PAST AND FUTURE PRESENTATIONS
NOTE: ADDITIONAL UPDATES OF THIS
PAGE ARE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
Updated 07/25/2020
This web-page lists a brief description of some of the dozens of past programs conducted at our AAHS meetings as well as a listing of a few of our upcoming programs tentatively scheduled for future meetings. These presentations range in a variety of program styles to include: simple recollections spoken to the group; narrative presentations with visual aids; audible instrumental and/or vocal performances; slide projector presentations accompanied by narrative; DVD presentations; PowerPoint programs and even more. However, these presentations all have one thing in common...they are open to the public and free of any charge or costs to the audience!
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Upcoming Presentations
All presentations are free of charge and open to the general public. Our future scheduled presentations are:
August, 2020 - "The History of Ellis Island" by Guest Speaker Lindsay Dierolf
September, 2020 - "The Battle of the Crater" by Guest Speaker David William
October, 2020 - "The Schuylkill Haven Storage Yards" by Schuylkill Haven
historian Rick Nagle
November, 2020 - "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Hessians"
by Guest Speaker Mike Jesberger. The residents of Sleepy Hollow believed the
Headless Horseman to have been a Hessian. The Hessians were solderies from
Northern Germany who were rented from German princes to fight for the British
in the Revolutionary War. Join Historical Reenactor and Lecturer Michael
Jesberger for a program on one of America's oldest short stories based on real
events that took place in the Hudson Valley of New York during the American
Revolution.
December, 2020 - "Physician Soldier: The South Pacific Letters of
Fred Gabriel from the 39th Station Hospital" by author Mike Gabriel.
January, 2021 - No Scheduled Meeting for the Auburn Area Historical Society.
February 2021 - "The Day the Music Died" by AAHS Lifetime Member
Amanda Polynone
March 2021 - "The Victorian Sideshow" by AAHS Lifetime Member
Mackenzie Francis
April, 2021 - "Tree-mendous Tree Trek" by SCHS "Porcupine" Pat McKinney
May, 2021 - "The History and Customs of the Lenape" by Native American
Guest Speaker Darius "White Wolf" Puff
June, 2021 - "The History of Post Cards" by Paul Druzba
July, 2021 - "Who the Devil was the Pennsylvania Dutch?" by Guest Speaker
John Rausch
August, 2021 - "Thirteen Days in August - The Warwick Encampment" by
Guest Speaker Mike Jesberger
September, 2021 - "Teaching History in the Classroom" by Guest Speaker
Mark Schlegel
October, 2021 - To Be Determined
November, 2021 - To Be Determined
December, 2021 - "A Colonial Christmas - Winters with the Continental
Army" by Guest Speaker Mike Jesberger
Past Presentations:
The presentation topic for our July 2020 meeting was "Auburn-area Atrocities and Crimes" by Auburn Area Historical Society Chairperson Todd Graybill. Todd gave a slide presentation with narration on various atrocities and crimes committed by, or perpetrated against, Auburn-area residents from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s.
The presentation topic for our March 2020 meeting was "Early Industrial Auburn" by Auburn Area Historical Society Lifetime Member Amanda Polynone. Amanda narrated a PowerPoint presentation which included dozens of pictures and a plethora of information pertaining to many of the industrial endeavors of the Auburn area. Her presentation garnered numerous favorable comments and compliments upon its completion. We look forward to her next presentation which is scheduled for February, 2021 titled "The Day the Music Died".
The presentation topic for our February 2020 meeting was "John O'Hara's Pottsville: How His Formative Years Shaped His Writing" by Schuykill County Historical Society historian Jim Haluska. Jim provided a knowledgeable and interesting biographical presentation regarding one of the most famous authors from Schuylkill County.
The Auburn Area Historical Society does not conduct a meeting in January.
The presentation topic for our December 2019 meeting was "The Merchants, Retailers and Wholesalers of Auburn, PA" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. This PowerPoint presentation discussed the over 100 different merchants, retailers and wholesalers who were present in the Auburn-area over the past two hundred years. Interesting personal notes about some of those businesses or individuals were interspersed throughout the program to make it an intriguing and entertaining event.
