The initiation cycles of the Bidjogo people of the Bissagos Islands of Guinea-Bissau make use of a variety of powerful creatures from the land and sea, including sharks, hippopotami, swordfish, and bovines. Each set of islands utilizes different creatures and has somewhat different initiation procedures

Step into the past with the "Iron Works of Happy Valley, PA" Adventure Lab! Created by the Happy Valley PA GeoTour volunteers, this unique scavenger hunt takes you to 10 historical locations that shaped Happy Valley’s rich iron industry. Perfect for families, friends, and solo explorers, this journey unveils the legacy of Pennsylvania’s ironworks, blending history with adventure.

Over the long history of the Penn State Blue Band, there have only been six directors. Each director has contributed to the tradition of the band in some way. May it be changing the name of the band, changing the uniforms, creating new and imaginative formations or just creating new traditions, each director has had a hand in forming the band into what it is today.

Laurin Goad Davis is an architectural historian working in the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library at Penn State. She's written on school facilities and women in architecture. In her current role, she creates metadata for the Central Pennsylvania Architecture and Landscape Architecture Digital Collection and works on other local architecture projects for the Libraries.

Some would think that the position of feature twirler of the Penn State Blue Band started at the same time the Majorettes started. However, the Blue Band Majorettes were founded in 1972 and the official feature twirler position did not start until 1974.

If you are interested in making State College an easier place to drive through, or if you want some more information about the architecture in the Centre County region, or if you simply need some gift ideas for the holiday season, the Centre County Historical Society has multiple events that you can enjoy!

The Blue Band was founded in 1899, but it only took one year for the organization to realize a Drum Major would be needed to help lead the band.

The Penn State Blue Band celebrates 125 years this year, but the Blue Band is made up of more than just musicians. There is the Auxiliary, which includes The Silks, Majorettes, Feature Twirler and Drum Major. Today we celebrate the Blue Band Majorettes!

Bellefonte’s Harmony Forge Inn, a hidden gem tucked along the tranquil banks of Spring Creek, has entered a new chapter under the ownership of Kasey Rhoa and her family. With a rich history and stunning Victorian charm, this beloved inn is poised for exciting changes that travelers to the region won’t want to miss.