Bells Across PA 250 – “Echoes of Armstrong"

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Armstrong County 250 Kick-Off

Let’s give the Kittanning Firemen’s Band a true Armstrong County send-off!

Armstrong County has something very special to celebrate. The Kittanning Firemen’s Band has been selected to represent Pennsylvania and Armstrong County in the Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

Before they make their way to our nation’s capital, our community is invited to come together for a patriotic send-off at the Armstrong County Courthouse.

Saturday, June 13
10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Armstrong County Courthouse, Kittanning, PA

Performance by Kittanning Firemen’s Band

This is a wonderful opportunity to stand together as a community, show our pride, and support the band as they prepare to carry Armstrong County’s name to Washington, D.C. during our nation’s 250th celebration.

Bring your flags, lawn chairs, bring your pride, and let’s make this a send-off they will never forget.

Armstrong County is on the road to Washington, D.C.!

Thanks for all your support,

250 Committee

Call for Volunteers: Be Part of America’s 250th in Armstrong County!

As we prepare to celebrate the Semiquincentennial of the United States, Armstrong County is gearing up for an exciting lineup of events that honor our rich history, culture, and community pride — and we need your help to make it happen!

Interested or want more information?
Text Donna Weckerly at 724-664-3976 to learn more or to sign up as a volunteer.

Let’s come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and help shape Armstrong County’s role in America at 250. We’d love to have you on the team! 🇺🇸

Bells Across PA 250

Bells Across PA 250 – “Echoes of Armstrong"

As part of Pennsylvania’s statewide semiquincentennial celebration, Armstrong County proudly unveiled its own “Bells Across PA” sculpture—honoring our heritage, our industry, and the community spirit that continues to ring loudly throughout the region. Designed by local artist Cathy Strate, the bell symbolizes unity, remembrance, and Armstrong County’s enduring contributions to America over 250 years. It will stand as a landmark for generations to come.

Armstrong County Arts Council

Armstrong County Arts Council

Armstrong County Arts Council

The Armstrong County Arts Council serves as the creative and cultural partner for Armstrong County’s America 250celebration, helping to connect history, art, and community throughout this once-in-a-generation commemoration.

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts across Armstrong County, the Arts Council works collaboratively with local artists, historical organizations, schools, municipalities, and community groups to develop programs that honor our past while inspiring future generations.

Armstrong County Courthouse

Court House

Armstrong County Courthouse

The Heart of County Government and Civic Life

The Armstrong County Courthouse has stood at the center of Kittanning for more than a century, serving as the seat of county government and a symbol of justice, civic responsibility, and community leadership.

Constructed in the early 1900s, the courthouse reflects the optimism and permanence of its era. Its commanding architecture was designed to represent stability, fairness, and the rule of law—values that remain essential to Armstrong County today.serving as the seat of county government and a symbol of justice, civic responsibility, and community leadership.

Armstrong County Courthouse

Armstrong County Historical Society

Armstrong County Historical Society

The Armstrong County Historical Society preserves and protects the stories of our region through its museum spaces, educational programming, exhibits, and archival collections. From early frontier settlements to industrial growth along the Allegheny River, the Society safeguards the artifacts and histories that connect our past to our present. Their work ensures that future generations understand Armstrong County’s important role in the American story.

Armstrong Trails

Armstrong trails

Armstrong Trails

From Railroads to Recreation

Armstrong Trails follows the former railroad lines that once powered Armstrong County’s industrial economy. These rail corridors carried coal, steel, timber, goods, and workers—connecting local towns to regional and national markets.

As rail use declined, the routes were preserved and reimagined as a multi-use trail system. Today, Armstrong Trails is a key outdoor and tourism asset, welcoming walkers, cyclists, and visitors to explore the county’s riverfronts, communities, and natural beauty.

Once a path for industry, these corridors now connect people—to history, to the outdoors, and to one another.

Drake Log Cabin

Drake Log Cabin

Drake Log Cabin

The Drake Log Cabin in Apollo offers a rare and tangible glimpse into the earliest days of settlement in Armstrong County.

Built during the late 18th century, the cabin reflects the realities of frontier life, when families relied on craftsmanship, self-sufficiency, and the natural landscape to survive and build new communities. Structures like the Drake Log Cabin served not only as homes, but as centers of daily life where work, family, and perseverance intersected.

