HQ at THE STURGEON HOUSE - A House Museum Representing two eras: 1830s and Post–Civil War

The house was built by Samuel Sturgeon for his brother Robert. Their father was a founding pioneer. You will see two time periods in these rooms with some furnishings from the original family. Our mission is to preserve the history of the Fairview area by collecting information and artifacts unique to the area and through the continuing education of its citizens.

The Sturgeon House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From the main entry you will see how the family lived and entertained during the post-Civil War era.

Books of the time as well as decorated plates – a project of the lady of the house during her leisure hours – line the bookshelves. The square grand piano represents the importance of music to the family.

The woodwork and wallpaper in the parlor reflect the popular decorating choices of the times.

The main bedroom is off this room, and the second bedroom is off the Keeping Room. Neither bedroom has a closet. The second bedroom was for an older widowed woman and/or the youngest child. The Keeping Room reflects the early period of the house, with a fireplace for cooking, for heat and more.

The archives on the second floor include a large genealogical collection, which, with an appointment, is open for research at no charge. This area also houses historical research that has been accumulated by various members and also is available for research.

Regular open hours are limited. Two weekends are open annually: Memorial Weekend and the first full weekend of December for the Christmas Open House. Tuesday afternoons are open from mid-May through mid- November. Memberships are offered and four meetings with speakers are scheduled each year, plus a membership picnic. Reenactors join our open weekends and our occasional temporary exhibits, which are on view in the Meeting Room during special open hours.

The house is open for tours. School children are welcome individually or in classes.

As a house museum the Sturgeon House offers many lessons.

The Civil War is highlighted in the parlor, indicating its continued historical importance to the family.  A print of the Battle of Gettysburg is on display here and other artwork can be seen and discussed.  The Civil War sword above the bedroom doorway is a matter for discussion as well.  The bedroom off the parlor has several items of the times that present questions for discussion.

The Keeping Room offers comparisons of lifestyles between that early era and today’s technology.

A Continuing Exhibit Room is off the Keeping Room and displays items such as spinning wheels, a working Victrola, a trunk carried by a Captain in the Civil War, and other items.  Each tells a story of life in the United States.  Yearbooks from the school district are available for view here and are very popular with visitors. The Gift Shop is located here and includes mostly books on local and county history. A working kitchen is off this room.  The Meeting Room where temporary exhibits are displayed is through the south doorway.

Additionally, the square grand piano in the parlor provides a special history. Built circa 1870, it belonged to a black musician from Erie.  He owned a music store there, taught music and performed with various musical groups in the Erie community.  Earl E. Lawrence also taught all music forms to the children in the Fairview schools during the 1940s.  He was highly regarded for his talent and his kindness.   The Sturgeon House became the home for his piano in 2018.

• Check the website for special open hours or Call for an appointment, 814 474-5855.
• Free Admission
• Limited parking on site; a handicapped ramp is off the parking area.
• Gift shop
• Accepts cash and check only.