The Wilder Museum of Warren County History, nestled in the heart of Warren County on the cusp of the Brokenstraw Valley, is located at 51 Erie Avenue in Irvine, Pa. The museum houses almost 4,000 local artifacts, images, textiles, and documents. The building served as the Irvine School from 1940 to 1981; the National Forge Annex until 1990, having provided office and meeting space, a research laboratory, and fitness center; in 1990, the Wilder family founded the Clinton E. Wilder Museum exhibiting many of the National Forge’s defense weaponry. In 1996, the museum was donated to the Warren County Historical Society and became an all-inclusive representation of Warren County, Pennsylvania. Today, the museum provides exhibits pertaining to local history such as agriculture, oil, lumber, railroads, rafting, military, Warren State Hospital, Kinzua Dam, Seneca Nation, Irvine-Newbold Estate, furniture manufacturing, antique toys, communications, Civilian Conservation Corps, and much more.
In 2021, the Wilder Museum of Warren County History will maintain hours of operation on Tuesday, Friday & Saturday from 1 to 5 PM from May 18 through October 16, closed holidays. Tours may be scheduled by appointment.
The museum entertains hundreds of visitors every year and, prior to COVID, hosted many events, such as the Fashion Flaunt which showcased many of the Warren County Historical Society’s textiles, a guided tour of the Irvine-Newbold Estate, Warren County Tales which provided an array of local programs, the annual chicken BBQ event where many guests gathered to enjoy the BBQ while listening to local musicians playing in the adjacent gazebo, and the National Forge Open House that featured an expert tour guide and concentrated on the many artifacts exhibited in the National Forge Exhibit room.
Over the past twenty+ years, with help from the Community Foundation of Warren County and many community businesses and individuals, the organization has replaced the facilities flat roof; upgraded the restrooms to ADA compliance; upgraded the building with energy-saving, UV protected windows; installed new heating and cooling units in the east and south wings; replaced three sets of fire/security doors; upgraded the security system to include security cameras; upgraded the lighting to energy efficient LED bulbs, and most recently repaired and resealed the museum’s parking lot.
The Wilder Museum BRICK Fundraising Campaign is the next step in securing one of Warren County’s local treasures. The 80 year old structure is in need of exterior BRICK repair. Please donate to this very worthy cause, and give yourself a pat on the back for preserving Warren County history for posterity. All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for your interest and support!