The Lion's Penn: The Penn State Altoona History Society

The Few...The Proud.

2010-05-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 8 was a day of great excitement among many of us in the History Department and History Society. Of course, I speak of graduation day. Luckily, many of the History students and faculty had the opportunity to gather for one last group photo. First row: Andrea Emeigh. Second row left to right: Dr. Marc Harris, Dr. Elizabeth Seymour, James Irion, Dr. Doug Page, David Whiteman. Third row: Dr. Brian Black, Mr. Joe Petrulionis, Jared Frederick, Dr. Mark McNicholas, Floyd Nellett, Eric Sral, and Chuck Lynch (in his official WWII dress uniform no less). Absent from photo but present at ceremony: Marcy Ladson, Helen Mari Papi, Curt Walsh, and Dr. Steven Andrews. Congratulations to all graduates!

Of course, had the previous photo been taken 145 years earlier, it may have looked much like this instead. This accurate tintype photo of some of our students was taken at the Victorian Photography Studio in Gettysburg during our semi-annual trip there. First row left to right: Bret Cmar and Justin Cain. Second row: Helena Kotala, Dr. Steven Andrews, Dr. Brian Black, and Christine Jervis. Third row: Justin Shope, Maria Andrews, James Irion, Gabby Davis, Jared Frederick, and Steph Adams.

On a personal note, I would just like to express my gratitude for having the opportunity to lead such a stellar student organization and work with the fine faculty of Penn State Altoona. The instructors are indeed what makes the History Program special. A brief summary the society's accomplishments over the past two years includes:

An increase in student membership from 12 to over 250 students.
Sixteen free monthly history films.
Three campus Living History Encampments.
Volunteer work with the Blair County Historical Society
Four volunteer work trips to Gettysburg National Military Park.
Three field trips to Washington, D.C.
Fall of Berlin Wall 20th Anniversary Commemoration.
Battle of the Bulge 65th Anniversary Event, with proceeds going to local troop support.
Spring Break History Trip to Kentucky and Tennessee Historical sites.
Guest Speaker Historian Dennis Frye of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
"An Evening on the Underground Railroad" Living History Event.

It is my sincere hope that this list will continue to grow in the future. The society's new president is Matthew Smith, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student of history who I know will serve the group well until he himself graduates. Congratulations again to all of our history students! It's been one great ride.

Sincerely,
Jared Frederick
President
PSU Altoona History Society
2008 - 2010

A Walk Through the Past

2010-04-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

An Evening on the Underground Railroad

On Monday April 26, the History Society hosted its first ever "An Evening on the Underground Railroad." Despite the rain, over 115 people attended the guest lecture by historian Dennis Frye and over 60 remained for the outdoor living history tour and program. Some noted that the rain actually added to the event, giving it a realistic feel. The lantern-led tour was led by Harriet Tubman (Penn State's own Harriett Gaston). With about ten different stops or "stations" visited, students and local citizens were offered a colorful and diverse perspective of slavery in America as told by those who lived in the 1800s.

Historian Dennis Frye, Chief Historian at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, presented a fantastic lecture on abolitionist John Brown and his 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia). He argued that the raid was the definitive event of the year 1859 just as 9/11 was the definitive event of the year 2001. It sent a shock wave throughout the nation and was the spark which ignited the Civil War. If it were not for Brown and his actions, Frye argued, the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln would have been less likely. Drawing many historical parallels to the present, Frye offered an enthusiastic and informative discussion which was revealing and entertaining to students. Photo courtesy of Kathy Scileny.

Following Frye's lecture, the group of about 60 ventured out into the rain. At our first stop, we were greeted by author, abolitionist, and friend of John Brown - Henry David Thoreau (portrayed by Thoreau scholar and professor Ian Marshall of Penn State Altoona). There, he read Thoreau's "A Plea for Captain John Brown," which stated: "I am here to plead his cause with you. I plead not for his life, but for his character,--his immortal life; and so it becomes your cause wholly, and is not his in the least. Some eighteen hundred years ago Christ was crucified; this morning, perchance, Captain Brown was hung. These are the two ends of a chain which is not without its links. He is not Old Brown any longer; he is an angel of light."

