If things have been quiet around these parts, it’s because your Free-Range Historian has indeed been traversing the wilds of Northwestern Pennsylvania throughout 2022! Before I burst into a stirring rendition of “I’ve Been Everywhere, Man” (Hank Snow and Johnny Cash are far more qualified than I for that job), I want to highlight another exciting aspect of the past year – a new logo! The team at Glint of Mischief did a great job at taking my ideas about rural heritage work and creating art to fit. There is a TON of local talent in our region, and I’m thankful to have such great graphic artists right in my hometown.
Looking back over 2022, it was an incredible season. Here’s just a few of the highlights:
First project of 2022: cleaning this find from a Venango County barn!
A monumental undertaking, pun intended. I hiked seven miles roundtrip to Indian God Rock on the Allegheny River for the Summer 2022 issue of Western Pennsylvania History magazine. Sore for days, but what a beautiful trip!
Lots of writing, lots of coffee. Four more “North By Northwest” columns were published in Western Pennsylvania History magazine, taking me on research trips from the Allegheny River, to Tionesta, to Erie, and in my own backyard.
On behalf of the local historical society, I helped launch three fantastic exhibits for the society’s grand reopening in a historic building. We’ve got some great new shows planned for 2023!
If you are looking to do work on your personal, family, or business collections in 2023, please contact me for a consultation: Kelly@thefreerangehistorian.com. Have a Happy New Year!
As a public history professional, I am dedicated to the care and management of collections both large and small. After more than a decade in the field, I have extensive hands-on experience in collections care, archival holdings, research, and historical publications. My interests in the field of history include decorative arts, folk history, and material culture, and I would love to help you care for the items in your collection.
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The Free-Range Historian 