PA Historic Places

Exploring Bellefonte’s History with Local Historia Guided Tours

A collage of images showcasing various historical sites and activities during a walking tour of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, with Local Historia. The top left image shows a guide holding an old photograph for a then-and-now comparison at a street intersection. The top right image features a guide pointing to an old image of a historical site near a fence. The middle left image highlights the Bellefonte Governors Memorial, with the guide pointing out the name of Andrew Gregg Curtin. The middle right and bottom images capture different historic buildings in Bellefonte, including the Brockerhoff House, with their distinctive architecture and rich history. This collage reflects the immersive experience provided by Local Historia's guided walking tours, where history is brought to life through detailed storytelling and visual comparisons.

Bellefonte, Pennsylvania is a town steeped in history, and there’s no better way to explore it than with Local Historia.

A welcoming sign at the entrance to Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, reads "Victorian Bellefonte Welcomes You, Established 1795." The sign is surrounded by greenery and flowers, including a potted plant placed on a rock in front of it, reflecting the town's charm and historic character. This sign is often seen by visitors on Local Historia's walking tours, setting the stage for exploring Bellefonte's rich Victorian heritage and its long-standing history.

Founded in 2019 and co-owned by public historians Matt Maris and Dustin Elder, Local Historia offers guided walking tours that bring the rich history of Bellefonte to life.

A guide from Local Historia, dressed in period attire, holds up a historical photograph of Andrew Gregg Curtin, Pennsylvania’s Civil War governor, while standing across from the Centre County Courthouse and the Bellefonte Governors Memorial in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The courthouse and memorial serve as a backdrop, emphasizing the town's deep connection to Civil War history. This photo captures the interactive nature of Local Historia's walking tours, where historical figures and events are brought to life through visual aids and detailed storytelling.

On a tour with Local Historia, you can choose from a variety of themes, including Downtown Bellefonte, the Waterfront, and Talleyrand Park.

A historic train station in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, featuring classic architectural details and a brick exterior, stands as a preserved landmark in the town. The station, which is now a charming public space with outdoor seating, is part of the rich history explored on Local Historia's guided walking tours. The surrounding area, including the tracks and nearby buildings, adds to the nostalgic atmosphere of this significant site.

For those interested in more specific topics, they offer tours focused on the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and even custom tours tailored to your interests.

A guide from Local Historia, dressed in period attire, points to a name on a Civil War monument in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, while holding historical documents and photographs. The monument is engraved with the names of soldiers, and the guide is providing detailed insights into the lives and contributions of these veterans as part of a Civil War-themed walking tour. This moment captures the interactive and educational approach of the tour, connecting participants with the personal histories of those who served.

My Tour Experiences with Local Historia

In preparing to write this article, I had the pleasure of taking two separate tours with Local Historia founder Matt Maris.

A guide dressed in period clothing from Local Historia points to the name of Andrew Gregg Curtin on the Bellefonte Governors Memorial during a walking tour in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The memorial honors the town’s connection to several Pennsylvania governors, including Curtin, who served during the Civil War.

The first was the Downtown Bellefonte tour, where Matt’s in-depth knowledge brought the town’s Victorian architecture and historical landmarks to life.

A view of the historic Brockerhoff House in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, showcasing its distinctive architecture with steeply pitched roofs and ornate details. The building, which once served as a hotel, stands prominently on the corner of a bustling street, reflecting the town's rich heritage. This iconic site is a key stop on the walking tours offered by Local Historia, where visitors can learn about its historical significance and the role it played in the development of Bellefonte.

The second tour was the Civil War-themed tour, which offered a fascinating exploration of Bellefonte’s connections to this pivotal period in American history.

A bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln, created by George Grey Barnard in 1917, is mounted on a stone pedestal in a park in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The sculpture captures Lincoln's distinctive features and is surrounded by lush greenery. This statue is a significant landmark on the Local Historia walking tour, offering visitors a connection to the historical legacy of Lincoln and his era, as well as the town’s appreciation for American history.

Bellefonte is notably the birthplace of Pennsylvania’s Civil War governor, Andrew Curtin, who played a crucial role in supporting the Union during the war.

A close-up view of the statue of Andrew Gregg Curtin, Pennsylvania’s Civil War governor, standing tall against a clear blue sky in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The statue captures Curtin’s dignified presence, with intricate details of his coat and posture visible. This monument is a key stop on the Civil War-themed walking tour provided by Local Historia, offering visitors a chance to reflect on his significant contributions to the state during a pivotal time in American history.

Curtin’s impact on the war effort is a central focus of the tour, and participants will learn about his leadership and legacy.

A close-up view of the plaque on the monument dedicated to Andrew Gregg Curtin in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, detailing his roles as Secretary of the Commonwealth, Governor during the Civil War, Minister to Russia, Delegate-at-Large at the Constitutional Convention, and Congressman. The plaque also honors him as "The Great War Governor" and "The Soldier's Friend." This monument and its inscription are significant stops on the Civil War-themed walking tour offered by Local Historia, highlighting Curtin’s extensive contributions to both the state and the nation.

