‘MADE in PA’ exhibition, new acquisitions and community events anchor the June 1 opening of the new 73,000-square-foot museum building

Travelers can explore museums and historical sites in Happy Valley that showcase Happy Valley's rich history. The Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo, and Iroquois tribes made their life off the land by planting crops in the fertile valleys and hunting game among the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. Explorers and settlers arrived in the mid-18th century, and industry would soon follow a couple of decades later with the discovery of iron ore.

A recent Centre Daily Times article referenced movies produced in Pennsylvania in 2023. Our state is of course no stranger to the film industry, with many recognizable motion pictures made in the Commonwealth over the years. During my time with the Pennsylvania Office of Tourism, Film and Economic Development marketing, more than 30 major motion pictures were filmed in Pennsylvania. Prior to that, blockbuster movies such as 1985’s “Witness” helped make already well-known Lancaster County the extremely popular tourist destination it is today.

From the beautiful Victorian homes to the sites enshrined in the National Register of Historic Places, nearly everywhere you turn in Bellefonte, you can see traces of the rich history of our community. Local Historia, a group with a “passion for local history, community, and preservation,” is a terrific source for finding out more about this history, and one of their most important recent projects is their tour, “The Underground Railroad in Bellefonte, PA.”

The newly launched HappyValley.com is crafted by 3twenty9 Design on a state-of-the-art platform and filled by HVAB with visually appealing and informative content designed to enhance visitation to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania.

As the days grow longer, and the warm rays of the sun call us outdoors, it's important to remember that soaking up the sun requires some careful preparation. Sun safety should be a top priority for everyone, during every season, regardless of age or skin type.

It's never too early to take tick precautions. May is the most active time for ticks in Pennsylvania, and with the mild winter, we have already been in the midst of tick season for some time. Ticks will remain active throughout the summer and into the fall.

The unofficial rule of thumb is that each region gets to boast one resident puppet master, and you’ve probably seen the name: Adam Swartz Puppets.

Happy Valley is brimming with history — rich stories of daring do, enterprise, heartbreak, victory, mystery, intrigue, and adventure. There is truly something to suit every sort of historical interest and taste, right here in our own backyard.