Bedford County Day Set March 9 at Historical Soc.

The Bedford County Historical Society will celebrate Bedford County Day at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, at the Hall at Kinton’s Knob (BCHS, second Floor), 6441 Lincoln Highway, Bedford.

This annual celebration features a particular area of Bedford County History each year, This year’s program will be entitled “Albert Gallatin and the Whiskey Rebellion,” presented by Brian Reedy. Albert Gallatin played a critical role in keeping the “rebellion” under control. His moderate views and non-violent approach prevailed in a time of crisis. 

As a recent immigrant to western Pennsylvania, Gallatin quickly became a leading figure and target on both sides of the argument. The program will explore this individual's role in a test of federal power and who is, today, nearly forgotten.

Reedy serves as the site manager of Friendship Hill NHS and Fort Necessity NB. He has been a National Park Service employee for 34 years. He has worked at Valley Forge NHP, Independence NHP, Edgar Allan Poe NHS and Thaddeus Kosciuszko NHS prior to returning to western Pennsylvania to work the area's national parks. Reedy is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

There will be patriotic music presented by the Everett Area High School Tribe, directed by Anita Krupa. Jamey Clark and Ellen Espenshade will sing folk songs, “The Blue Juniata,” a theme song for the society from their early meetings. The Boy Scouts Troop 4077, Everett, will present the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

This celebration commemorates the formation of Bedford County on March 9, 1771. A special flag was produced in 2008 to bring the county together and celebrate this important day.

For more information, contact the society at 623-2011 or by email at bedfordhistory@embarqmail.com.