The Erie Planetarium is teaming up with our friends at the Erie Zoo for this three hour interactive event.  Guests will watch the night sky come to life in a dazzling presentation of the stars given by Planetarium Coordinator, Jim Gavio. This show will focus on nocturnal animals and animal constellations that families can identify.  Afterwards, guests will get an up close view of some nocturnal animals from the zoo.  Additional event activities will include a snack provided by the Erie County Historical Society and a take home animal craft.

This is a unique experience for children to have an up close and personal encounter with their favorite animals at the zoo with memories they can take away with them for a life time.

All participating children and observing adults need to preregister by March 11th.  Space is limited.  Admission to the Animals in the Night Sky event is $10 for members, $12 for non-members for participating children ages 6-13.  Parents are permitted to observe the morning events for $4 admission.  To register for the Animals in the Night Sky event, call 454-1813 ext 0. Visit eriecountyhistory.org for more information.

Originally installed as a three-month exhibit, “Talk of the Town” has entertained and educated History Center visitors for more than a year.  The exhibit is a selection of artifacts and photographs that were transferred to the Society by the GTE Museum, which closed their doors in 2005.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. In 1877 the Bell Company installed the first four telephones in Erie. In 1897 Mutual Telephone Company was formed to compete with Bell. Competition between the two companies ended in 1926 when Mutual purchased Bell. Mutual’s first office was on the fourth floor of the Downing Building at East 10^th and French Streets.

As you move through the exhibit you will learn about the changes in technology, the types of companies involved in the telephone industry, when the telephone service was first established in Erie, by who and how the Mutual Telephone Company started and evolved over time.  You will also learn how the “telephone industry” is addressing current issues of competition for customers.

“Talk of the Town” is located at the Erie County History Center, 419 State Street, Erie and is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Erie County Historical Society announced the debut of the traveling exhibition “20th Century Collections: Native American Artwork” in October 2007.  The exhibition contains Native American baskets and clay work, which were brought to Erie, Pennsylvania nearly a century ago.  Collected by early 20^th century travelers, these pieces were once proudly displayed on the bookshelves and mantle tops in homes throughout the City’s wealthy districts. Today, this collection helps to tell many stories: the stories of Erie’s wealthy world travelers, the stories of Native American artisans, and the story of the museum.

The exhibit also features an 1896 photograph collection from G. Wharton James.  James’ images capture the Hopi Indians in Arizona and document traditional costume, ceremonies and daily life.

The exhibit has been displayed at sites throughout Erie County, including the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Edinboro University.  If your business or organization is interested in hosting “20th Century Collections: Native American Artwork,” please call 814.454.1813 x24 to discuss availability and installation details.