Jefferson County Courthouse at 150: The Big Day Approaches

Brookville, Pa. (EYT) – September 13 is right around the corner, and County Commissioner Jack Matson and his team of volunteers are putting together the finishing touches for the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Jefferson County Courthouse.

The activities start with an art exhibit that runs all week. On the day of, the courthouse will be running tours all day long. At noon, the World War II Memorial will have its dedication. The Punxsutawney Area High School Band will play music from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. After that, the guest speakers begin.

The County Courthouse with a fresh coat of paint.

Matson has one wish for Friday.

“I hope we have good weather,” he said. “We’ve been waiting 150 years for this day, and I’m excited for it to kick off and see people’s reactions.”

Matson will emcee the main celebration with a lineup of special speakers starting at 5:30. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, Associate Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Kevin M. Dougherty, Moriah Hathaway from Governor Tom Wolf’s office, Representative Cris Dush, Judge John H. Foradora, the county commissioners, and a representative from the Brookville Borough Council will speak to the community.

“We have such a great slate of speakers that I can’t pick a favorite,” Matson said. “I can’t wait to hear all of them. They all have different takes on how they’ll remember the 150th anniversary.”

The day will also have a performance “The Trials of Judge Heath,” written by Randy Bartley. The day ends with the lighting of the bell tower at 9 p.m.

District Attorney Jeff Burkett is taking part in the play and is happy to be a part of history.

“I think it’s great to be a part of this moment in time,” Burkett said. “To be working here, to be a part of this atmosphere, I’m excited about Friday. It’s neat to know this institution’s been here for so long and we get to be a part of it.”

This is the final piece in a series looking at the Jefferson County Courthouse’s 150th anniversary. The celebration begins this Friday at the courthouse.


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