Dr. Marc Harris, head of the Penn State Altoona History Department, told the group of riots and legislation such as the Fugitive Slave Acts of 1793 and 1850, which gave slave owners the power to pursue their escaped chattel property into free states of the North. Freedom-seeking slaves were not truly free until they reached Canada. This largely remained the situation until the commencement of the Civil War.

At the next stop, our group was taken prisoner by these intimidating-looking slave captors. Pictured left to right is Chuck Lynch, Floyd Nellett, History Instructor Joe Petrulionis (with his bloodhound), and Eric Sral.

Portraying a southern bounty hunter, Petrulionis offered the crowd the pro-slavery perspective, which claimed that slavery was endorsed in the New Testament and that it was an institution divinely created for service to the white man.

...But before he and his fellow hunters could apprehend our group, Harriet Tubman snatched his shotgun and freed us, continuing to lead us to "the promised land."

Dr. Robert McLaughlin interprets the words of William Lloyd Garrison, famed abolitionist and publisher of the anti-slavery newspaper The Liberator.

History Instructor Heather Jo Eckels recites the words of Sojurner Truth to the audience (with her period correct red umbrella and glasses of course).

Student Chuck Lynch reads the words of Marine Lieutenant Israel Green, the officer who captured John Brown during his raid on Harpers Ferry.

Professor of History and Environmental Studies Brian Black reads the words of reporter James Redpath, a correspondent who covered John Brown's trial for treason. Following Brown's hanging on December 2, 1859, Redpath wrote: "The soul of John Brown stood at the right hand of the Eternal. He had fought the good fight, and now wore the crown of victory." At this same stop, Dr. Doug Page read the words of W.E.B. DuBois and described the aftermath and legacy of John Brown's raid.

Dr. Steven C. Andrews as John Brown. Some of Brown's final words at his trial were: "Now if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments. -- I submit; so let it be done! I feel no consciousness of my guilt. Now I have done. I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land can never be purged away but with blood."

Civil War Living Historian Bob Myers and fellow musicians of the 46th PA Logan Guard performed some period music at the program's conclusion at the Laurel Pavilion.

And of course, what is the end of a program without desserts? Students dig into a tray of the cookies which quickly disappeared.

A group shot of many of the evening's participants. A big thanks to all those who donated their time, assistance, and expertise to make this a unique and worthwhile event!

An Evening on the Underground Railroad

2010-04-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

Join Penn State Altoona on the path to freedom!

The Penn State Altoona History Society will be hosting a lecture and lantern tour on the evening of Monday April 26. Beginning at 7 p.m. in room 134 Hawthorn Building, nationally known historian Dennis Frye will speak of abolitionist John Brown's 1859 slave raid on Harpers Ferry, WV. Frye, a published author and National Park Service historian, has been featured on PBS and the History Channel in addition to serving as associate producer for the 2003 Civil War movie "Gods and Generals."

Following Frye's discussion, attendees of the event will be guided on a lantern-led tour, stopping at numerous "stations" on the Underground Railroad. At each stop, a historical vignette will be performed by period-dressed interpreters portraying figures such as Harriet Tubman, Henry David Thoreau, John Brown, U.S. Marines, and others. This unique interpretive event will include audience participation and historical activities. Comfortable footwear and flashlights are recommended for this quarter mile walk. The event will be held regardless of weather.

After the tour's conclusion, guests will be invited for free refreshments at the Laurel Pavilion where they can enjoy period music and treats. The evening's activities are free and open to the general public. Participants will begin their tour immediately following the lecture. For more information, email jtf5039@psu.edu. The tour is hosted by the Penn State Altoona History Society and commemorates the Underground Railroad as well as the Civil War Sesquicentennial initiative.

The Frontlines at Penn State Altoona

2010-04-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Left to right: Students Jared Frederick, Floyd Nellett, Veteran Don Hollows, Eric Sral, and Chuck Lynch attend Penn State Altoona's Third Annual History Encampment, giving the "V for Victory" sign.

Living History Lesson
War Encampment sets up on campus
By Amanda Clegg, aclegg@altoonamirror.com

Penn State Altoona students stirred up memories for World War II veteran Don Hollows.

