The History Center on Main Street will host a special presentation exploring the rich history and local impact of the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ Orphans Schools on Sunday, June 14, at 2:00 PM. The event will take place at The History Center, located at 61 N. Main Street in Mansfield.

The presentation features two distinct segments detailing a unique chapter of Pennsylvania history:

• Local History & Impact: Joyce M. Tice, director of The History Center, will present the specific history of the Mansfield Soldiers’ Orphan School, sharing stories of the individuals involved and the profound impact the institution had on the local community.
• A Statewide Overview: Lay historian William Peck will present “Pennsylvania Soldiers’ Orphan Schools 1864–2009,” offering a broader look at the statewide system established by Governor Andrew Curtin in 1864 to care for and educate the children of Civil War veterans. His talk will focus heavily on both the Mansfield and Harford schools.

Both presentations will feature an extensive collection of historical photographs of the schools, staff, and students.

Mr. Peck brings a deeply personal perspective to the subject, with ancestral ties to the program dating back to 1899 across multiple schools, including Chester Springs, Harford, and the Scotland School for Veterans’ Children, where his parents graduated in 1942 and 1950. A 1981 West Point graduate and current data analyst at the U.S. Naval Academy, Peck has dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of these vital institutions.

This event is free and open to the public and offers a compelling look at the intersection of military, state, and local history.