Museum
Museum CLOSED during the winter, except for group tours that can be scheduled by contacting the Museum 570 265-2240.
The Bradford County Jail was built in 1871-73 out of necessity, since the former jail was housed in the basement of the Court House building. A parcel of land was purchased from the widow of Dr. E. H. Mason, who decided to sell the property after the house located there burned. The new jail was designed by Susquehanna County architect, Avery Frink. He had designed a jail for Susquehanna County and was experienced in the needs of this type of facility. The County Commissioners decided to build the jail themselves under the supervision of Avery Frink, rather than contracting the work. Construction of the massive stone building was begun and within two years it was completed. The first prisoners were moved in August 14, 1873. The front section of the building was the home of the sheriff, J. Monroe Smith and his family.
The Bradford County Jail continued to service the county for the next 118 years. During that time it housed a varied group of prisoners, both male and female. In 1991, after the jail was determined to be in a rapidly deteriorating state, the County decided that a new larger and modern jail would be built in the county.
(Source: THE SETTLER-May 2001)
In 1998 the County Commissioners voted to transfer the property to the Bradford County Historical Society. The Bradford County Museum offers three floors of exhibits and activities presenting the Bradford County story. Through the exhibits visitors will be able to see and learn about the life in Bradford County, from the early days to the present. The Museum holds artifacts on early settler's household and farm equipment, early industrial displays, paintings and photo boards, and military objects all representing the County's heritage. You can find it all at the Bradford County Museum, serving as official source of County History since 1870.
For a Museum Brochure click here PDF file.
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