It’s fall—time for leaf peeping, apple cider, home football games … and spooky stories. Happy Valley has more than its fair share of ghost stories—people have reported sightings of apparitions from Coburn to Snow Shoe, with lots and lots of stories about historic Bellefonte.

Cooper Wingert, historian and author of 10 books about the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, will present Slavery and the Underground Railroad in South Central Pennsylvania, Sunday, September 22, 2:00 p.m., at the American Philatelic Society, Bellefonte. Based on new archival research, this talk will illuminate how the Underground Railroad consisted of white and Black people whose actions were more open than many think.

If you want to see some Fall foliage this year without driving, the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society will be providing relaxing and fun rides throughout Centre County during the month of October.

The Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg will host a Crystal Workshop led by Springhill Paranormal Investigators on Saturday, July 27, from 1 to 3 pm in the Boal Barn Playhouse.

Happy Valley is rich in history, culture, and creative residents who love celebrating both. The region’s museum scene is top-notch and varied, offering a mix of traditional galleries and more interactive experiences.

When Eagle Iron Works stopped producing pig iron in 1921, it had been the longest-operating cold-blast charcoal ironworks in Pennsylvania. During its 112-year run, which included one year of work after smelting ceased, the works smelted and forged iron throughout a period of massive change in Centre County and the United States, surviving long after the iron and steel industries had evolved.

The Centre County Historical Society is pleased to partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and William Marcum, local historian and research authority on the Poe Valley CCC Camp, to invite the public to attend a day-long program about the Civilian Conservation Corps this Sunday, July 28 from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Centre County Encyclopedia of History & Culture continues to add intriguing articles about Centre County’s past.

Embark on a journey through time and tradition as you explore Happy Valley's rich history and heritage. Dive deep into the secrets of the past, and immerse yourself in the stories that shaped this vibrant region. Discover it all at our museums and historic sites, where visitors can learn firsthand about the fascinating history of Happy Valley.