The Columns Museum. (
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As we head into a new year, our board and staff offer a heartfelt “thank you” to all friends, sponsors, and supporters of the Pike County Historical Society and Museum. Your contributions are very much appreciated, and we are especially thankful for our faithful followers who regularly attend our events and programs. It is our pleasure to have such a nice bunch of folks who support what we do.
These last few years have presented financial challenges given the rising costs of, well, everything! Our continuing success hangs in balance and will not be possible without the help of our community. We would be eternally grateful if you could find it in your heart (and your budget) to support us.
The Columns Museum is an entity of the Pike County Historical Society, open to the public and featuring two floors of historical exhibits which detail the history of Pike County and beyond. Yes, we are the keepers of the blood-stained American Flag which was placed under President Lincoln’s head after he was shot at Ford’s Theater. And, yes, it is currently on display at the Columns Museum; although it has travelled, it will always come home and there are no plans for it to leave again anytime soon. The museum is open for visitation on Wednesday and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. No reservations are needed, just stop in. We offer additional hours in the summer months and welcome groups and researchers by appointment year-round. Please visit us, we would love to meet you!
The Pike County Historical Society has much to offer. In addition to our museum, we have a local history and research library — open to the public as well as members — which offers access to rare books, deeds, documents, obituaries, newspapers on microfilm, photographs, ledgers, journals and more. Our family and historical subject files are extensive, and our resources have provided authors, researchers, and genealogists with vital information and fabulous, often rare, images. We are the keepers of the history of our County and seek donations to enable us to properly maintain and preserve our archives.
2025 programs, exhibits and special projects
Some of our special programs and exhibits for 2025 include a new exhibit highlighting Smoky Joe Wood and other accomplished athletes who spent time in Pike County, such as Big Bill Steel, Gertrude Ederle, and Don Budge. Our celebration of Smoky Joe has taken the form of many events over the years and his popularity among baseball fans warrants the installation of this new exhibit.
We will also be installing a Memorial on our grounds in memory and recognition of Sgt. Milton Bailey. Milton was listed as M.I.A. (missing in action) during the Korean War, and later K.I.A. (killed in action). The P.C.H.S. has assisted in the tireless efforts to identify and recover his remains, to no avail. We believe he deserves this recognition, here in his hometown, and we will create a place where he will always be remembered.
We will continue our intern program, which has been a staple in our offerings for over 25 years. We are proud of all the work our Interns have done over the years and look forward to another great summer with some talented young men and women. The program allows for “hands on” experience in the “day to day” of running a museum and historical society while using their creativity and skills to interpret and explore history through research, exhibit creation and historical interpretation.
We also have several informative lectures and events planned and will offer historical and fun filled programs for kids and adults in 2025.
The end of the year always provides festive and fun times with family and friends. This season is also a time of reflection and planning. As we welcome 2025, we humbly ask you to consider donating. Your donations help us grow and strengthen our programs, maintain facilities and network with other organizations. We hope you will consider investing and supporting the Pike County Historical Society and Museum, for the good of the past and the future.
Your tax deductable donations can be mailed to: Pike County Historical Society 608 Broad Street – Milford, PA 18337. Or donate online at pikehistorical.org or via our Facebook page The Columns Museum.
Lori Strelecki, Director
Liz Steen, President
Pike County Historical Society
Milford