The presentation topic for our November 2019 meeting was "The Real Pilgrims" by AAHS Lifetime Member Mackenzie Francis. Mackenzie provided an interesting and informative program about the true history of Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower Pilgrims, the first Thanksgiving and the origin of that national holiday which dispelled several common erroneous perceptions about those topics.
The presentation topic for our October 2019 meeting was "The Dangers of Canal and Railroad Transportation in the Auburn-area" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. Todd shared numerous accounts of tragic deaths relating to either canal- or railroad-transportation either in the immediate Auburn area or to Auburn-area residents during a fifty year time span of 1860s - 1910s.
The presentation topic for our September 2019 meeting was "Staying Afloat: The Story of the Confederate Navy's Struggle to Persevere" by Guest Speaker Mark Schlegel. Mark provided a PowerPoint presentation which he narrated with his unique combination of facts and witticisms. Despite loyalties to the North, the South or even if neutral, the audience members came to appreciate the ingenuity of the Confederate Navy's efforts to provide a viable Navy despite shortages of funds, ships or raw materials.
The presentation topic for our July 2019 meeting was "As It Happened - The Berlin Airlift (Part Two)" by guest speaker David Hafer. David shared the second part of a two-part series on the philanthropic efforts of Americans, Britians and French military personnel to aid starving German survivors of World War II despite Russian efforts to thwart their life-saving campaign.
The presentation topic for our July 2019 meeting was "As It Happened - The Berlin Airlift (Part One)" by guest speaker David Hafer. David shared the first part of a two-part series on the philanthropic efforts of Americans, Britians and French military personnel to aid starving German survivors of World War II despite Russian efforts to thwart their life-saving campaign. The second portion of this program will be completed during the upcoming August meeting.
The presentation topic for our June 2019 meeting was "The Schuylkill County Almshouse" by Guest Speaker Rick Nagle. Rick Nagle returned as a favored Guest Speaker for the AAHS to once again inform and entertain the audience with his amusing and educating presentation on the Schuylkill County Almshouse.
The presentation topic for our May 2019 meeting was "Unsung Heroines- Women Who Shaped Schuylkill County" by Guest Speaker Joanne Chuba. Joanne enlightened the audience with her list of Schuylkill County women who positively impacted the county with their many contributions and achievements.
The presenation topic for our April 2019 meeting was "Indian Sign Language" by Guest Speaker "Porcupine" Pat McKinney. Pat, a favored speaker at the AAHS programs, once again delighted the audience with his demonstration on how Native Americans communicated using a form of sign language.
The presenation topic for our March 2019 meeting was "Hop-along Cassidy" by Guest Speaker Leroy Fegely. Leroy shared an interesting account of the tale of Hop-Along Cassidy" and how it impacted the Hollywood actor who portrayed him.
The presentation topic for our February 2019 meeting was "A Closer Look at the Auburn Public Cemetery" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill with Guest Speaker Sarah Bretzius. Todd provided a detailed account of the origin, historic signifigance and tracing the ownership of Auburn's original cemetery while Sarah informed the audience of her project to rejuvenate the cemetery through a program of cleaning, uprighting and repairing dirty or damaged grave markers at this site in order to restore dignity to the interments within this site.
The Auburn Area Historical Society does not conduct a meeting in January.
The presentation topic for our December 2018 meeting was "Belsnickle" by AAHS Lifetime Member Mackenzie Francis. Mackenzie informed the audience of one of the darker aspects of the Christmas Holidays by sharing the tale of "Belsnickle"...a legendary composite of Christmas characters from whom most children would rather avoid.
The presentation topic for our November 2018 meeting was "A History of Halloween and Its Customs" by Guest Speaker Sarah Bretzius. Sarah provided an unique look at the history of her favorite holiday as well as insight into some of the more unusual customs associated with Halloween in a Powerpoint presentation.
