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 →

Apollo Area Historical Society
Drake's Log Cabin

Drake's Log Cabin was believed to have been built in 1816, and is the only remnant of the original permanent settlement which eventually grew into the Borough of Apollo. The earliest deed to the property, dated 1862, shows that the cabin was owned by Mrs. Sarah Drake. Drake's Log Cabin is the oldest building in Apollo Borough, and one of teh oldest in Armstrong County. In March of 1983, the cabin was added to the National Registry of Historical Places.

In 1970, the cabin was purchased from Mrs. Samuel Wilson for $1000, and the Apollo Area Historical Society was born.

Some of the later additions to the cabin were removed, and deteriorating logs were replaced under the direction of Howard Fulton. Roof repairs were made, and finally, the cabin was restored to its original condition. Drake's Log Cabin was officially dedicated and opened to the public on September 19, 1971.