Archive for the ‘History & Landmarks’ Category
Venue of Merging Arts (VOMA)
Published Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
What began with the goal of saving a church in Johnstown, PA, now stands poised to become one of the city’s cornerstone cultural landmarks. Located in historic Cambria City, the Venue of Merging Arts (VOMA) is the outcome of efforts by city natives Adam and T.K. Mundok.
The structure that formerly held St. George’s Serbian Orthodox Church is being transformed into a facility that is part gallery, part performance space, part education center. “We wanted to find a way to repurpose this magnificent structure,” says Adam. “The goal is to bring it back to the public.”
Old Cambria County Jail
Published Thursday, January 7th, 2010
In downtown Ebensburg, PA a piece of local history has been captured and preserved by the Cambria County Historical Society. Located in the original cellblock of the former county jail, the Old Cambria County Jail is a historic installation open to the public.
Since opening in 2001, the museum has provided our region with a peek into the local justice system through the display of artifacts and educational posters, and even providing access to one of the cells.
Johnstown Flood Museum
Published Monday, December 14th, 2009
It’s integrated into local culture and history so closely that we barely stop to think about the fateful events on May 31, 1889. The date that Johnstown was struck with a tragedy that earned the town the title of Flood City. The date of the Johnstown Flood. The Johnstown Flood Museum stands as a tribute and memorial to those who were lost and to the devastation suffered 120 years ago. Providing an in-depth look at the events that shaped the city as we know it, the museum is a unique and educational display in the heart of downtown Johnstown, PA.
Cambria County War Memorial Arena
Published Friday, October 16th, 2009
Each year hundreds of thousands of people pass through the doors of the Cambria County War Memorial, located in downtown Johnstown, PA, near the base of the world famous Johnstown Inclined Plane. Serving as the city’s major sporting and entertainment venue, the arena is host to a variety of events, from concerts to conventions to sporting events.
Portage Station Museum
Published Friday, October 9th, 2009
Photograph courtesy of the Portage Area Historical Society
The American railway system is a major part of the heritage of Cambria and the surrounding counties. For the better part of two centuries, locomotives have transported passengers and goods from, to and through the region. Portage Station Museum provides visitors with an in-depth look into the railroad industry and its impact upon our region.
Cambria City Ethnic Festival
Published Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
Labor Day weekend is always a big deal in the city of Johnstown, PA. While no one wants to wish the summer away, it’s impossible to ignore the anticipation of this Holiday weekend’s activities. The excitement is due in large part to the annual Cambria City Ethnic Festival, a family-oriented festival that fills the West End with people in search of live musical performances, top-of-the-line food and an atmosphere that is the very definition of ‘community’.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Ethnic Festival continues to delight residents of and visitors to the Johnstown-area by providing traditional ethnic food prepared by local churches and free concerts by a wide-range of bands. “There will be copious amounts of food,” says Paul Kushner, Festival Committee Chairman for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, one of the participating churches.
Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center
Published Thursday, June 4th, 2009
Photograph courtesy of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association
When it comes to things to do in the Johnstown area, few attractions can match up to what the Heritage Discovery Center has to offer. The facility, located on Broad Street in the City’s West End, houses interactive exhibits, galleries, a café and a social club. Just in time for summer the Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA) has unveiled two new exhibitions—The Johnstown Children’s Museum and “The Mystery of Steel”, a short film providing insight into the role of the city of Johnstown in the steel making industry.
As it’s the jewel in your own backyard that is frequently overlooked for no other reason than its close proximity, the Heritage Discovery Center is holding a free preview of the new facilities.