The presentation topic for our October 2018 meeting was titled "The 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic" presented by the Schuylkill County Historical Society's Executive Director Tom Drogalis. Tom set the stage by explaining the conditions that existed during that time frame which would allow the epidemic to spread. Tom shared the most accepted theory of the diseases origin and its manifestation throughout the world. He emphasized the high mortality rate for this deadly plaque and its impact on Schuylkill County. He also stated that in sharp contrast to its high fatality rates the epidemic basically lasted approximately 6 weeks in Schuylkill County before it inexplicably ran its course.
The presentation topic for our September 20108 meeting was titled "Commerce in the Schuylkill Valley" by renown Schuylkill Haven Historian Rick Nagle. Rick provided a knowledgeable and interesting insight into the important co-dependence between the early transportation industries such as the Schuylkill Canal and railroads with the early industries of this area which helped to develop the Schuylkill Valley.
The presentation topic for our August 2018 meeting was titled "The History of the Auburn Scout Lodge" by AAHS Lifetime Member Mackenzie Francis. The presentation addressed the origin of the Scouting tradition in Auburn, the history of the scouting organization in our area, the construction of the scout lodge and the rationale behind dedicating the lodge in honor of Auburn Scout Leader Mark Borkey.
The presentation topic for our July 2018 meeting was titled "The Pennsylvania Dutch Practice of Pow-Wow as it relates to Auburn, PA" by Guest Presenters Kaija and Sarah Bretzius. The presentation involved a slide show as well as narration by both guest speakers. Sarah Bretzius provided basic background information on the Pennsylvania Dutch Practice of mystical healing and protection commonly referred to as "Pow-Wow" while Kaija Bretzius shared their family's personal experiences and exposure to Pow-Wow at their residence in Auburn. Those members attending found the presentation to be very entertaining and informative. The amount of audience interaction with the guest speakers was impressive. This program seemed to be one of the more popular presentations ever given to the Auburn Area Historical Society.
The presentation topic for our June 2018 meeting was titled "An In-Depth Look at the Auburn Area Historical Society's Internet Website" by A.A.H.S. Chairperson Todd Graybill and Co-Presenter Sarah Bretzius. The actual Internet website (www.auburnareahistoricalsociety.weebly.com) was accessed via a laptop computer and projected upon our viewing screen in order that all of those present could partake in a virtual tour of the website. The presentation included basic instructions on how to access and use the website, tips on how to best utilize the website, emphasis on the many features of the website and accessing some of the more than 200 different webpages available provided the audience with a more extensive knowledge of the many benefits available to the public via the website. Our thanks to our co-presenter Sarah Bretzius for providing the technical assistance and laptop computer for this program.
The presentation topic for our May 2018 meeting was titled "Local Legends and Tall Tales of Pennsylvania" by Auburn Area Historical Society Chairperson Todd Graybill. The slide presentation accompanied by narrative presentation involved both fictional legends and some factual historical accounts of bizarre events which are relevant to Pennsylvania. Some of the stories pertained to Schuylkill County such as "The Fiery-Eyed Phantom", "The Helpful Hunter", "The Horn Papers", "Lethal Lightning" and "Battle at the Big Top".
The presentation topic for our April 2018 meeting was titled "The Intrigue of Genealogical Research - a.k.a. There's at least one bad apple in every family tree" by Auburn Area Historical Society Chairperson Todd Graybill. The video presentation began with some basic information about Genealogical Research, some of the types of "family tree" charts available, and the majority of sources for conducting genealogical research before going into Todd's own experience with research his ancestry and sharing several informative, entertaining and even sometimes disturbing details about a select few of his own ancestors. Several of those individuals attending the meeting commented very favorably on how much they enjoyed this particular presentation.
The meeting for March 2018 was cancelled due to a last minute cancellation by our scheduled guest speakers based on a predicted winter storm warning for that evening.
The presentation topic for our February 2018 meeting was "Fort Dietrich Snyder: Fact or Folklore" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. Fort Dietrich Snyder is believed by many to have been a settler's cabin used as a lookout for enemy activity during the French and Indian War. This potentially controversial presentation addressed the concept that the fort never truly existed...that Fort Dietrich Snyder was nothing more than a folk-tale which was eventually accepted as fact. The program was presented via an audio-visual DVD which consisted of dozens of pictures and documents accompanied by narration. Several of the audience members subsequently stated that as a result of the presentation they were now convinced the "historic" fort was nothing more than folklore. DVD copies of the presentation were available for purchase as well as a limited number of printed booklets containing all of the information presented within the program in addition to additional pictures and facts.
