It is almost that time of year again—time to enjoy the sunshine, Presque Isle Bay, and all of the wonders that accompany summertime in Erie. This summer, Erie will be bustling with many hometown events that commemorate our city’s role in the War of 1812. From the return of the Fourth of July fireworks, to Navy and Army band concerts, to the mystique of the Flagship Niagara sailing on the Bay, this summer will certainly be one to remember.
While Erie will soon become a sunny-day playground for all ages, the Jefferson Educational Society has developed a summer series of Historical Tours that will allow participants to take a brief step back in time while experiencing the history of nearby towns.
The first Historical Tour will be a two-day, one-night trip (June 11-12) to Gettysburg and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This trip will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, as well as Erie’s own Civil War hero, Strong Vincent. In addition, Mahlon Fuller, who was a watch supervisor of the Pittsburgh International Airport control tower and radar room in 2001, will speak to our group about his unforgettable experience with the crash of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Finally, I will be giving a free in-depth lecture exclusively to those attending the tour about Strong Vincent’s role in the Battle of Gettysburg on Sunday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m.
The second Historical Tour on June 30 will highlight the War of 1812 with a visit to Old Fort Erie and Niagara Falls History Museum in Ontario, Canada. This trip will also include a classic sight-seeing boat ride on the Maid of the Mist to see Niagara Falls up close and personal. Former Mayor Joyce Savocchio will also be attending this trip as a representative of the Perry 200 Commission.
The final tour, which will take place August 30-September 1, will take us to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., to explore the history of our country. The many memorials and museums will provide various opportunities to honor fallen American heroes, better understand American history, and briefly experience what helped make America such a great nation. A major highlight of the trip will be tours of Thomas Jefferson’s homestead, Monticello, and James Monroe’s Ash-Lawn Highlands.
Full itineraries for each tour have been enclosed with this letter so that you may have a better understanding of what each one entails. For more information or to register, please call the Jefferson at 814-459-8000 or email Arin at donelson@jeserie.org. I hope that you will join us for one, two, or all three of the tours in the Jefferson’s Historical Tour Series!
Best Regards,
William P. Garvey
President, Jefferson Educational Society
