hookers: 

Magdalena Rug Hookers is named in honor of Magdalena Briner Eby, a local woman (1832-1915) whose primitive hooked rugs are sought after worldwide by collectors of American folk art.

Our members hook a diverse range of rugs, including patterns and their own original designs, large and small, using a variety of materials. Our rungs can be found in private collection and galleries, and gracing the floors, tables and walls of our own homes. Some have been featured in books and magazines. We are fortunate to have members with a passion for sharing their knowledge, who give presentation about rug hooking to groups in our community nad teach classes.

We are a group of rug hookers and fiber artist, for beginners to seasoned veterans. As a group, we hook one rug each year to donate as a fundraiser to local charitable organizations. We also volunteer to demonstrate rug hooking at local events including Fort Hunter Day in Harrisburg, PA and the Little Buffalo Festival in Newport, PA.

New members are always welcome! Our meetings are held twice a month, on the second Monday from 1-4 and the fourth Monday from 6:30-8:30PM at the New Bloomfield Senior Center, 225 W Main Street, New Bloomfield, PA.

• Oct 25: Dinner Mixer at Blue Buffalo Tavern – Silent Art Auction & Winery Mixer (Reserve tickets: 223-362-2007) 🍷

Save the Date: Community Event & Fundraiser Saturday, October 25th for Historical Society of Perry County hosted by The Blue Buffalo Tavern. Formal Dinner and Silent Art Auction. Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery mixer begins at 6pm, Dinner to follow at 7pm. Silent Art Auction throughout the evening. Guest Speakers from HSPC & NHS Art Director. Dress is formal. Limited Seating. Tickets go on sale next week. $135 pp/$250 couple. Ticket Required (223) 362-2007. We are located at the Historic Stratford House and Inn at 57 N. 2nd Street Newport PA

• Nov 15: 2025 Historical Society of Perry County Annual Banquet – Newport Fire Hall (Tickets: 717-789-3136)

The Historical Society of Perry County will hold its Annual Banquet on Saturday, November 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the Newport Fire Hall.

This signature event will feature a full turkey dinner, Perry County historical trivia, door prizes, and remarks from guest speaker Mr. Dan Rice of Blain. The evening will also include the presentation of the Society’s prestigious honors, the Silas Wright Award and the Heritage Award, as well as the drawing of the annual cash raffle winner.

Tickets are $30 per person ($18 for children ages 6-12) and may be reserved by calling the Historical Society Office at 717-789-3136 or emailing officehspc@gmail.com. The deadline to reserve tickets is October 31st. Send payment prior to the dinner to P.O. Box 47, Landisburg, PA 17040. 

Send payment prior to the banquet to P.O. Box 47, Landisburg, PA 17040

The Annual Banquet is the Society’s premier event of the year, offering an evening of fellowship, recognition, and community celebration while supporting the ongoing preservation of Perry County’s history.

Proceeds from the Annual Dinner, along with the gift basket raffle, will directly support the preservation of Perry County’s history. This year’s funds will go toward the $12,000 in needed repairs for the Red Covered Bridge in Liverpool, ensuring that this cherished local landmark is protected and maintained for generations to come. 

🎟️ Don’t forget raffle tickets—just $10 each for 5 chances at winning, with a top prize of $500! Call 717-789-3136 for details or contact a Society Board Member. Proceeds support our scholarship program!