The Auburn Area Historical Society does not conduct a meeting in January.
The presentation topic for our December 2017 meeting was "Pow-Wow: Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Medicine" by Guest Speaker "Porcupine" Pat McKinney. Pat provided an entertaining and informative presentation on the often misunderstood practice of Pow-wow. He explained that Pow-Wow was frequently perceived as being "shameful", "bad" or even sacrilegious when in fact its origins stem from biblical roots. Several guests then openly shared their knowledge of, or experiences with, Pow-Wow making this program a thoroughly enjoyable and interactive presentation by a personable and skilled public speaker.
The presentation topic for our November 2017 meeting, due to the close proximity to Halloween, was a repeat of a favored 2013 program titled "Stories of the Supernatural" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. The audio-visual DVD program documented "real-life" experiences of friends, family and acquaintances who had one or more "inexplicable" incidents, all of which were in Pennsylvania and many of which were from Schuylkill County.
The presentation for the October 2017 meeting was conducted by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill and focused on the "Circle M Ranch Speedway" which was one of the most popular 1/4-mile dirt race tracks in Schuylkill County during the mid-1950s. Owned and operated by Auburn businessman Eddie Mates, this track previously hosted thousands of spectators at each event before its eventual demise.
The presentation topic for September 2017 was "The Upper Reaches of the Schuylkill Navigation System" by local historian and favored Guest Speaker Rick Nagle. Rick, as usual, provided a highly informative and very entertaining program pertaining to one of the most influential business ventures regarding the formation of Schuylkill County and its coal industry.
The presentation topic for our August 2017 meeting was "The Hunley: A Confederate Submarine of the Civil War" by Guest Speaker Mark Schlegel. The presentation told the story of the general development of submarines and the specific history of the Confederate submarine named "The Hunley" which was the first submarine used to sink a ship during the Civil War. Mark provided a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable presentation dispersed with his humble wit.
The meeting for July 2017 was cancelled due to its proximity to the July 4th holiday.
The presentation topic for our June 2017 meeting was "INLAND: Documenting the Abandoned Canals of Schuylkill County" by Guest Speaker Sandy Sorlien. The presentation highlighted features and details of the Schuylkill Navigation System's abandoned canal locks in the Auburn-area and surrounding vicinity. Sandy's presentation was enhanced by color photographs taken by Sandy. Ms. Sorlien is presently compiling the information to document in written format.
The presentation topic for our May 2017 meeting was "A Glimpse of Historical Highlights of Auburn, Pennsylvania" provided by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. The presentation highlighted important milestones in the development of Auburn, mention of national claims to fame by prior manufacturers, and even mentioning past and present residents who have achieved national recognition such as politicians like Senator Charles Quail and Senator Allen Nagle to entertainment prodigy's like Actor, Director, Singer and Vocal Coach Corinna Sowers-Adler and Country and Gospel Published Recording Artist Chad Reinert.
The presentation topic for our April 2017 meeting was "Pennsylvania Dutch Home Weaving" by Guest Speaker Alan G. Keyser. Alan is a prior guest speaker for the AAHS whose self-depreciating sense of humor always adds to the unique style of his presentations. Alan has an extensive knowledge of many aspects of Pennsylvania history and would be a great guest speaker for any historical society.
The presentation topic for our March 2017 meeting was "Fred Anchorstar: P.O.W. & Concentration Camp Victim" by Guest Speaker Rick Nagle. Rick is a prior guest speaker at an AAHS meeting who is a highly knowledgeable historian on the topic of Schuylkill Haven heritage. As previously witnessed, Rick again provided the AAHS with a fascinating and well-researched presentation topic. We look forward to Rick's next scheduled presentation in September titled "The Upper Reaches of the Schuylkill Navigation Company".
