Hagen History Center - Home - Hagen History Center

Tom Hagen's 90th Birthday Bash Sept. 13

Mark your calendar for an unforgettable evening!

The birthday festivities kick off on the patio with Cleveland’s Swing Time Big Band, catering by Red Letter, an open bar, a 7:30 p.m. birthday bash presentation complete with a champagne toast and specialty cake, and live music from Breeze Band starting at 8 p.m. We are celebrating 90 years of our favorite donor’s life during a special celebration that will replace our gala this year at 356 West 6th Street.

Buy Tickets

Visit 4 NEW summer sizzling exhibits

We’ve got FOUR exciting new exhibits at the Hagen History Center — and you’re invited to explore them all!

1. Hand-Picked: Staff Selections from Our Collection
Curated by our own team, this exhibit highlights some of the most fascinating and meaningful pieces in our collection — including the flag that once draped Abraham Lincoln’s casket in Albany, the Daniel Dobbins family Bible, a stunning child-sized coach from the Hamot family, and even Dan Rice’s bankruptcy papers. You’ll find this treasure trove on the second floor of the Watson-Curtze Mansion.

2. Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society: A Waterford Legacy
The Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society brings the rich history of Waterford to our museum! Did you know George Washington once walked there? Explore Eagle Hotel registers, artifacts from Waterford Academy, and much more on the third floor of the Watson-Curtze Mansion.

3. Generations of Impact: 165 Years of the YMCA of Greater Erie
From launching local libraries to shaping the region’s recreation scene, the Y has left a lasting legacy. Celebrate 165 years of community impact and growth from one location to four. Visit this inspiring exhibit on the third floor of the Watson-Curtze Mansion.

4. Pop-Up Exhibit: Erie’s Restaurant Menus of the Past
Take a tasty trip down memory lane with nostalgic menus from some of Erie’s most beloved eateries! Don’t be surprised if you spot a favorite from your childhood. Catch this delicious display in the Carriage House hallway.

There’s something new around every corner—come visit, explore, and rediscover Erie’s stories with us! Members visit for free. General admission is $12 per person.

Congratulations to our award winners

Over 200 amazing members joined us for our Annual Meeting & Picnic at the beautifully renovated Battles White House in Girard on July 15!

Guests enjoyed hayrides with Peter Burton, sipped sangria from Full Circle Winery in Girard, tasted charcuterie from Your Daily Serving in Corry and sampled the unique flavors of Sonshine from our friends at The Wilds Sonshine Factory, Inc. in Kane, PA. The Sonshine folks are partnering with us on harvesting sunflower seeds this year. It was the perfect summer celebration of community and history!

We’re also proud to announce this year’s award winners:

Historic Preservation Award: Kelly Run Gallery

Housed in the historic Springs National Bank building in Cambridge Springs, this family-run gallery—led by Rod and Debbie Miller with daughter Abby—showcases an incredible range of regional artists and hosts special exhibits year-round.

Media Award: Christine Lorraine Morgan

Christine brings Erie’s rich history to life through captivating photos, videos, blogs, and podcasts. Her passion is contagious, sparking renewed curiosity about our local past across social media and YouTube.

Public History Award: Lake Canadohta Historical Society

In 2024, this powerhouse team of volunteers raised $100,000 in weeks to purchase two historic buildings on five acres. Their commitment to preserving and sharing local history is nothing short of inspiring.

Volunteer of the Year award: Donelle Davey

Donelle has done it all for our museum. She has immersed herself in research for a number of topics, guided tour groups through the history center, led tours during special events, sponsored events and shared her interest in history with all of us and our guests and visitors.

Thank you to everyone who made this evening so special—and for continuing to support the preservation and celebration of our region’s story. Here’s to making history together!

Host an Event

Create the wedding or event of your dreams in a Victorian mansion or rustic farmhouse, right in Erie County! Step back in time and enjoy the natural beauty of the Hagen History Center’s grounds for your special day.

Regarded as one of the best wedding and event venues in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Hagen History Center is the perfect backdrop for a Victorian-inspired, unforgettable experience.

Located in Erie, Pa., the Hagen History Center’s West Sixth Street Campus, which includes the Watson-Curtze Mansion and the President’s Room, is conveniently located near downtown Erie, close to hotels and Bayfront attractions. The Hagen’s Girard Campus includes the Yellow House, an elegant farmhouse situated on more than 130 acres.

View Venues

Upcoming Events

Aug 04

Sunflower picnics Aug. 4

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Picnic with us in the sunflowers!
Enjoy a wonderful evening at a table for two where you'll sit among the natural beauty of a golden evening surrounded by sunflowers.

Aug 05

Sunflower picnics Aug. 5

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Picnic with us in the sunflowers!
Enjoy a wonderful evening at a table for two where you'll sit among the natural beauty of a golden evening surrounded by sunflowers.

Aug 06

Sunflower picnics Aug. 6

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Picnic with us in the sunflowers!
Enjoy a wonderful evening at a table for two where you'll sit among the natural beauty of a golden evening surrounded by sunflowers.

Aug 07

Sunflower picnics Aug. 7

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Picnic with us in the sunflowers!
Enjoy a wonderful evening at a table for two where you'll sit among the natural beauty of a golden evening surrounded by sunflowers.

Host an Event

Upcoming Events

Our Partners

Visit Us on Social

Get in touch