Part of the campus near the Hawthorne Building was set up to look like Civil War and World War II camps Friday for the Penn State Altoona History Society's third annual history encampment.

Twenty Civil War and six World War II re-enactors portrayed soldiers and other historical figures to give an intimate glimpse into the wartime experience.

"He told us about his experiences in the war and that it was good to see young people remember his generation's efforts in such a way," society President Jared Frederick, 22, said in an e-mail.

The 84-year-old Altoona man served in the Navy from 1944-46 in the Pacific Theater, covering Guam to Japan, he said.

"It wasn't a pleasure cruise," Hollows, who escaped the war without injury, said of his time serving. "I didn't like it a bit."

Even though Hollows said he signed up when he was 18 because he wanted to, he was afraid of getting killed and was thankful to return to Altoona alive.

Hollows said he never knew a good night's sleep while serving, and he could only share limited information with his family.

He still talks on the phone to some of his war buddies and they reminisce about how hot it was on the ship with no air conditioning, he said.

All the memories weren't bad, though.

"The meals were great," he said, remembering how the Navy gave them three square meals a day.

He said the Army wasn't so lucky because they lacked the ability to carry supplies like the belly of the Navy ships could, so they didn't eat as well.

The purpose of the re-enactment was to "help bring history alive for students," Frederick said.

History goes beyond what students can learn in a textbook, said Frederick, a history major and Gettysburg National Military park ranger.

"[History is] not only a story of where we've been, but where we're going," he said of how one can look to the past to "see mistakes and triumphs."

"It also gives the students a new perspective on history," he said.

WWII re-enactor Chuck Lynch, 24, a history major who has participated in reenactments since he was a teenager, said bringing the experience of a World War II soldier to life shows students what their grandfathers or older uncles may have experienced.

Hollows said the re-enactors were knowledgeable.

"I enjoyed it," he said of the encampment he called realistic.

Calum Munro of Monessen, wearing a Berdan’s sharpshooter uniform, smokes a pipe Friday afternoon at Penn State Altoona for the history society’s third annual history encampment. (Mirror photo by J.D. Cavrich)

Throughout the day on Friday, dozens of reenactors took part in the encampment, including a realistic depiction of a Civil War surgeon's tent with the Keystone Regiment.

Dr. Steven Andrews relaxing in his accurate depiction of true Southern Comfort.

History Department head Marc Harris poses in a Union uniform for an authentic portrait (minus the modern building in the background).

Berdan Sharpshooter Calum Munro displays his marksman's greens and carbine.

On the 145th anniversary of Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox, Dr. Steven Andrews and instructor Joe Petrulionis demonstrate the importance of reconciliation!

History Bluffs cartoonist Cory Geishauser joined the encampment in his Old Tyme baseball jersey for the Altoona Curve.

Cory drew hilarious and creative historical caricatures for much of the afternoon.

But all was much more serious with student Justin Shope, who is seen here doing his best impersonation of General "Vinegar Joe" Stillwell.

History Society President Jared Frederick manages to stay warm with his borrowed uniform and stolen gloves. Despite very humid weather earlier in the week, the reenactors of Friday's encampment witnessed mild snow flurries more than once during the course of the day.

In this video, students Chuck "Kunu" Lynch and Floyd Nellett offer their best interpretation of 1940s swing dancing and celebrate the end of the war to the tune of Benny Goodman.

Reenactor Eric Sral displays his brand new uniform and the carbine he does not even know how to properly hold. Just wait until he muddies up that uniform a bit for accuracy's sake.

Charging into history...one encampment at a time. Special thanks to all of those living historians who braved the chilled weather and came out for a truly great event!

3rd Annual History Encampment

2010-04-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Penn State Altoona students learn to use a Civil War telegraph at last year's encampment.

The Penn State Altoona History Society is pleased to host its 3rd Annual History Encampment on Friday April 9. Student and community members will have the opportunity to interact with Civil War and World War II "living historians" dressed in period clothing and equipment. Members of the 110th Pennsylvania and 101st Airborne will be present. Students will also be able to have historical caricatures done of themselves in addition to dressing up and posing for their own old fashioned Civil War photo. The encampment will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the lawns between the Misciagna and Hawthorn Buildings on campus. All of the days activities are free and open to the general public.

