America's 400th Anniversary

This national commemoration marks the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, on May 14, 1607.

Thirteen years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth rock, three ships reached the new world and landed at what is now known as the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The ships were the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the smallest of the three, the Discovery.

As soon as land was in site, sealed orders were opened which named Captain John Smith as one of the "counselors". The settlers quickly set about building the James Fort which covered an acre on Jamestown Island.

This small English outpost was located near 14,000 Algonquian-speaking Native American Indians, led by their chief, Powhatan. Pochontas was the chief's daughter.

Please watch this site and the local newspapers for the commemorations to be held at our local Historical Societies.

Armstrong History! Website Draws State Attention

This website of the Armstrong History Alliance has caught the attention of Janet MacGregor, Assistant Director of the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations. She was excited to find the interaction and collaboration of the small societies in the County and the website we developed.

Two members of the Alliance have been invited to share our success story at “Survive, Strive, and Thrive”, the 2007 Statewide Museum Conference on April 22 – 24 at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Debbie McCanna, president of the Alliance and Connie Mateer, secretary will present our story. McCanna is with the Brady’s Bend Historical Society and Mateer is with Armstrong Co. Historical Museum & Genealogical Society and also with Dayton Local History Society.

Read the Full Press Release →

Brady's Bend Historical Society
St. Stephen's Old Stone Church

The Brady's Bend Historical Society, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1979 to provide community service regarding historical preservation and research.

The area was once a major industrial center, much more densely populated than at present time. Literally thousands of people came to the area seeking work during a relatively short time in the last half of the nineteenth century. They left behind a wealth of family histories, memorabilia and customs from many parts of Europe. The Society has collected oral histories, compiled cemetery records, and acts as a clearinghouse for those seeking information about their ancestors’ past lives in our area.

Both St. Stephen's Old Stone Church and the Brady's Bend Iron Furnaces are listed on the National Register of Historical Places.