Heritage Day: Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum celebrates 25 years with special event Sept. 21
- LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Lynn Bittner is shown surrounded by memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Heritage Museum.
- LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.
- LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.
- LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.
- LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.
- LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Lynn Bittner is shown surrounded by memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Heritage Museum.
BEECH CREEK — The Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed and the many communities this waterway crosses through has a rich and unique history.
That history has been on display, ever growing and changing, at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Heritage Museum since 2000. The museum is located inside the former Beech Creek School House along Vesper Street, tucked into the borough and just off Main Street.
The museum features a wide range of memorabilia and historical items from Beech Creek Borough and Township, Orviston, Liberty Township, Marsh Creek and Blanchard — all of which exist within the watershed.
To celebrate the 25-year milestone, volunteers at the museum are hosting a Heritage Day on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 12 to 4 p.m.
The event will feature a silent auction, food, indoor vendors and tours of the museum by volunteer Lynn Bitner.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.
Bitner has been part of the museum’s board — which has unfortunately dwindled over the years — and often offers tours for interested residents and visitors to the area.
He told The Express he hopes the Heritage Day will give people the opportunity to learn about the little museum filled with a plethora of history about the area.
He said three vendors will be onsite showcasing their products inside the museum.
“I wanted to keep the vendors inside,” he said of the number.
Those vendors will also be donating items to the silent auction. Also among the items up for bid will be gift cards.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.
The silent auction will run from the start of the event, with winners announced at 3:30 p.m.
Prior to this, tours by Bitner will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m.
Bitner will also offer closing remarks about the museum and its 25 years at 4 p.m. prior to the event’s conclusion.
Food will be provided by the Friendship Community Center, in Beech Creek, and includes pork sandwiches with coleslaw, hot dogs, drink and snacks. Proceeds from the food will go back to the community center.
Bitner said, when looking for a food vendor, he chose another local organization within the community to share the benefits.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.
For those unfamiliar with the museum, it features a range of sports memorabilia, news clippings from major events, items donated from area veterans, a wide range of books and more.
“We have a very diverse collection of things from the area,” Bitner said.
Those who may not be able to stop by during Heritage Day can always contact Bitner to schedule a tour by calling 570-660-5914.
Anyone in the area that may also want to volunteer at the museum can also reach out to Bitner to learn more.
He commended Americorps Seniors and its volunteer coordinator, Cathay Ballat, for offering assistance recently.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.
“Cathy has been wonderful in helping get volunteers. It’s a blessing to have help from the organization to do things and help make things,” he said.
He further thanked volunteers Mike, Missy and Joe for their assistance.
“We’re always in need of help,” Bitner said.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Various antiques and memorabilia at the Beech Creek/Marsh Creek Watershed Museum are pictured.