The presentation for our February 2017 meeting was "Walkin' the Rails" with a favored return Guest Speaker Brandy Watts-Martin. Brandy is indisputably the recognized expert on the topic of the Schuylkill & Susquehanna (S & S) Railroad and her vast knowledge in this area of expertise is evident in the presentations she shares within her programs.
The Auburn Area Historical Society does not conduct a meeting in January.
All presentations are free of charge and open to the general public. Our future scheduled presentations are:
August, 2020 - "The History of Ellis Island" by Guest Speaker Lindsay Dierolf
September, 2020 - "The Battle of the Crater" by Guest Speaker David William
October, 2020 - "The Schuylkill Haven Storage Yards" by Schuylkill Haven
historian Rick Nagle
November, 2020 - "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Hessians"
by Guest Speaker Mike Jesberger. The residents of Sleepy Hollow believed the
Headless Horseman to have been a Hessian. The Hessians were solderies from
Northern Germany who were rented from German princes to fight for the British
in the Revolutionary War. Join Historical Reenactor and Lecturer Michael
Jesberger for a program on one of America's oldest short stories based on real
events that took place in the Hudson Valley of New York during the American
Revolution.
December, 2020 - "Physician Soldier: The South Pacific Letters of
Fred Gabriel from the 39th Station Hospital" by author Mike Gabriel.
January, 2021 - No Scheduled Meeting for the Auburn Area Historical Society.
February 2021 - "The Day the Music Died" by AAHS Lifetime Member
Amanda Polynone
March 2021 - "The Victorian Sideshow" by AAHS Lifetime Member
Mackenzie Francis
April, 2021 - "Tree-mendous Tree Trek" by SCHS "Porcupine" Pat McKinney
May, 2021 - "The History and Customs of the Lenape" by Native American
Guest Speaker Darius "White Wolf" Puff
June, 2021 - "The History of Post Cards" by Paul Druzba
July, 2021 - "Who the Devil was the Pennsylvania Dutch?" by Guest Speaker
John Rausch
August, 2021 - "Thirteen Days in August - The Warwick Encampment" by
Guest Speaker Mike Jesberger
September, 2021 - "Teaching History in the Classroom" by Guest Speaker
Mark Schlegel
October, 2021 - To Be Determined
November, 2021 - To Be Determined
December, 2021 - "A Colonial Christmas - Winters with the Continental
Army" by Guest Speaker Mike Jesberger
Past Presentations:
The presentation topic for our July 2020 meeting was "Auburn-area Atrocities and Crimes" by Auburn Area Historical Society Chairperson Todd Graybill. Todd gave a slide presentation with narration on various atrocities and crimes committed by, or perpetrated against, Auburn-area residents from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s.
The presentation topic for our March 2020 meeting was "Early Industrial Auburn" by Auburn Area Historical Society Lifetime Member Amanda Polynone. Amanda narrated a PowerPoint presentation which included dozens of pictures and a plethora of information pertaining to many of the industrial endeavors of the Auburn area. Her presentation garnered numerous favorable comments and compliments upon its completion. We look forward to her next presentation which is scheduled for February, 2021 titled "The Day the Music Died".
The presentation topic for our February 2020 meeting was "John O'Hara's Pottsville: How His Formative Years Shaped His Writing" by Schuykill County Historical Society historian Jim Haluska. Jim provided a knowledgeable and interesting biographical presentation regarding one of the most famous authors from Schuylkill County.
The Auburn Area Historical Society does not conduct a meeting in January.
The presentation topic for our December 2019 meeting was "The Merchants, Retailers and Wholesalers of Auburn, PA" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. This PowerPoint presentation discussed the over 100 different merchants, retailers and wholesalers who were present in the Auburn-area over the past two hundred years. Interesting personal notes about some of those businesses or individuals were interspersed throughout the program to make it an intriguing and entertaining event.
The presentation topic for our November 2019 meeting was "The Real Pilgrims" by AAHS Lifetime Member Mackenzie Francis. Mackenzie provided an interesting and informative program about the true history of Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower Pilgrims, the first Thanksgiving and the origin of that national holiday which dispelled several common erroneous perceptions about those topics.
