Outfitting the PA Wilds: Local Historia
- by Britt Madera
- September 7, 2023
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Part of the Outfitting the PA Wilds series
When most people think of outfitters, they imagine businesses that will help them explore the wilderness and waterways by offering guided hiking tours or renting kayaks.
However, Local Historia helps travelers explore in a different way… by guiding them through history and culture.
Local Historia is based in Bellefonte, Centre County, along the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds. Local Historia’s mission is to shine light upon the past, connect you with local history through engaging content, walking tours, and other unique experiences. Historical walking tours are at the heart of who they are.
Historia is the root word for history and means to inquire. So at Local Historia, they have a true passion for local history, community, and preservation. In the process, they strive to give back to the Bellefonte community by working to preserve historical sites and stories. This concept of history helping history is essential to the identity of Local Historia, and they commit to giving back to support historic preservation and other positive community initiatives.
The organization was established in 2019 and is owned by public historians Matt Maris and Dustin Elder.
Local Historia believes that this quote sums up what they attempt to do: “Through interpretation, understanding; through understanding, appreciation; through appreciation, protection.” – National Park Service
Tour options include Downtown Bellefonte, Waterfront tours, Talleyrand Park tours, Civil War, Underground Railroad and other custom tours in Bellefonte or Centre County by request. Private tours in Tyrone are also available!
Walking tours can be modified and customized to meet your needs and interests. Please simply let them know if you require wheelchair accessibility or have any other requests to improve your tour experience. Presentations can also be arranged.
Public tours are routinely scheduled, and you can find them on the Local Historia calendar.
Free tours are sometimes offered as well, such as free tours during Fridays in the Fonte or special tours offered for free to the public courtesy of another organization.
One particular tour is the Women of Influence Walking Tour, which is offered on select days. The Daughters of Civil War Union Veterans Tent 62 welcomes you to join Local Historia as they take a step back in time to tell the story of seven accomplished Bellefonte Women. Connect with the everyday lives of Ann Harris, Katherine Curtin, Adeline Graham, Mary Beaver, Marion Petrikin, Meek Daughters and Match Factory employees.
Although the Women of Influence Walking Tour is free, donations are appreciated.
Private and custom group walking tours may be available by request. If you are a large group or organization, advanced notice of your request will help ensure scheduling. The pricing currently is $12 for adults (ages 16 or older) and $6 for children (ages 5-15). Kids 4 and under can attend for free. The minimum price per tour is $40. Special rates are available for veterans. Special private tours, such as Ghost Tours, have different prices.
Because Local Historia wants everyone to be able to experience history and learn about their community, they also encourage visitors to use self-guided tours if they are unable to take a scheduled tour. Self-guided tour information is available on the Local Historia website.
Local Historia is a Field Guide member in the Experience Makers category of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Learn more about Local Historia and leave them a review or recommendation on their WCO profile.
About the Outfitting the PA Wilds series:
Each Thursday, the PA Wilds Are Calling blog will spotlight an outfitter that is owned and operated within the PA Wilds, helping you explore in a safe yet unforgettable way. The beauty of the PA Wilds is evident in its vast spaces of public lands and scenic waterways. With all of that open space, it’s easy to find an outdoor experience to enjoy! We’re fortunate that the PA Wilds not only has a wealth of outdoor experiences, but also bountiful outfitter businesses that can help you make the most of your adventures.
