Author: Robb Helfrick

In June of 1859, John Brown secretly arrived in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. He was already a polarizing national figure, wanted for multiple murders in Kansas. To disguise himself, Brown grew a long white beard and used the alias “Dr. Isaac Smith”. Pretending to be Smith, Brown registered at a Chambersburg boardinghouse on King Street. The property was owned by the widow Mary Ritner, daughter-in-law of Joseph Ritner, a former abolitionist Pennsylvania Governor. John Brown was a noteworthy abolitionist himself, and had launched his own violent brand of solutions to America’s escalating slavery controversy. In 1859, American states were still tenuously…

Our nation’s capital city is only a short distance from the Cumberland Valley, and is a perfect winter weekend destination. With a multitude of attractions, planning a trip to DC could feel overwhelming, but less so with a simple itinerary. One easy plan is exploring the National Mall. Along this greenway is a collection of the country’s finest museums and monuments. The topography is flat and easily covered on foot. What makes this area even more attractive: most venues are free to the public. Rather than try to experience all of DC in one hectic visit, consider slowing down and…

Every adult was once a child. A recently opened exhibition at Hagerstown’s Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (WCMFA) will surely invoke reminiscent youthful memories. Titled “Childhood Favorites: 100 Years of Children’s Book Illustrations”, the showing features 140 original works from 75 books, including some of literature’s most celebrated writers and illustrators. The exhibition opened November 25, 2023 and continues to March 17, 2024. “Every age group will enjoy this exhibit’s artwork”, said Sarah Wolfe, WCMFA’s Manager of Exhibitions and Collections. The exhibition was organized by Lee Cohen and Lois Sarkisian in association with Landau Traveling Exhibitions. A family reading…

Sylvester Snyder lived 99 productive years with intent eyes focused on Waynesboro. The mechanical engineer turned hobbyist photographer compiled an outstanding body of award-winning work- documenting his hometown with images that create nostalgic impressions. Born on September 21, 1907, Snyder enjoyed the unique opportunity to witness his community flourish and evolve for almost the entire 20th century. With a talent for photography, his everlasting gift to Waynesboro, after his passing in 2006, is a portfolio of images that beautifully illustrate the town’s culture and history. Local News 1 interviewed Todd Dorsett, a prominent historian and Executive Director of the Antietam…

Winter has officially arrived and with the season comes potential for epic snowstorms. While many wished for a white Christmas or hope to create snow angels in the coming months, others would rather skip the cold precipitation that surely lies ahead. Perhaps the best way to consider snowstorms is in the rear-view mirror. These weather adventures are certainly friendlier in memory after a major storm’s wintery fury passes into history. A look back reveals three major snowstorms that still inspire recollections forty years later. The Cumberland Valley experiences sporadic winter weather patterns- some years are mild- other years can pack…

President John F. Kennedy issued a daunting challenge in 1963. Originally directed toward the American military, he asked his servicemen to prove their physical fitness by traveling 50 miles on foot. Kennedy’s concept traced back 55 years earlier to another U.S. President: Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt grew up a sickly child, but physical exertion helped him become a robust adult. Roosevelt issued a 1908 Presidential Executive Order, asking his Marine officers to hike 50 miles in 20 hours, spread over three days. Kennedy discovered this ancient decree. Adding a new challenge level, JFK shortened Roosevelt’s time-frame to a single day. Kennedy…

Waynesboro begins a new era today in a long history of firefighting. The Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) will depart the Potomac Street fire station and detach their organization from the Borough of Waynesboro. Back on September 5, 2023, WVFD announced their intention to officially separate operations, and scheduled their effective termination date for December 29, 2023. Then, the Borough notified WVFD on December 4 to vacate the Potomac Street fire station by December 16; thirteen days earlier than WVFD planned to depart. In a Press Release issued on December 7, the WVFD asserted that their three-month notice to vacate…

In southern Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley, scenic landscapes are a constant feast for the eyes. But only rare places exude an exceptional quality that instantly captures a naturalist’s heart. The Institute’s Washington Township property is such a place. This 40-acre parcel impresses as the organization’s new headquarters. Here, with so many natural features inspiring the senses, it’s an idyllic locale for The Institute’s pursuit of science-based education and conservation programs. The Institute was founded in 1990, and its sole purpose has been encouraging stewardship of the region’s natural and cultural worlds. The group manifests these objectives through their environmental and cultural…

The industrial revolution changed the world, utilizing ingenious inventions created using first-class brainpower- long before computers or other advanced technologies existed. To revisit that historic period, and understand its local influences, distant travel isn’t required; an amazing legacy of industry innovation is celebrated at Waynesboro’s Industrial Museum. Originally founded as part of Waynesboro’s sesquicentennial in 1997, and later chartered in 2000, the Waynesboro Area Industrial Heritage Trust (WAIHT) provides thoughtful insight into the legacy of past industry titans and their companies. WAIHT’s Industrial Museum is curated and managed by dedicated volunteers, some who were leaders in their respective industries. The…

Mother Seton was tested by a life teeming with tragedy and loss. But each successive trial revealed a woman with increasing strength and courage, as those unfortunate events led Seton on a path toward greatness. That destined course brought her to Emmitsburg in 1809. During her twelve years there, Seton created a lasting heritage of education and charity that inspired the community and the Catholic Church. One-hundred-fifty-four years after her death, Mother Seton was canonized as America’s first Saint. Born Elizabeth Ann Bayley in New York City on August 28, 1774, Seton was the second child of a prominent couple,…