The presentation topic for our October 2019 meeting was "The Dangers of Canal and Railroad Transportation in the Auburn-area" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. Todd shared numerous accounts of tragic deaths relating to either canal- or railroad-transportation either in the immediate Auburn area or to Auburn-area residents during a fifty year time span of 1860s - 1910s.
The presentation topic for our September 2019 meeting was "Staying Afloat: The Story of the Confederate Navy's Struggle to Persevere" by Guest Speaker Mark Schlegel. Mark provided a PowerPoint presentation which he narrated with his unique combination of facts and witticisms. Despite loyalties to the North, the South or even if neutral, the audience members came to appreciate the ingenuity of the Confederate Navy's efforts to provide a viable Navy despite shortages of funds, ships or raw materials.
The presentation topic for our July 2019 meeting was "As It Happened - The Berlin Airlift (Part Two)" by guest speaker David Hafer. David shared the second part of a two-part series on the philanthropic efforts of Americans, Britians and French military personnel to aid starving German survivors of World War II despite Russian efforts to thwart their life-saving campaign.
The presentation topic for our July 2019 meeting was "As It Happened - The Berlin Airlift (Part One)" by guest speaker David Hafer. David shared the first part of a two-part series on the philanthropic efforts of Americans, Britians and French military personnel to aid starving German survivors of World War II despite Russian efforts to thwart their life-saving campaign. The second portion of this program will be completed during the upcoming August meeting.
The presentation topic for our June 2019 meeting was "The Schuylkill County Almshouse" by Guest Speaker Rick Nagle. Rick Nagle returned as a favored Guest Speaker for the AAHS to once again inform and entertain the audience with his amusing and educating presentation on the Schuylkill County Almshouse.
The presentation topic for our May 2019 meeting was "Unsung Heroines- Women Who Shaped Schuylkill County" by Guest Speaker Joanne Chuba. Joanne enlightened the audience with her list of Schuylkill County women who positively impacted the county with their many contributions and achievements.
The presenation topic for our April 2019 meeting was "Indian Sign Language" by Guest Speaker "Porcupine" Pat McKinney. Pat, a favored speaker at the AAHS programs, once again delighted the audience with his demonstration on how Native Americans communicated using a form of sign language.
The presenation topic for our March 2019 meeting was "Hop-along Cassidy" by Guest Speaker Leroy Fegely. Leroy shared an interesting account of the tale of Hop-Along Cassidy" and how it impacted the Hollywood actor who portrayed him.
The presentation topic for our February 2019 meeting was "A Closer Look at the Auburn Public Cemetery" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill with Guest Speaker Sarah Bretzius. Todd provided a detailed account of the origin, historic signifigance and tracing the ownership of Auburn's original cemetery while Sarah informed the audience of her project to rejuvenate the cemetery through a program of cleaning, uprighting and repairing dirty or damaged grave markers at this site in order to restore dignity to the interments within this site.
The Auburn Area Historical Society does not conduct a meeting in January.
The presentation topic for our December 2018 meeting was "Belsnickle" by AAHS Lifetime Member Mackenzie Francis. Mackenzie informed the audience of one of the darker aspects of the Christmas Holidays by sharing the tale of "Belsnickle"...a legendary composite of Christmas characters from whom most children would rather avoid.
The presentation topic for our November 2018 meeting was "A History of Halloween and Its Customs" by Guest Speaker Sarah Bretzius. Sarah provided an unique look at the history of her favorite holiday as well as insight into some of the more unusual customs associated with Halloween in a Powerpoint presentation.
The presentation topic for our October 2018 meeting was titled "The 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic" presented by the Schuylkill County Historical Society's Executive Director Tom Drogalis. Tom set the stage by explaining the conditions that existed during that time frame which would allow the epidemic to spread. Tom shared the most accepted theory of the diseases origin and its manifestation throughout the world. He emphasized the high mortality rate for this deadly plaque and its impact on Schuylkill County. He also stated that in sharp contrast to its high fatality rates the epidemic basically lasted approximately 6 weeks in Schuylkill County before it inexplicably ran its course.
