Eagle’s ‘Journey Through Time’ exhibit unveiled
CRANBERRY TWP — Butler County’s 226-year history is full of inspiring moments and influential figures that have left an indelible mark on the nation.
For those eager to explore that legacy as the country celebrates its 250th birthday throughout 2026, a timely opportunity emerged on Wednesday.
In partnership with America250PA, the Butler Eagle unveiled its “Journey Through Time” Exhibit at the RLA Learning and Conference Center, a 90-foot walk-through experience featuring archival photos and stories that have defined the county and generations of Pennsylvanians.
“There’s so much history here that people don’t know on the local, regional and national levels,” said Stephen Cicero, a local history buff who contributed several articles to the wall.
The wall reflects on decades of landmark achievements, pivotal events and notable figures that have secured a lasting place in history.
“It’s a great effort and I hope more people take advantage of reading those stories and learning the history of their neighborhood,” Cicero said. “History is everywhere in Butler County. You just need to know where to look.”
Joey Hamilton — secretary for the nonprofit Washington’s Trail 1753, who was serving as an ambassador for the wall — said looking back on Butler County’s history in such a unique way can be a worthwhile endeavor for those intrigued by it.
“I think our history in the county is really interesting,” she said. “Our job is to promote the mission of Washington’s Trail and other historical events. A lot of people — even residents — have no idea that George (Washington) came through (Butler County) and some of the other things that happened after that.”
The exhibit is one of several initiatives and showcases spearheaded by Experience Butler County, according to President Amy Pack, whose organization has also planted trees and held bell dedications in recognition of America 250PA.
She encouraged anyone interested in celebrating America’s birthday throughout the year to track the county’s America250PA website.
“It is growing every day with events from now all the way through the end of the year,” Pack said.
The organization is also turning Experience Butler County “History Day” into a history week from June 26 to July 5 with a variety of events in honor of the semiquincentennial, Pack said.
“We’ll have a full list up of all those events and how people can take advantage of the history week in general,” she said. “But we’re hoping every corner of the county will be represented. It will ideally be very inclusive of a lot of different ways for people to commemorate the 250th.”
For the Butler Eagle correspondents and staff who made the wall possible, the project has been a fulfilling opportunity to highlight Butler County’s rich history in a distinctive way.
“It’s truly been a labor of love, and it’s been so well received by the community,” said Butler Eagle publisher Tammy Schuey. “Whenever July 4, 2026, happens, we’ll have three-and-a-half years of content. That edition is going to be our 1776 edition. Combing back through the decades has really been a lot of fun.”
The exhibit will remain open to the public each day through July. While two America250-themed open houses are planned for Tuesday, April 14, and Tuesday, June 9, visitors can view the wall at any time during the RLA’s normal operating hours.