THE History Trip!

2010-03-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Penn State Altoona history students Jared Frederick, Dustin Faust, Eric Sral, and Justin Shope gather around a Napoleon Civil War cannon at the Perryville, Kentucky Civil War Battlefield. Led by Dr. Steve Andrews, these student went on a week-long journey through historical sites in Kentucky and Tennessee. Below are a small selection of the photos we took to chronicle our historic journey.

In this video, the esteemed Dr. Steve Andrews musters his best southern accent to tell us of Perryville in the context of "the Civil War in a nutshell."

After a full day of driving from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, our first stop was Perryville Battlefield State Park, located in the rolling hillsides of rural Kentucky. Other than three or four other people we encountered during our visit, we had the battlefield entirely to ourselves. It was a pleasant change of pace when pondering the frequent congestion of battlefields like Gettysburg. Perryville was the largest and deciding in Kentucky. The Confederacy ultimately lost the state as a result of this battle.

We also visited the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky. This statue of Lincoln was placed on the town square on February 12, 1909 for the centennial of the Great Emancipator's birth.

...And this statue was placed on the opposite side of the town square exactly 100 years later.

The Big House...Fort Knox, Kentucky. Yep, that's where they keep all the gold! This is as close as we got.

Fort Knox is also the home of the Patton Museum. General George S. Patton was the famed WWII commander who sported a riding crop and these ivory handled pistols. Many artifacts from his personal and military lives were on display.

Student Eric Sral tries his WWI gear on at the Patton Museum.

The museum was a veritable treasure trove of armored tanks and vehicles ranging from WWI to the present, including American and enemy tanks. The photo above is a huge life-size diorama featuring an original Mark 4 Tank from 1917. Just below the gun turret on the left side of the tank, you may notice a small whole where a German shell plowed through the armor. (Also take notice of the German grenade "flying" in mid air.)

And of course, there was a German King Tiger tank, which was absolutely gigantic. Keep in mind, I am 6 feet 3 inches and the tank is actually bigger than what it looks in the photo. The tank's extremely thick armor and very accurate and powerful gun overpowered it against almost any armor the Allies could launch at it. Often, it took three or five Sherman Tanks to knock out one of these. The vehicle could move 25-30 miles per hour.

Fellow Penn State student Eric Sral crawls to avoid carnage of the impregnable Tiger Tank.

I try my hand at tank driving in the armor simulator.

Student Justin Shope does the same.

Our esteemed history professor, Dr. Steve Andrews, trained at Fort Knox in the 1970s and drove tanks in Cold War Germany. His insights into this aspect of the trip added a unique perspective to our visit to the fort.

Dozens of WWII tanks and beyond adorn the museum and base's grounds.

We also visited a little known battlefield in Kentucky known as the Munfordville Battlefield. In the far background you can see the remains of Fort Craig, a Civil War fortification.

The Anthony Woodson House at the Munfordville Battlefield was burned but rebuilt after the war. This will someday hopefully become a visitor center to the park.

Dr. Steve Andrews takes a moment of spiritual reflection at the river near Mammoth Cave, KY.

History students visit hell....Nah, just kidding. This photo was actually taken in Mammoth Cave, the largest cave system in North America. There is over 357 miles of navigated caverns, and likely more not yet discovered.

We had to descend this very narrow and steep stairway into the belly of the cave known as "Grand Central Station."

Some good colorful shots from inside the cave.

The Hermitage - Home of President Andrew Jackson just right outside of Nashville, TN.

Penn State students at the grave of the 7th President at the Hermitage.

Also near Nashville is Fort Negley, an old Civil War fort used to guard the city from Confederate attack. It is now preserved but much of the structure was neglected following the war's end.

The student group stands at the McGavock Family Cemetery at Franklin, Tennessee. It is the largest, privately owned military cemetery in the nation. Over 1,500 Confederate dead from the Battle of Franklin are buried there. Carrie McGavock and her husband, John, oversaw the burial process. This battle witnessed a charge double the size of Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg.

The inside of the McGavock house, Carnton, still bears the blood stains of those southerners wounded in the battle.

