Boalsburg holds a significant and heartfelt claim as the birthplace of Memorial Day. This distinction stems from an act of remembrance that took place in October 1864.
The story begins with three local women: Emma Hunter, Sophie Keller, and Elizabeth Meyer. As the Civil War raged on, communities across the nation were grappling with immense loss. In Boalsburg, these women, each mourning loved ones who had served or were still serving in the conflict, separately visited the local cemetery to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.
According to historical accounts, on that day, they encountered each other at the cemetery. Moved by their shared grief and purpose, they decided to return the following year to honor not only their own loved ones but all soldiers who had died in the war. They proposed making it an annual tradition for the entire community to participate in decorating the graves of all soldiers.
This local observance in Boalsburg is considered by many to be one of the earliest and most direct precursors to what we now know as Memorial Day. While other towns and cities also have claims to early Memorial Day observances, Boalsburg’s 1864 event is notable for its community-focused approach and the clear intention to honor all soldiers.
Memorial Day Events
Burning Ma’aM 2025
WINKLEBLECH FIELDS 1104 Pine Creek Rd, Woodward, PA, United StatesBURNING Ma’aM IS BACK IN 2025 TO OFFICIALLY CELEBRATE OUR 5th YEAR OF ROCK N ROLL IN THE VALLEY! WITH 20 BANDS, VINTAGE, RETAIL, AND FOOD VENDORS COMING IN FROM […]
Boalsburg Fire Company Carnival
Boalsburg Fire Hall 113 East Pine St, BoalsburgThe Annual Carnival will feature all your Fire Company favorites and full midway provided by our friends at Sunshine Shows of Middleburg. There will be rides, games and lots of […]
A Walk to Remember our Fallen
Pennsylvania Military Museum 51 Boal Avenue, Boalsburg, PA, United StatesA Soldier’s Hands is a non-profit partner of Carry The Load (CTL). CTL provides active ways to honor and remember our nation’s heroes by connecting Americans to the importance of […]
Battle Cry of Freedom – A Civil War Experience
Pennsylvania Military Museum 51 Boal Avenue, Boalsburg, PA, United StatesJoin the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, from 10AM-4PM for Battle Cry of Freedom: A Civil War Experience. This living history weekend allows visitors to […]
Boalsburg Fire Company Memorial Day Parade
Parade Line-up will begin at 3:00 pm. Parade participants are asked to enter via W. Main St. from Shingletown Rd. Fire Apparatus and Ambulance’s will stage on Bailey Ln. off […]
Civil War Remembered – A Cemetery Tour
305 North Church Street 305 North Church Street, Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaJoin the Pennsylvania Military Museum and Local Historia on Saturday, May 24, at 7PM for Civil War Remembered: A Cemetery Lantern Tour. History professor Jared Frederick will guide patrons through […]
Charity Benefit Concert
American Legion Post 245 1950 Pine Hall Road, State CollegeCharity Benefit Concert-Saturday May 24American Legion Post 245 is hosting the musical duo Biscuit Jam from 8-11pm. The indoor event is open to the public and there will be a […]
AACA Allegheny Mt. Region Antique Automobile Show
Boalsburg Boalsburg, PA, United StatesAntique Automobile Club of America presents its annual show at Boalsburg’s Pennsylvania Military Museum. Classic & antique vehicles 25 to 100 years old. Come join the fun in the heart […]
Memorial Day Festival
Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum 163 Boal Estate Dr, Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaJoin us for the annual “Day in Towne” at the heart of the “Birthplace of Memorial Day.” Our event runs 10-5. We have ample parking on the estate – enjoy […]
Teen Mental Health Barnes & Noble Book Signing – June 14 @ 1PM
Barnes & Noble 365 Benner Pike, State College, PA, United StatesSummer Reading Challenge for Tweens and Teens to Learn Something New and Exciting – YOUR MENTAL HEALTH!Teachers and parents and teens are struggling with what to do to impact the […]