As one of the county’s preserved historic cabins, the Drake Log Cabin helps tell the story of westward expansion, early settlement patterns, and the determination of those who shaped Armstrong County long before modern towns and industries emerged.

Elk Brewing Company

Elk Brewing Company

Elk Brewing Company

In the heart of Kittanning, the Elk Brewing Company stands as a powerful example of how Armstrong County honors its past while boldly embracing the future. Originally founded in the late 1800s, the historic Elk Brewing Company was once a vital part of Kittanning’s industrial and social fabric, producing beer that reflected the craftsmanship and work ethic of the era.

Today, Elk Brewing Company has been thoughtfully resurrected—reviving its historic name and legacy while reimagining the brewing tradition for a modern audience. Drawing inspiration from original recipes, local history, and contemporary brewing innovation, the new Elk Brewing Company blends time-honored techniques with present-day creativity to produce beer that is both rooted in tradition and distinctly current.

Experience Armstrong

Experience Armstrong

Experience Armstrong serves as the county’s tourism and economic development partner, promoting the best of our outdoor recreation, small businesses, events, and local heritage. Through marketing, partnerships, and community engagement, the organization helps residents and visitors discover all that Armstrong County offers—whether it’s a riverside adventure, a historic landmark, or a thriving arts and cultural scene. Their work strengthens local pride while boosting the region’s economic vitality.

Ford City Armory

Ford City Armory plaque

Ford City Armory

Built in 1938, the Ford City Armory stands as a lasting symbol of civic pride, military readiness, and community life in Armstrong County. Constructed with local materials and craftsmanship, the armory reflects the architectural style and federal investment of the late 1930s, a period when such buildings were designed to serve both military and public purposes.

Originally home to units of the Pennsylvania National Guard, the Ford City Armory played an important role in preparing local soldiers during a time of global uncertainty. Beyond its military function, the building quickly became a central gathering place for the community, hosting social events, public meetings, and civic activities that brought residents together.

Ford City’s Industrial Roots

Ford City’s train tracks

Ford City’s Industrial Roots

Ford City, Pennsylvania | Built by Industry, Sustained by Community

Ford City, Pennsylvania stands as a powerful example of how American industry helped shape towns, livelihoods, and national progress. Founded in the late 19th century as a planned industrial community, Ford City grew alongside two major manufacturers—Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) and Eljer Plumbingware—whose factories transformed the region and supplied essential products to the nation.

Fort Armstrong Folk Festival

Fort Armstrong Folk Festival Mug

Fort Armstrong Folk Festival

A beloved summer tradition, the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival brings the heart of Armstrong County to life through art, music, craftsmanship, and history. Held along the Allegheny River, the festival showcases regional artisans, live entertainment, heritage demonstrations, and community spirit in its purest form. Celebrating more than 50 years of tradition, the festival remains a cornerstone event that honors the county’s cultural legacy and creative talent.

Freeport Theatre Festival

Freeport Theatre Festival Play

Freeport Theatre Festival

Founded in 1989 by Rennick and Marushka Steele, the Freeport Theatre Festival took root in the rural Allegheny–Kiski Valley, a region once shaped by steel, labor, and resilience. At a time when the valley faced economic decline, the Steeles envisioned a theatre that would lift spirits, strengthen community, and offer local youth a creative “team” unlike any other.

From humble beginnings—hayfield parking, gravel floors, folding chairs, and a bare stage—the theatre grew through determination, volunteerism, and community support. While the facility evolved over the decades into a comfortable, modern space, its defining feature remains unchanged: a “blank canvas” stage that places story, actor, and imagination at the center.

The French and Indian War (1754–1763)

The French and Indian War (1754–1763) picture

The French and Indian War (1754–1763)

Long before Armstrong County was established, this region stood at the crossroads of competing empires during the French and Indian War — a pivotal conflict that shaped the future of North America.

Fought between Great Britain and France, with Native American nations playing critical and strategic roles, the war centered on control of land, trade routes, and frontier settlements. Western Pennsylvania became a key battleground, as rivers and trails in the region connected the Ohio Valley to expanding colonial interests.

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