Student Jared Frederick stands with our tour guide and New York Times bestselling novelist Robert Hicks, who's book, The Widow of the South, brought international recognition to the story of Carrie McGavock and the Battle of Franklin.

In Murfressboro, TN, the students visited the Oaklands Mansion, where Jared Frederick's Civil War ancestor Sgt. Sylvester Weakland was encamped with the 7th PA Cavalry when ambushed by Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest's Cavalry.

This blood stained canteen was found on the Murfreesboro (Stone's River) Battlefield.

Unfortunately, we took one casualty on the trip. Student Justin Shope was struck down by a rebel bullet and was buried on the fields of Murfreesboro. Other than that, it was a fantastic trip that none of us will forget! Special thanks to Dr. Steve Andrews, Dr. Marc Harris, and Carole Bookhamer for making this trip possible!

March History Film: The Pacific

2010-03-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Penn State Altoona History Society is pleased to announce a special episode showing of the new miniseries The Pacific. The series, from the creators of Band of Brothers, is based on the experiences of three Marines during World War II. Join the History Society on Wednesday March 17 to view the first episode of the series. The film begins at 7 p.m. in room 150 Hawthorn Building. Admission is free and open to the general public. Film length is one hour.

A Trip to Valley Forge

2010-02-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

Today, some forty history students from my campus of Penn State Altoona trekked the hallowed grounds of Valley Forge National Historical Park. The extremely knowledgeable and ever entertaining Joe Petrulionis was the teacher and supervisor. I was actually pleased by the amount of snow and muddy pathways. What better way to get a taste of Valley Forge's history than to be just slightly cold and muddy?

Following the American defeats at Brandywine on September 11 and Germantown on October 4, 1777, George Washington required a site to simultaneously train his men and keep an eye on British forces occupying Philadelphia 16 miles to the east. Valley Forge provided a site close enough for surveillance and foraging, but far enough away to avoid a British assault. In addition, the geographic components of the Schuylkill River and formidable high ground made the Forge a considerable defensive position. Six to ten inches of snow covered the ground for the majority of the winter. Of course, most know of the great suffering which took place there that winter, but that is only half the story. The new training methods implemented by Prussian Baron Freidrich Von Steuben throughout the six month encampment led to an arguably more efficient American fighting force.

Our guide was Ranger Scott Houting, an incredibly well-versed historian of the Revolution and military history. Our first stop in the park was the extreme left flank of the outer line defenses of the encampment. In this sector lived the men under the command of General Peter Muhlenberg's brigade. Upon the Continentals' arrival at Valley Forge, Washington broke down his army into companies of twelve men. These soldiers built cabins 14x16 feet in perimeter, humble shelters where they would live until the following spring. "Company Streets" were formed in this log cabin city. The Continental Army would leave the Forge on June 19, 1778 upon word of the British evacuation of Philadelphia.

Our first video features Ranger Pete Maugle discussing the composition of the Continental Army at Valley Forge.

Next, the very young but quite experienced sergeant in the photo's foreground helped demonstrate some small squad drilling and firing.

Here, Ranger Pete describes one of the modes of firing the muskets.

A fire was blazing away in their small cabin, yet the cold was still considerable.

After driving past the National Memorial Arch (similar to the arch in Paris) and the inner defense lines near Redoubt Number 3, our caravan arrived at the Isaac Potts House. In 1777, a woman by the name of Deborah Hues was a tenant of the stone house. The home was then subleased to Washington for use as his headquarters. The first "public" commemoration of Washington's birthday took place in the front yard of this home when an artillery band serenaded the general and wife Martha. (Or did the men just want their overdue pay?)

Ranger Houting talks about the architecture of the structure. Minus a new roof and some minor restorations, the Potts House largely remains as it did 232 years ago. Visitors can grasp the same stairway railing that the general used.

The front room of the house is where aides such as Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette would have completed much clerical work.

A brief synopsis of the work done in the front room.

The dinning room at the rear of the headquarters. Notice the almonds on the table - one of George's favorite treats. No wonder he had bad teeth...

An upstairs bedroom furnished as officers' quarters.

Reproduction cabins of Washington's "Life Guards," the 18th Century equivalent of the Secret Service.

