Museums
Indiana County was one of the major routes for the Underground Railroad in the early 1800’s. This time frame of the transporting slaves through to the region to gain there freedom is reenacted in an annual performance. The Underground Rail Road Museum located in Blairsville is open May through October and makes for great field trips, group outings and a backdrop for events.
Many of IUP’s buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. You will find those sites throughout the campus; some house the administrative offices while others hold an occasional academic class.
There is one item that you will only find in Indiana County, PA; the birthplace of the Hollywood Actor Jimmy Stewart known for several classics including Harvey, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It’s a Wonderful Life. A museum located in downtown Indiana showcases his life and the many contributions he made in the film industry, his military career, Boy Scouts of America and his involvement with the ASPCA. Classic movies are shown in the museum’s theatre.
Blairsville Underground Railroad
Blairsville, PA 15717
Phone: 724-459-5779
Fax: 724-459-0580
http://www.undergroundrailroadblairsvillepa.com
The Passport to Freedom is dedicated to the lives of brave men and women who believed that any type of slavery was wrong. At the risk of being fined and arrested, they willing aided enslaved people in their quest to find safety and freedom. As these freedom seekers traveled north through Indiana County, they were sheltered and moved from one safe place to another. The "Rescue of 1858: Newman's Escape" occurred in Blairsville and is reenacted annually. The historic marker is located just west of the bandstand near the Conemaugh River. Mailing address is 116 E. Campbell St., Blairsville, PA 15717.Dane Castle
Strongstown, PA 15957
Phone: 814-749-7341
http://www.danecastle.com
Take a step back in time and visit this 12th century medieval castle filled with suits of armor and weaponry
Indiana University Museum
Indiana,, PA 15705
Phone: 724 357-2397
Fax: NA
http://www.arts.iup.edu/museum/
The University Museum is located in John Sutton Hall, a beautifully restored and nationally registered historic landmark built in 1875. The mission of the Museum is to bring the material history and arts of the region together in an environment that encourages exploration, dialogue and enjoyment.This mandate is based on the belief that art and history are unbounded and essential to our understanding of who we were, who we are and who we want to be.
Jimmy Stewart Museum
Indiana, PA 15701
Phone: 724-349-6112
Fax: 724-349-6140
http://www.jimmy.org
The museum is dedicated to world renowned actor Jimmy Stewart. Located in Indiana, PA, his birthplace. Career and personal history and artifacts, 50 seat movie theatre, and Gift Shop. Winter Hours Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