The presentation topic for our September 20108 meeting was titled "Commerce in the Schuylkill Valley" by renown Schuylkill Haven Historian Rick Nagle. Rick provided a knowledgeable and interesting insight into the important co-dependence between the early transportation industries such as the Schuylkill Canal and railroads with the early industries of this area which helped to develop the Schuylkill Valley.
The presentation topic for our August 2018 meeting was titled "The History of the Auburn Scout Lodge" by AAHS Lifetime Member Mackenzie Francis. The presentation addressed the origin of the Scouting tradition in Auburn, the history of the scouting organization in our area, the construction of the scout lodge and the rationale behind dedicating the lodge in honor of Auburn Scout Leader Mark Borkey.
The presentation topic for our July 2018 meeting was titled "The Pennsylvania Dutch Practice of Pow-Wow as it relates to Auburn, PA" by Guest Presenters Kaija and Sarah Bretzius. The presentation involved a slide show as well as narration by both guest speakers. Sarah Bretzius provided basic background information on the Pennsylvania Dutch Practice of mystical healing and protection commonly referred to as "Pow-Wow" while Kaija Bretzius shared their family's personal experiences and exposure to Pow-Wow at their residence in Auburn. Those members attending found the presentation to be very entertaining and informative. The amount of audience interaction with the guest speakers was impressive. This program seemed to be one of the more popular presentations ever given to the Auburn Area Historical Society.
The presentation topic for our June 2018 meeting was titled "An In-Depth Look at the Auburn Area Historical Society's Internet Website" by A.A.H.S. Chairperson Todd Graybill and Co-Presenter Sarah Bretzius. The actual Internet website (www.auburnareahistoricalsociety.weebly.com) was accessed via a laptop computer and projected upon our viewing screen in order that all of those present could partake in a virtual tour of the website. The presentation included basic instructions on how to access and use the website, tips on how to best utilize the website, emphasis on the many features of the website and accessing some of the more than 200 different webpages available provided the audience with a more extensive knowledge of the many benefits available to the public via the website. Our thanks to our co-presenter Sarah Bretzius for providing the technical assistance and laptop computer for this program.
The presentation topic for our May 2018 meeting was titled "Local Legends and Tall Tales of Pennsylvania" by Auburn Area Historical Society Chairperson Todd Graybill. The slide presentation accompanied by narrative presentation involved both fictional legends and some factual historical accounts of bizarre events which are relevant to Pennsylvania. Some of the stories pertained to Schuylkill County such as "The Fiery-Eyed Phantom", "The Helpful Hunter", "The Horn Papers", "Lethal Lightning" and "Battle at the Big Top".
The presentation topic for our April 2018 meeting was titled "The Intrigue of Genealogical Research - a.k.a. There's at least one bad apple in every family tree" by Auburn Area Historical Society Chairperson Todd Graybill. The video presentation began with some basic information about Genealogical Research, some of the types of "family tree" charts available, and the majority of sources for conducting genealogical research before going into Todd's own experience with research his ancestry and sharing several informative, entertaining and even sometimes disturbing details about a select few of his own ancestors. Several of those individuals attending the meeting commented very favorably on how much they enjoyed this particular presentation.
The meeting for March 2018 was cancelled due to a last minute cancellation by our scheduled guest speakers based on a predicted winter storm warning for that evening.
The presentation topic for our February 2018 meeting was "Fort Dietrich Snyder: Fact or Folklore" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. Fort Dietrich Snyder is believed by many to have been a settler's cabin used as a lookout for enemy activity during the French and Indian War. This potentially controversial presentation addressed the concept that the fort never truly existed...that Fort Dietrich Snyder was nothing more than a folk-tale which was eventually accepted as fact. The program was presented via an audio-visual DVD which consisted of dozens of pictures and documents accompanied by narration. Several of the audience members subsequently stated that as a result of the presentation they were now convinced the "historic" fort was nothing more than folklore. DVD copies of the presentation were available for purchase as well as a limited number of printed booklets containing all of the information presented within the program in addition to additional pictures and facts.
The Auburn Area Historical Society does not conduct a meeting in January.