In our final video, Ranger Houting provides additional information about Washington's elite personal body guards.

Our day in the Valley Forge area concluded with with a well-deserved mean at "Five Guys Burger and Fries." A good day indeed!

February History Film: "Inglourious Basterds"

2010-02-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

Film: Inglourious Basterds

Synopsis: In Nazi occupied France, young Jewish refugee Shosanna Dreyfus witnesses the slaughter of her family by Colonel Hans Landa. Narrowly escaping with her life, she plots her revenge several years later when German war hero Fredrick Zoller takes a rapid interest in her and arranges an illustrious movie premiere at the theater she now runs. With the promise of every major Nazi officer in attendance, the event catches the attention of the "Basterds", a group of Jewish-American guerilla soldiers led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt). As the squad advances and the conspiring young girl's plans are set in motion, their paths will cross for a fateful evening that will alter the Allied war effort in this "alternative history" drama by director Quentin Tarantino.

When: Wednesday February 17 at 7 p.m.
Where: Room 150 Hawthorn
Free Admission! Public invited.

Washington, D.C. Trip set for April

2010-01-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

Interested in going to our nation's capitol? Beginning now, you will be able to put down your $10.00--JUST $10!--and secure your seat on our bus to D.C. (as stressed below, payment goes to Molly or Steph in Hawthorn 203). This opportunity is being promoted in a handful of selected classes and will be opened to the whole campus during the third week of classes so there may be a rush for seats. Our 25 person tour of the White House is already booked.

If you would like to go to the Holocaust Museum, please know that there will be a $2 fee for the ticket (processing/shipping). You will get info concerning when and how that money will be collected at a later date.

Please act fast! We look forward to doing to DC with you!

Would you like to explore the HOLOCAUST MUSEUM in WASHINGTON, DC?

Would you like some free time in other SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS?

If you answer "yes" to either of the above, you should get on the list to go on TUESDAY APRIL 6THTO WASHINGTON, DC with the History Society & Sigma Tau Delta. We will leave Altoona, tentatively, at 6:30 a.m. and be back approximately by 10-10:30 p.m. Due to a Student Activity Fee contribution, the cost is ONLY $10.00 (non-refundable). Pay and get on the list by Monday March 15. Payment goes to Molly Slep or Steph Tanner in Hawthorn 203.

Questions: ddp2@psu.edu

January History Film: Public Enemies

2010-01-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We have several great trips planned for this semester including Monticello, Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, and the White House! Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, check out the trailer for January's History Film: Public Enemies.

Where: Room 150 Hawthorn Building
When: Wednesday January 20 at 7 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Extra Credit and popcorn available to students. Public invited!

November History Film: "Valkyrie"

2009-10-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

In Nazi Germany during World War II, as the tide turned in favor of The Allies, a cluster of senior German officers and politicians desperately plot to topple the Nazi regime before the nation is crushed in a near-inevitable defeat. To this end, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise), an Army officer convinced he must save Germany from Hitler, is recruited to mastermind a real plan. To do so, he arranges for the internal emergency measure, Operation: Valkyrie, to be changed to enable his fellows to seize control of Berlin after the assassination of the Fuhrer. However, even as the plan is put into action, a combination of bad luck and human failings conspire on their own to create a tragedy that would prolong the Reich's reign over Europe. Rated PG-13. 2 hours.

Where: Room 137 Hawthorn Building
When: Thursday November 19 at 7 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Extra Credit and popcorn available to students. Public invited!

October History Film: "Mongol"

2009-10-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

We had over seventy students and community member attend our history film last month! Make the next event even bigger and better.

October's film is Mongol. The movie is an epic story of a young Genghis Khan and how events in his early life lead him to become a legendary conqueror. The 9-year-old Temüjin is taken on a trip by his father to select a girl as his future wife. He meets Börte, who says she would like to be chosen, which he does. He promises to return after five years to marry her. Temüjin's father is poisoned on the trip, and dies. As a boy Temüjin passes through starvation, humiliations and even slavery, but later with the help of Börte he overcomes all of his childhood hardships to become one of the greatest conquerors the world has ever known. Oscar nominated for Best Foreign Film. Rated R for violence.