After his death, Curtin was laid to rest in Bellefonte, where his gravesite at Union Cemetery can still be visited today.

The gravesite of Andrew Gregg Curtin, former Governor of Pennsylvania during the Civil War, located in a serene cemetery in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The headstone is inscribed with his name, birth and death dates, and his tenure as governor. An American flag stands beside the grave, reflecting his significant contributions to the state and the nation. This historic site is a key feature of the Civil War-themed walking tour offered by Local Historia.

This tour offers a poignant look at how the Civil War shaped both the town and the nation, making it a must for history enthusiasts.

A historical marker on the sidewalk in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, commemorates the birthplace of Andrew G. Curtin, who served as Governor of Pennsylvania from 1861 to 1867. The marker highlights his contributions, including the establishment of State Normal Schools, organizing the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, and securing funds for State Orphan Schools. This significant site is featured on the walking tours provided by Local Historia, offering visitors a chance to connect with the town's Civil War-era history.

Matt’s passion for history and his meticulous research made both tours incredibly enriching experiences, offering unique insights into the town’s storied past.

A guide from Local Historia, dressed in period attire, stands beside the Bellefonte Governors Memorial in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The memorial features engraved portraits and names of several governors connected to the town, with the historic Bush Arcade Building visible in the background. This photo captures the educational and immersive experience offered on Local Historia's guided walking tours, which highlight the town's rich political and historical heritage.

One of the highlights of the tours with Matt was his use of old photos to create striking then-and-now comparisons at various points along the walking routes.

A guide from Local Historia, dressed in period attire, stands at a crosswalk in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, holding a historical photograph that shows the same location as it appeared in the past. The photograph provides a then-and-now comparison, illustrating the changes and continuities in the town's streetscape. The intersection is surrounded by historic brick buildings, adding to the sense of connection between Bellefonte's past and present. This moment highlights the immersive and educational nature of the walking tours offered by Local Historia.

These visual juxtapositions allowed me to see how Bellefonte has evolved over time, adding a layer of depth and context to the historical narratives.

A guide from Local Historia holds up an old photograph during a walking tour in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, showing a historical view of the area. The guide points out details in the photograph, creating a then-and-now comparison with the current surroundings, which include a fence, greenery, and historic buildings. This technique enhances the tour experience by vividly illustrating the town's evolution over time.

It was fascinating to stand in the exact spots depicted in the old photographs and witness firsthand how the town has changed—or, in some cases, remained remarkably preserved.

The historic Petrikin Hall building in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, features a red brick facade with arched windows and ornate stone detailing. The building, marked with "W.C.T.U. Petrikin Hall" at the top, stands as a testament to the town's architectural heritage and its connection to social movements like the Women's Christian Temperance Union. This site is included in the Local Historia walking tour, offering visitors insights into the building's historical significance and its role in Bellefonte's community life.

This thoughtful approach really enhanced the overall experience, making the history of Bellefonte feel both tangible and alive.

A scenic view of Allegheny Street in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, showing a row of historic Victorian buildings with ornate architectural details under a sky tinged with the colors of sunset, captured during a walking tour with Local Historia. The street is quiet, highlighting the town's preserved charm and historical significance.

Videos from Local Historia

Local Historia also extends its reach beyond the tours by creating engaging videos that delve into Centre County’s past.

A grand view of the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, featuring neoclassical architecture with tall columns and a prominent clock tower. In the foreground stands the statue of Andrew Gregg Curtin, framed by a curved memorial wall adorned with plaques and sculptures, honoring his legacy as Pennsylvania’s Civil War governor. This site is a central highlight on the Local Historia walking tour, offering visitors a deep connection to the historical significance of both the courthouse and Curtin’s contributions to the state.

These videos are available on their website, providing another way for history enthusiasts to connect with the region’s heritage.

A beautifully ornate fountain in Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, features water spraying from the mouth of a fish sculpture into a tiered basin below. The fountain is surrounded by lush greenery and park benches, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting. This location is part of the Local Historia walking tour, where visitors can enjoy both the natural beauty and historical context of the park, which is a significant landmark in Bellefonte.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the area, a tour with Local Historia offers a fascinating glimpse into the stories that shaped Bellefonte and Centre County.

A vibrant scene in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, featuring the historic Bush Arcade Building with its distinctive red brick architecture and ornate details, set against a backdrop of bright yellow flowers in the foreground. The building stands near a bridge over a calm waterway, highlighting the town’s picturesque charm. This location is a notable stop on the Local Historia walking tour, where visitors can appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical architecture that defines Bellefonte.

For more information about booking a guided walking tour of Bellefonte with Local Historia, please visit their OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Nearby Attractions

33 Must-See Attractions in Centre County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near Bellefonte.

The best things to see and do in Centre County PA.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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