200th Birthday of Boalsburg in 2008!

Celebrate Boalsburg’s 200 th Birthday!

Historic Boalsburg wasn’t always here. On October 9, 1808, a plan was drawn for what is now the village of Boalsburg. On May 30, 1809, the first lots were sold for $11 each. What started then continues today – a pleasing mix of businesses and residences in a streetscape that lends itself to a sense of community.

In fact, the shape of Boalsburg, with its porches nestled close to the street, its sidewalks and its central public square continues to inspire town planners and developers. Neighboring townships today often copy the Boalsburg model – now called “traditional neighborhood design” – when they design their new communities.

The Boalsburg Village Conservancy was founded in 1973 to care for the history and heritage of Boalsburg and Harris Township and to look to the future. The Conservancy took the lead in 1976 in celebrating the United States’ 200 th anniversary in Boalsburg and Harris Township. Now the Conservancy is taking the lead as the Harris Township community prepares to celebrate Boalsburg’s very own 200 th anniversary in 2008!

You can join in the celebration! A community group is being formed and tentative plans call for a street party in October 2008 to celebrate the 1808 plan and a recognition event in May 2009 as part of the Memorial Day activities to celebrate the first sale of lots in May 1809.

What else do you think we should do to celebrate 200 years of continuous community life? Whatever it is, it will be what you, the people, are interested in. Should it be:

• Publication of local histories?
• A Boalsburg village historic house tour?
• A brochure of historic sites in Harris Township for school kids and visitors alike? (Already done and available from the Boalsburg Village Conservancy!)
• A Township-wide meeting to envision what we’d like to see for the future of Boalsburg and Harris Township?
• A preservation project as a lasting reminder of this momentous occasion?

Consider, what are the elements of Boalsburg and how should we recognize them? Boalsburg’s history and its future are about homes, businesses, schools, churches and farms; government, military and public services like fire prevention; parks, recreation, sports, open space and wilderness; special events like Memorial Day; and getting along with nearby neighborhoods and neighboring towns like Shingletown, Linden Hall, State College and Bellefonte.

Anybody can join in and shape the celebration of any or all of the above elements of Boalsburg and our Harris Township community. Please get in touch to say what you or any organization you belong to is interested in and to find out the time and place of the next meeting of the Boalsburg Bicentenary Committee.

To join in, contact Conservancy President Chris Lee at chris@boalmuseum.com or (814) 466-9266 or check the Boalsburg Bicentenary web site at http://boalmuseum.com/200th.htm.