The presentation topic for our December 2017 meeting was "Pow-Wow: Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Medicine" by Guest Speaker "Porcupine" Pat McKinney. Pat provided an entertaining and informative presentation on the often misunderstood practice of Pow-wow. He explained that Pow-Wow was frequently perceived as being "shameful", "bad" or even sacrilegious when in fact its origins stem from biblical roots. Several guests then openly shared their knowledge of, or experiences with, Pow-Wow making this program a thoroughly enjoyable and interactive presentation by a personable and skilled public speaker.
The presentation topic for our November 2017 meeting, due to the close proximity to Halloween, was a repeat of a favored 2013 program titled "Stories of the Supernatural" by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. The audio-visual DVD program documented "real-life" experiences of friends, family and acquaintances who had one or more "inexplicable" incidents, all of which were in Pennsylvania and many of which were from Schuylkill County.
The presentation for the October 2017 meeting was conducted by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill and focused on the "Circle M Ranch Speedway" which was one of the most popular 1/4-mile dirt race tracks in Schuylkill County during the mid-1950s. Owned and operated by Auburn businessman Eddie Mates, this track previously hosted thousands of spectators at each event before its eventual demise.
The presentation topic for September 2017 was "The Upper Reaches of the Schuylkill Navigation System" by local historian and favored Guest Speaker Rick Nagle. Rick, as usual, provided a highly informative and very entertaining program pertaining to one of the most influential business ventures regarding the formation of Schuylkill County and its coal industry.
The presentation topic for our August 2017 meeting was "The Hunley: A Confederate Submarine of the Civil War" by Guest Speaker Mark Schlegel. The presentation told the story of the general development of submarines and the specific history of the Confederate submarine named "The Hunley" which was the first submarine used to sink a ship during the Civil War. Mark provided a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable presentation dispersed with his humble wit.
The meeting for July 2017 was cancelled due to its proximity to the July 4th holiday.
The presentation topic for our June 2017 meeting was "INLAND: Documenting the Abandoned Canals of Schuylkill County" by Guest Speaker Sandy Sorlien. The presentation highlighted features and details of the Schuylkill Navigation System's abandoned canal locks in the Auburn-area and surrounding vicinity. Sandy's presentation was enhanced by color photographs taken by Sandy. Ms. Sorlien is presently compiling the information to document in written format.
The presentation topic for our May 2017 meeting was "A Glimpse of Historical Highlights of Auburn, Pennsylvania" provided by AAHS Chairperson Todd Graybill. The presentation highlighted important milestones in the development of Auburn, mention of national claims to fame by prior manufacturers, and even mentioning past and present residents who have achieved national recognition such as politicians like Senator Charles Quail and Senator Allen Nagle to entertainment prodigy's like Actor, Director, Singer and Vocal Coach Corinna Sowers-Adler and Country and Gospel Published Recording Artist Chad Reinert.
The presentation topic for our April 2017 meeting was "Pennsylvania Dutch Home Weaving" by Guest Speaker Alan G. Keyser. Alan is a prior guest speaker for the AAHS whose self-depreciating sense of humor always adds to the unique style of his presentations. Alan has an extensive knowledge of many aspects of Pennsylvania history and would be a great guest speaker for any historical society.
The presentation topic for our March 2017 meeting was "Fred Anchorstar: P.O.W. & Concentration Camp Victim" by Guest Speaker Rick Nagle. Rick is a prior guest speaker at an AAHS meeting who is a highly knowledgeable historian on the topic of Schuylkill Haven heritage. As previously witnessed, Rick again provided the AAHS with a fascinating and well-researched presentation topic. We look forward to Rick's next scheduled presentation in September titled "The Upper Reaches of the Schuylkill Navigation Company".
The presentation for our February 2017 meeting was "Walkin' the Rails" with a favored return Guest Speaker Brandy Watts-Martin. Brandy is indisputably the recognized expert on the topic of the Schuylkill & Susquehanna (S & S) Railroad and her vast knowledge in this area of expertise is evident in the presentations she shares within her programs.
The Auburn Area Historical Society does not conduct a meeting in January.