At their April 27, 2026 meeting held at A&W West End Grill, the Coudersport Rotary Club welcomed guest speaker David Castano, introduced by Rotarian Michael Rigas. Castano, a longtime member of the Potter County Historical Society (PCHS) since 1980 and its President since 2012, shared insights into the organization’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the county’s rich heritage.

Castano emphasized that the mission of the Historical Society is threefold: preservation, research, and education. One of the Society’s current major initiatives is its involvement in the nationwide America 250 Celebration, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Society operates a 13-room museum, open to the public on Mondays and Fridays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., though staff are often available beyond those hours.

The PCHS currently has six active staff members and reaches more than 400 subscribers through its quarterly newsletter, which features in-depth research on Potter County history. The Society has also produced a Historical Tour Guide to further engage residents and visitors.

Local America 250 efforts began in October with the dedication of a Liberty Tree at Denton State Park, a project completed in cooperation with local Masonic organizations and Denton Go. The tree has shown strong growth compared to others planted throughout the county. Additionally, 1,000 informational brochures about the celebration have been printed locally and will be distributed at the upcoming Maple Festival, where donations will also be collected.

Ilene Altenheim, President of the Daughters of the American Revolution, recently organized a memorial service honoring 11 Revolutionary War veterans who settled in Potter County.

Castano also highlighted ongoing archaeological collaborations between PCHS and the Seneca Iroquois Museum, with digs taking place at Crandall Hill and Summit Road. These efforts are uncovering artifacts that shed light on the region’s earliest inhabitants, as Potter County was once part of Seneca hunting grounds.

Looking ahead, Potter County will host the Commonwealth Treasurers Convention in June, which will include both a driving tour of the county and a walking tour of downtown Coudersport.

Community art is also playing a role in the America 250 celebration. A fiberglass Liberty Bell, painted by local artist Miriam Howe, is currently displayed at the courthouse. Additionally, six wooden Liberty Bell cutouts crafted by the Carpenters Shop have been created for each school district and the Roulette Christian School and are on display at the Gunzberger Building.

Plans are underway for a Patriots Day Weekend and Parade on September 11–12, organized in partnership with the Lumber Museum, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club. The event is intended to become an annual tradition, with scheduling chosen to complement—not conflict with—existing July 4th celebrations across the county. The American Legion Post 192 will also host an America 250 event on July 4th at its grounds.

Castano concluded by noting the depth of Potter County’s historical legacy, including the 380 Civil War soldiers commemorated on the Coudersport Town Square—representing those who gave their lives out of approximately 3,000 who served from a population of just 8,000.

Residents are encouraged to learn more by subscribing to the Potter County Historical Society newsletter and visiting the museum.

For additional information, please contact the Potter County Historical Society.

(Pictured: David Castano)