The Centre County Historical Society (CCHS) will be hosting a Winter Market as well as a special Civil War presentation entitled The Dress this December. Founded in 1904, the CCHS is the oldest and largest history organization in the county, serving as the official historical society of Centre County.

22nd Annual Stocking Stuffer Magical Holiday Market

Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Ring in the holiday season with the Stocking Stuffer Magical Holiday Market, a treasured tradition at the Centre Furnace Mansion. This event takes place on Friday and Saturday, December 6 & 7, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 8, noon – 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to experience the magic of the holidays while supporting local artists, businesses, and the preservation of history.

The Dress: Restoration of Civil War First Lady of Pennsylvania Katherine Wilson Curtin's 1880s Dress

December 17, 7:00 p.m.

The Dress is on exhibit in the Centre Furnace Mansion from Tuesday, December 17, through Sunday, December 22, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. A docent will be available during these times.

You will learn the history of Katherine Curtins' French-made purple velvet and satin dress ensemble as well as the preservation efforts to restore the dress to its stunning beauty. The dress is on loan from the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg for conservation by the Katherine Wilson Curtin Tent 62, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, under the mentorship of Shippensburg University’s Fashion Archive and Museum.

According to the Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village website, Katherine Irvine Wilson (1821-1903) married Andrew Gregg Curtin (1815-1894) on May 29, 1844. She was the daughter of a country doctor, Dr. William Irvine Wilson (1793-1883) and Mary Potter Wilson (1798-1861). Katherine’s mother, Mary Potter Wilson, was the daughter of General Judge James Potter (1767-1818). Katherine's great-grandfather was Revolutionary War Colonel -- then Brigadier General -- James Potter (1729-1789), a Scots-Irish immigrant who arrived in America in 1741.

Co-Sponsors:

• Centre County Historical Society
• Central Pennsylvania Civil War Round Table
• The Katherine Wilson Curtin Tent 62, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War

Currently the program on December 17th is at capacity, but please call 814-234-4779 or contact Mary Sorensen at msorensen@centrefurnace.org if you would like to be added to a wait list