Altoona Area Historical Society

12/02/2023

2023 Christmas in Olde Town was a huge success. THANK YOU to the following sponsors who made it possible: META, Inside Out Chiropractic, Green State Credit Union, Cut Loose Hair Design, Hinke Family Dentistry, Todd and Shawntel Cooney, Capitol Dental PC, Dawson Chiropractic, Insurance Station, Caseys, Total Eyewear LLC, Quick Trip, The Big Steer, Ellen Fitzpatrick Real Estate, Integrated Construction, Altoona Barber and Beauty, Larry's Window Service/Dean O'Connor, Prairie Meadows, Altoona Fire Department, and the City of Altoona for staff and logistical support.

11/27/2023

🌟 Join us on 11-28-23 at 6pm at the Altoona Area Historical Society🌎✨

We are thrilled to announce that Royal Nahno-Kerchee, will be presenting on the fascinating journey of the Poweshiek Tribe. The Poweshiek Native American Indians were some of the first native settlers in our community. 🌾🌄

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to gain insight into the rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Whether you have a deep interest in Native American history or simply want to expand your knowledge and understanding of different cultures, this event promises to be educational, engaging, and thought-provoking. 📚🤔

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us at the Altoona Area Historical Society on 11-28-23 at 6pm. 🌎🌟

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉🙌

11/26/2023

I just wanted to take a moment to extend my sincerest thanks to the Altoona Area Historical Society for organizing such an incredible event. It was truly a memorable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.

I also want to give a huge shout out to the City of Altoona, including the Police Department and Fire Department, for their support and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Your dedication and commitment to the community are truly commendable.

A special mention goes out to the amazing giving vendors and volunteers who dedicated countless hours to planning and setting up for the event. Your hard work and selflessness did not go unnoticed, and it is because of your efforts that the event was such a success.

Once again, thank you to everyone involved for making this event a truly unforgettable experience.

11/26/2023

11/25/2023

Stop by Ellen Fitzpatrick Real Estate for free Hot Chocolate!

11/25/2023

Come shop our Small Business Saturday vendors until 5!

11/25/2023

It’s always great having the Altoona Fire Department come out! Thanks for delivering Santa. 🚒👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

11/25/2023

SANTA is here!!! Come check out Christmas in Olde Town today until 5!

11/25/2023

📣TODAY is the day we have all been waiting for: Christmas in Olde Town!
🎅The festivities kick off in grand style as Santa Claus arrives in an Altoona fire truck at 2 p.m., heralding the start of a magical afternoon.
☕Guests will delight in the warmth of the season with free s'mores and comforting hot chocolate. But the wonders don't end there - real live reindeer, straight from the North Pole, will grace the event, captivating audiences with their grace and charm.
🛍Holiday vendors will offer an array of delightful gifts and treats, perfect for finding that special something for loved ones. Also, prepare to be amazed by the mesmerizing strolling magic by the talented Mikayla Oz, along with the incredible talents of Laura Ernst from America's Got Talent!
🎄The official kick-off of the holiday season in Altoona begins with the annual lighting of the City Christmas Tree. At 5 p.m., Altoona Mayor Dean O'Connor, joined by winner of MasterChef Grant Gillon, will illuminate the City of Altoona Christmas Tree in front of the museum.
❄️Can't wait to see you there!

11/22/2023

🎄It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Altoona! On Saturday, November 25th festivities in Olde Town begin at 2 PM. The official kick off of the holiday season begins at 5 PM with the annual lighting of the tree. This year we welcome our special guests Altoona Mayor Dean O'Connor and MasterChef Season 13 Champion, Grant Gillon. We will illuminate the City of Altoona Christmas Tree in front of the museum. This spectacular moment marks the beginning of Olde Town Lights: Powered by Meta, featuring thousands of color-changing holiday lights that will illuminate Altoona's historic downtown district through the entire holiday season. Can't wait to see you there!

11/22/2023

Thanks to Senator Nate Boulton and Altoona City council candidate Jerry Evans for attending our Altoona Area Historical Society meeting last night.

11/13/2023

🎄Join us for the Ultimate Christmas Destination in Olde Town! 🎅Our team has been working hard to get everything ready for Santa's grand arrival. 💡We've strung up lights and prepared the museum for a holly jolly weekend that you don't want to miss! Come experience the magic on Saturday, November 25th from 2-5 PM. Can't wait to see you there!

11/04/2023

🎄Tis the season to be jolly! ⏱The clock is ticking as we're only three weeks away from the biggest bash in town - Christmas in Olde Town 2023! ❄️Brace yourself for a winter wonderland extravaganza where the whole town comes together to celebrate in style. We've got a truckload of fun-filled activities planned for you, from our steaming hot chocolate bar to our scrumptious s'mores station and a variety of vendors showcasing their products! 🎅Hold onto your hats.....Jolly ol' Saint Nick will stop by for a visit and you will get the the chance to snap a pic with him! Don't miss out on this opportunity for some holiday magic.