Where: Room 137 Hawthorn
When: Thursday October 22 at 7 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Extra Credit and popcorn available to students. Public invited!

September History Film: "Defiance"

2009-09-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

Film Synopsis:
On the run and hiding in the deep forests of the then German occupied Poland and Belorussia during World War II, the three Bielski brothers find the impossible task of foraging for food and weapons for their survival. They live, not only with the fear of discovery, contending with neighboring Soviet partisans and knowing whom to trust but also take the responsibility of looking after a large mass of fleeing Polish Jews from the German war machine. Women, men, children, the elderly and the young alike are all hiding in makeshift homes in the dark, cold and unforgiving forests in the darkest times of German occupied Eastern Europe. Rated R. 2 hours 10 minutes.

Where: 137 Hawthorn
When: Thursday September 24
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Extra Credit and popcorn available to students. Public invited!

What we do...

2009-08-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog of the Penn State Altoona History Society. As we begin the Fall semester, many students, whether freshmen or seniors, look to become more involved with student organizations as well as the community. This society offers the opportunity to do both. Throughout each Fall and Spring semester, our group hosts and assists a number of historical and cultural events throughout the central Pennsylvania region. We are dedicated to keeping history alive through interpretation, volunteerism, scholarship, and activism. Still have questions? Check out our information below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a History major to join? Does it cost anything?

No. Any interested student or faculty member of Penn State Altoona is welcome to join the history society. We have members majoring in everything from Mathematics to English. You don't have to be a well-versed scholar of history to get involved! Furthermore, membership is free!

What kind of work do you perform on campus and in the community?

We take part in many worthy projects. Our group is involved with the Blair County Historical Society, a local non-profit museum and historic site. Each semester, we aid the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park in their landscape restoration. We also become involved in other community projects as they become available. On campus, we are happy to help you with research and learn more about professions in the history field. In addition, we host monthly history movies in the Hawthorn Building as well as military history encampments each April.

Finally, we host guest speakers to discuss historical people, places, and events. Past discussions have talked about the American Indian Movement, the Holocaust, the Irish War of Independence, and the Battle of Gettysburg.

What are the monthly History Films?

Each month the society hosts a history-related movie in the Hawthorn Building. These are free, open to the public, and free popcorn is always served. Films shown in the past year include Letters from Iwo Jima, 300, The Kingdom, The Day Lincoln Was Shot, and Eight Men Out. Some movies planned for this year are Public Enemies, Valkyrie, Mongol, Defiance, and more. Further details are forthcoming. Many professors offer extra credit for attending these films.

Do you get involved with the History Department?

Most definitely yes! Our group is essentially a partner of the history faculty and department. They are our greatest supporters when it comes to forming programs, trips, and projects. This partnership is a great one, especially for history majors, for it allows you to become better acquainted with the faculty in addition to learning more about education options and history/cultural professions.

What types of Field Trips do you have?

The History Society typically holds three to five trips per year, depending on student interest. This year, we hope to hold trips going to Mount Vernon: the estate of George Washington, Washington, D.C. and the National Mall area, Gettysburg National Military Park, and hopefully some more. Such excursions usually do not cost students more than $15, if even that. If you have any ideas for a field trip location, feel free to leave a comment below.

What can the Society do for me?

This group offers great opportunities to become involved with the local community and the faculty of the Altoona campus. You'll learn much in the process and get to know other students who share the same interest of history that you do. Our members can offer suggestions with research, projects, and vocational assistance in the history field. Becoming a member gives you one more thing to put on your resume. Several of our former members now work at museums, National Parks, and educational institutions throughout the country. There is simply no downside in becoming a member of the History Society.

What can I do for the Society?

In his inaugural speech, President John F. Kennedy reflected that public service goes both ways. We believe the same thing. One of the few things asked of you as a member is to attend or volunteer at our events when you are available or when you are needed. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising on campus, so members are encouraged to invite friends to programs as well. As stated earlier, all of our programs are free and open to the campus and general public.

It is our mission that the society will not only help you appreciate history more, but make others equally aware of the importance that history plays in our society. We hope that you will join us!

Feel free to leave any questions or comments below. Thanks!

Hundreds of students attended our Civil War encampment on campus last spring.