Museum

Tour a Museum in a 19th Century Jail

Our museum is located at 109 Pine Street in the center of Towanda’s Historic District. Formerly the Bradford County Jail, construction of the massive stone building was begun in 1871 and within two years it was completed. The three-story structure was built with stone quarried from Barclay Mountain. Two distinct sections mark this remarkable structure - the dwelling house in the front and the cell block in the back. The first prisoners were moved in on August 14, 1873 and the jail continued to service the county for the next 118 years. During that time it housed a varied group of prisoners, both male and female. In 1990, after the jail was determined to be in a rapidly deteriorating state, the County decided that a new larger and modern jail would be built in the county. The Bradford County Commissioners transferred the property to the Bradford County Historical Society in 1998.

Today, the museum features two floors of museum exhibits, which are creatively arranged in what were the cellblocks. The third floor features a genealogical and historical research library that houses a variety of resources for researchers. We offer regular museum hours from May through September, and also guided group tours by appointment.

Visit Us Today

Plan your visit to Bradford County Historical Society Museum and immerse yourself in local history. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to guide you through the exhibits and answer any questions you may have.

Click for Museum Hours

Exhibits

Exhibit Panels Featuring Bradford County's Connection to American History

Exhibit panels highlight Bradford County's connection to important events and people including: the Titanic disaster, the abolition of slavery, the pasteurization of milk, one of the most well known crimes of the 20th century, famous actors and politicians, songwriters, and much more.

A Variety of Learning Experiences

We offer exhibits of many styles, arranged throughout former jail cells (with working jail doors), in display cases, or custom display areas.

Over 1,000 Pieces on Display

Our museum features a large number of items that help interpret our area history. Artifacts and exhibits are clearly labeled and carefully arranged.

Bradford County Historical Society

Bradford County Historical Society

Museum

Tour a Museum in a 19th Century Jail

Visit Us Today

Learn About Scheduling Group Tours

Exhibits

Exhibit Panels Featuring Bradford County's Connection to American History

A Variety of Learning Experiences

Over 1,000 Pieces on Display

Learn About the History of the Jail

Prisoner Escapes

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Life

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Life

Local History Preservation in Bradford County

Bradford County Historical Society

Bradford County Historical Society

Museum

Tour a Museum in a 19th Century Jail

Visit Us Today

Learn About Scheduling Group Tours

Exhibits

Exhibit Panels Featuring Bradford County's Connection to American History

A Variety of Learning Experiences

Over 1,000 Pieces on Display

Learn About the History of the Jail

Prisoner Escapes

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Life

Prisoner Executions

Prisoner Life

Local History Preservation in Bradford County

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