Thursday, March 28, 2024

Explore Talleyrand Park and learn about Underground Railroad history

Submitted by ClearWater Conservancy

TALLEYRAND PARK in Bellefonte and the community’s ties to the Underground Railroad will be featured June 19 and June 22 as the next installment of Centred Outdoors.

BELLEFONTE — History lovers are invited to explore Talleyrand Park and Bellefonte with Centred Outdoors on June 19 and June 22. The events and activities offered this week include self-guided walking tours of the Underground Railroad history throughout Bellefonte, a croquet demonstration and an expert-led guided tour of Bellefonte’s waterfront area with Local Historia.

For all days and activities, participants will meet in downtown Bellefonte in Talleyrand Park, where unique bits of history as well as well as recently added features can be discovered. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the park to spot some of its lesser-known areas such as the recently completed bridge along the back of the park that connects the open park annex area with the main section, the Lincoln bust sculpture in the George Grey Bernard Sculpture Garden, and the edible landscape and pollinator gardens in the park annex near Big Spring Spirits.

On Sunday, two activities will be offered for all ages and fitness levels in and around Talleyrand Park during the Father’s Day and Juneteenth holidays. Anytime between 1 and 4 p.m., participants can stop by the Centred Outdoors welcome table for details and instructions for taking a self-guided walking tour to learn about Underground Railroad history in Bellefonte. The tour highlights six key areas within walking distance of the park where key leaders made significant contributions to assist freedom seekers in their escape from slavery. The tour was created and recently made available online by a group from Leadership Centre County’s class of 2022 in collaboration with Bellefonte Art Museum of Centre County, Centre County Library & Historical Museum and Local Historia Walking Tours.

Also on Sunday, a croquet demonstration will take place in the annex area of the park with the Talleyrand Croquet Club between 1 and 4 p.m. Croquet enthusiasts and anyone curious about trying the sport in a casual and fun atmosphere can stop by to play and learn more about the history and rules of the game. All equipment will be provided.

Then on Wednesday, June 22, at 6 p.m. an expert with Local Historia will guide participants on a walk to explore the heart of the area’s history, Bellefonte’s waterfront. From the Big Spring to the Gamble Mill, the tour will include discussion of industries like the Match Factory, railroads, former structures, the development of Talleyrand Park as well as other stories about Bellefonte and its people.

In addition to offering a perfect place for an afternoon walk or a historic tour, the park is a popular destination for picnics, with a sizeable playground for young children close to tables and restrooms. There are plenty of cafes, gift shops and restaurants within walking distance as well, so it’s recommended that you allow for plenty of time to relax and enjoy your in-town adventure this week. Whether the trip is one’s first or 50th to Talleyrand Park, a visit to the center of Bellefonte is guaranteed to be informative, relaxing and fun as its beauty and details pique your interest in the natural world and local history.

Centred Outdoors is a program of ClearWater Conservancy, and all events are free and open to the public. Visit www.centredoutdoors.org to view full event details, safety tips including tick bite prevention, and the entire season six schedule.