11/02/2023

🎄✨ Exciting news, everyone! 🎅🎁 We're already busy planning for the most magical time of the year - Old Town Christmas! 🌟🎉 Get ready to be transported to a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the warmest holiday spirit. 🎅❄️ From enchanting holiday markets to joyful and dazzling light displays, we're working hard to make this year's Old Town Christmas the best one yet. Stay tuned for updates on all the merry festivities coming your way! 🎄✨🎁

11/01/2023

Are you interested in being a vendor at this year's Christmas in Olde Town? Vendor spaces are free. You can register online here: https://forms.gle/6oZnKg3QpJuuTGaA6

10/26/2023

🙌We want to extend our sincere thanks to Dawn Bentley for her extraordinary presentation, which took us on a journey through time as we explored unsolved murders and mysterious incidents in Southeast Polk County.
🚓We also want to thank the Altoona Police Department and the officers who attended the event for giving us a glimpse inside the CSI van and answering our questions.
🫶Finally, we want to express our appreciation to the attendees and Altoona for your continued support of all our events.

10/25/2023

📣 Exciting news! We had an amazing turnout at the Altoona Area Historical Society for an event you won't believe! 60+ folks gathered to hear Dawn's captivating talk on three local murders that took place between 1864 and 1926. It was a chilling and fascinating journey through history. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it a memorable evening! 🎉

10/24/2023

👻Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening of Mystery and Intrigue! 🎥Dawn Bentley will take you on a journey through the past, presenting you with fascinating evidence and theories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The excitement doesn't stop there. 🚔You will also have the chance to get up close and personal with the Altoona CSI van. You can take a look inside and have the opportunity to ask our expert team any questions you may have. 👀Can't wait to see you tonight!

10/19/2023

📢 Exciting!!
We just had an incredible monthly meeting at the Altoona Area Historical Society, and it was an absolute honor to have some very special guests in attendance. Julie Skinner Stewart, Lisa Moody-Tunks, and Jerry Evans graced us with their presence, bringing their unique insights and inspiration to help propel us forward. 🌟

Their expertise in the historical field and their passion for preserving our local heritage truly made a difference in our meeting. We discussed various ideas and strategies to continue our mission of preserving and promoting Altoona's rich history. 🏰

Julie Skinner, with her vast knowledge and experience, shared invaluable insights that sparked new ideas and avenues for exploration. Lisa Moody-Tunks brought her creative perspectives and innovative approaches, which energized us all. And let's not forget Jerry Evans, whose deep understanding of our community's history provided us with a fresh perspective and motivation. 🎉

Their presence at our meeting was a true testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of community involvement. We are grateful for their support and grateful to all who attended the meeting. Together, we can make a lasting impact on preserving Altoona's history and ensuring it continues to inspire future generations. 🌟✨

Let's keep moving forward together! 💪🤝

10/17/2023

👻We are ONE Week away from the presentation of Century Old Murders and Mystery!

📰Get ready for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and intrigue! We invite you to join us as we transport you back in time to explore the unsolved murders and mysteries that have puzzled Southeast Polk County for over a century. Dawn Bentley will take you on a journey through the past, presenting you with fascinating evidence and theories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But wait, there's more! After the presentation, you'll have the chance to inspect the Altoona CSI van up close and personal. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!

📣This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't want to miss. So gather your friends and family, and come and join us for an evening of mystery and intrigue that you'll never forget!

10/12/2023

👻This is your friendly reminder that the Altoona Area Historical Society will be having a chilling presentation on the tales of Century Old murders and mystery in Southeast Polk County. Can't wait to see you there!

📆Tuesday, October 24th, 2023
🕰 6 PM
📍104 2nd St SE, Altoona

09/23/2023

Now that Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant Altoona has opened in its new location, here is a look back at the building when it was a McDonalds. These photos were taken in April 2018 before the new location was built next door. Do you remember the piano, playplace, and fish tank?

09/19/2023

🌧 Due to the weather the picnic scheduled for tonight has a new location at the Altoona Area Historical Society, 104 2nd St SE, Altoona. Bring a side dish and a beverage. We hope to see you there!

09/15/2023

📝Mark your calendars for the Altoona Area Historical Society Picnic.
⏰Tuesday, September 19th at 5:30 PM at Haines Park
🥗Bring a side dish and your beverage
🌟Everyone is welcome

08/30/2023

🙌Thank you Alex Payne for a very informative presentation on Adventureland and the amazing history that surrounds it!
👏Thank you everyone for your continued support on all our events!
🎥We recorded the presentation and will upload it so you can watch it if you were unable to attend.
🎯Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming events!