About Us
About the Bradford Landmark Society
The Bradford Landmark Society is a non-profit historical organization dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the history of the Bradford and Tuna Valley areas. We are located in the city of Bradford, Pennsylvania, McKean County.
The Landmark Society, founded in 1969, has two main branches - the Herbig Bakery which contains extensive collections of historical and genealogical material and the Crook Farm Homestead on Seaward Avenue Extension where examples of life long ago are on display.
Your monetary gift helps us ensure that Bradford’s history is preserved, celebrated, and shared with future generations. Every dollar you give directly supports building preservation, archival care, and community programs. All donations are sincerely appreciated and gratefully accepted.
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For over 50 years, the Landmark Society has fulfilled its mission of
“Preserving, Maintaining, and Sharing the Bradford Area’s Diverse History” through the following efforts:
• Preserving Historic Buildings – We maintain one of Bradford’s oldest structures, the former Herbig Bakery (circa 1876), located in the city’s designated Historic District on East Corydon Street. Recent improvements include a new roof, new windows, a refreshed façade, and a new Landmark Society sign.
• Caring for Crook Farm – Our 20-acre Crook Farm on Seward Avenue includes original 1880s buildings such as the Crook family homestead and schoolhouse. While the Barn (built about 25 years ago) and Bank Building (constructed in 2000) are later additions, they support the site’s continued use as a vibrant community space. The Crook Farm House itself is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We also partner with the Tuna Valley Trail Association to enhance access and enjoyment of the grounds.
• Maintaining Our Archives - We collect, preserve, and catalog an extensive archive of local history. This includes hundreds of Bradford newspapers, city directories, genealogical records, high school yearbooks, blueprints, ledgers, photographs, and artifacts that reflect the life and heritage of the Bradford area and Tuna Valley.
• Engaging the Community Through Programs - A wide range of events that bring history, music, and tradition to life. Highlights include:
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- Crook Farm School Program
- July 4th Celebration with the Twin Tiers Community Band
- Crooktop Music Festival
- Eclipse Party (special event)
- Creative Women Workshop
- Beaver Day
- Homeschool Children’s Program
- Apple Harvest Festival
- Holiday Wreath Classes
- Crook Farm Country Christmas with Santa
- Tuna Valley Trail Regatta
- Annual Herbig Bakery Open House
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In 2024, these programs welcomed more than 2,000 attendees!
Remembering Those Who Have Passed
Directors
Robert Esch
President
Howard Blumenthal
Member
Pete Gardner
Member
Anne Bouquin
Treasurer
Alex Caruso
Member
John Place
Member
Yvonne Cattoni
Secretary
Dr. Richard Freeman
Member
Sheryl Silvis
Member
Dr. Ron Binder
Member
Chelsea Kahle
Member
Curator at Herbig Bakery
Sally Ryan Costik
On December 12, 2014, Sally Costik marked 20 years as Curator of the Bradford Landmark Society.
The Bradford Era published her story and it's available to read here:
Genealogist/Researcher
In Memory of Larry Richmond
April 18, 1940 - May 6, 2012
Our Voluteers
Volunteer Researchers
- Molly Popiel Lindahl (Genealogy)
- Mike Fuoco
- Tom Jones
Herbig Bakery Volunteers
- Bill Knight
- John Place
Our Emeritus Volunteers
- Judy Yorks
- Margi Knox
- Linda Brocius
- Harrijane Hannon Moore (Deceased)
- Mary Collins Ryan (Deceased)
- Ann DeLucia (Deceased)
- Pat Schessler (Deceased)
- Patricia Collins (Deceased)
- Betty Pfohl (Deceased)
Historical Activities & Programs
Crook Farm & Homestead living history program for PA and NY grade school students (Spring)
Crook Farm historical site displays, tours, and demonstrations
- Farmhouse, restored and furnished to 1870s
- One room schoolhouse, with desks (ca. 1850-1929)
- Barn, blacksmith, candle, and weaver shops
- Historic farm and house tools, utensils, implements, and artifacts
Herbig Bakery historical site
- Historic bakery and Bradford artifacts, records, documents, photographs, genealogy
- Special topics
- Rotating exhibits
