BOALSBURG — Boalsburg is known for being the birthplace of Memorial Day, and three women are credited for holiday’s creation. In 1864, Emma Hunter, Sophie Keller and Elizabeth Meyer arrived at the cemetery in Boalsburg to decorate the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers with flowers. The following year, the three women, alongside other town members, returned to decorate the graves and remember the sacrifices of the soldiers. From that, the tradition of honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the country was born.
This Memorial Day, visit these historical spots in Boalsburg.
Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum
The Boal estate has been in the Boal family for over 200 years. The Boal Mansion gives a glimpse into the history of the family and time period, with original furnishings, artwork and international artifacts from the original family members on display.
When Col. Theodore Davis Boal, the fourth generation of local Boal family members, went to Europe and married Mathilde de Legarde, the family inherited the Columbus Chapel. The chapel was imported from Spain in 1909 and has two pieces of the True Cross of Jesus, as well as other European art pieces.
There is a daily tour at 2 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday each week of the mansion and chapel.
The Three Ladies Statue
A statue that pays homage to the three women credited with the start of Memorial Day can be found at the Boalsburg Cemetery. On this monument, the “Honors to the Fallen” plaque can be found, commemorating Boalsburg as the birthplace of Memorial Day.
Boalsburg Heritage Museum
Founded in 1982, the Boalsburg Heritage Museum aims to preserve historical Boalsburg artifacts and educate the community on the historical context of the town. Learn about the history of Boalsburg through memorabilia from the time.
Tours are available on Sunday afternoon or by appointment and last about an hour. Tours are free, though donations are appreciated for the maintenance of the museum.
Pennsylvania Military Museum
The Pennsylvania Military Museum is located in Boalsburg and serves as a place for the community to learn more about the men and women of the commonwealth who served in or are serving in the Armed Forces.
External to the museum are a number of shrines, including the 28th Infantry Division National Shrine, the 109th Field Artillery Train Wreck Memorial, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team memorial, the 28th Signal Battalion monument, the Korean Call Up monument, the 28th Division Global War on Terror Monument, the Bazooka Boogie Monument and many more.
