By Sean Yoder

With more public tours in more locations slated for 2023, Local Historiaas contributing historians are working to help people make connections with the past.

In just a few short years, Local Historia has made deep community connections through historical tours, special events, and multimedia collaborations, making local history accessible to locals and visitors alike.A

In 2023, Local Historia will be working with more historians in more locations and expanding their video productions, all while continuing the work theyave become known for.

aThis is going to be a big year,a for Local Historia, said founder and co-owner Matt Maris. aWeare going to have more locations I think than weave ever had, which weare excited about.a

Maris started Local Historia in 2019 as a way to continue giving walking history tours in Bellefonte after first getting a taste during a graduate internship with the Centre County Historical Society. He said he enjoyed interacting with people face-to-face while exploring the areaas history.

aIt is a very social experience,a he said in a January interview. aItas fun, you get to exercise, people get to talk.a

Bellefonte in particular, he said, was a good starting place for Local Historia.

aBellefonte is an inspiring place,a Maris said. aWeare really rich with history. Every place has local history, but I feel kind of spoiled in Bellefonte with this much history.a

– Matt Maris

This year, Local Historia will expand into Philipsburg for spring tours. In Altoona, historian Jared Frederick will lead a civil-war themed tour. Frederick is the author of multiple books and runs the aReel Historya channel on YouTube. Maris said he is still in talks with yet more collaborators.

Maris has continued to grow the Local Historia brand alongside Dustin Elder, who has become a co-owner, as well as the growing list of contributing historians. In 2022, Local Historia collaborated with The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau to produce a video series called aHidden Happy Valley,a featuring important local landmarks such as the former Cerro Metal Products manufacturing center, historic Curtin Village and Eagle Ironworks, Boal Museum and Columbus Chapel, and Egg Hill Church.

On Jan. 2, the WPSU-produced aKeystone Storiesa aired an episode featuring a segment by Elder on the Tyrone circus train wreck in 1853 that claimed the lives of six men and countless animals. Many other animals escaped, including a tiger that later killed a local woman.

Through his experience as a history teacher at Bellefonte High School, Maris said heas come to realize that what people want is connection and human experience, not just facts.

aI think history, if you look at it and utilize it and study it, itas about human connections and human nature. Itas about life and loss and pain and all of those things. Thatas why history is so important to me. Itas not a subject, itas living.aA

– Matt Maris

To create those connections, Maris said they try to inject some entertainment. But that doesnat mean they settle for guesswork. He said they rigorously corroborate what they can and stipulate during tours and presentations when they arenat certain of something. Anyone who has lived in a small town long enough knows there are local rumors and lore that can go unquestioned for decades or longer. Maris said theyare always cautious, and itas important to respect the discovery process.

aIt’s essential to rely on primary resources and corroborate other reliable sources, too.a he said. aI believe humility and healthy skepticism can help keep you out of trouble. Thinking like a detective is actually the fun part! We definitely do our homework and take it seriously because our reputation depends upon it and we have a passion for getting it right because we love what we do.a

Those interested in attending one of Local Historiaas tours can visit theA Local Historia website as events are booked throughout 2023. Tickets to events are offered first to email subscribers, but anyone can sign up to the Local Historia email list at localhistoria.com.A

Ways to Enjoy Local Historia

Walking Tours

Local Historia offers Bellefonte walking tours at most Friday in the aFonte events, held on the last Friday of each month from May to October.A

Other walking tours will be posted at the Local Historia website. Tickets can be purchased using credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.A

Private walking tours are also available. Those interested can reach Matt Maris at matt.localhistoria@gmail.com.

History Pub

On the second Tuesday of each month, Big Spring Spirits in Bellefonte and Local Historia host an engaging discussion series. Topics are usually about a local or regional event or place, such as the 1893 circus train disaster, the history of the Match Factory building and lumber heritage, and central Pennsylvaniaas involvement in the Civil War. The History Pub topic on March 14 will cover aThe Lewis and Clark Expedition a Where it all began a Pennsylvaniaa by Lynn and Julianne Herman. Discussion typically starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

Videos

Local Historia produces many of their own videos, available on YouTube. To watch the aHidden Happy Valleya series, visit the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau YouTube channel.

Halloween Events

For two Halloweens in a row, Local Historia hosted the popular Spooky Speakeasy event at the Gamble Mill. In 2022, they sold out five shows.A

In late October, Local Historia swaps out their typical walking tour schedule for walking Ghost Tours. Maris said that for each year they try to add new ghost stories theyave never told before.