Four local organizations have teamed up for a video series that explores the lesser known history behind some favorite Centre County spots.
A virtual tour and history lesson, “Hidden Happy Valley” will provide a glimpse into local life and community of the past. The series of 10-minute videos is a collaboration among Schlow Centre Region Library, Centre County Library & Historical Museum, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Local Historia.
“Hidden Happy Valley is all about highlighting some of the fascinating historical and cultural sites that we have right here in Centre County, and encouraging our neighbors as well as out-of-town visitors to connect with those places,” Robbin Degeratu, administrative director at Centre County Library & Historical Museum, said in a release. “We’re excited to partner with other organizations that value learning, tourism and connecting with history and culture.”
The series debuted on Saturday on YouTube with Local Historia’s Matt Maris and Dustin Elder joining Philipsburg’s Teresa Mull to explore the Union Church and Burial Ground, known as the Old Mud Church.
Episodes 2 and 3 will be released on July 24 and Aug. 28, spotlighting special spots in Milesburg and Boalsburg. Each is moderated by Maris and Elder as they showcase places filled with history and Centre County life.
“We thought Hidden Happy Valley would be a fun, interesting way to connect people to places that may be unexpected but share a fascinating past worth surfacing a bit,” Maria Burchill, head of adult services at Schlow Library, said. “Our hope is that the videos will entice local residents and visitors to read more, explore more, and share more about our community while experiencing surprise and joy along the way.”
The videos will be available on the Centre County Library, Schlow Library, Advenutre Bureau and Local Historia YouTube channels.
“Residents and visitors alike will enjoy learning the interesting stories behind some of our unique assets,” Happy Valley Adventure Bureau President and CEO Fritz Smith said. “We are glad we could help bring these stories to life. We hope revealing hidden Happy Valley will encourage even greater exploration of the fascinating history of the county.”
