LEWISTOWN — While Forest Fisher never turns down a chance to promote the rich history of the Juniata River Valley, the well-known and revered volunteer at the Mifflin County Historical Society is particularly anxious for something new to make its debut at this year’s Free Museum Day.

It’s a new, illuminated solar flag pole and decorative base at the Old Hoopes School in Lewistown.

“Thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Quinn Parson and scouts of Troop 106 in Milroy for their recent hard work,” Fisher said of the Hoopes School project. Which is open from 1 to 4 p.m.

“The society is so excited at this wonderful addition of a new illuminated solar flag pole and decorative base to the school,” Fisher added. “The Eagle Scout project should be finished for Museum Day.”

Annual Museum Day, which is sponsored by the Huntingdon County History and Heritage Roundtable and slated for Saturday, Sept. 20, is a time when museums and historical societies across Mifflin and Huntingdon counties will open their doors for free as part of the two-county event.

“Come out and explore the rich history and heritage of our area — right here in our own backyard,” event officials said in a press release. “Whether you’re a history buff, a curious local or looking for a family-friendly day trip, there’s something for everyone.”

The Old Hoopes School is one of five Mifflin County locations that are participating this year, the release stated. Other stops on Sept. 20 include:

McCoy House Museum, 17 N. Main St. in Lewistown, and open from 1 to 4 on Sept. 20.

Kishacoquillas Valley Historical Society, 38 E. Main St. in Allensville, and open 9 a.m. to noon;

McVeytown Museum, 10 N. Queen St. in McVeytown, and open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and

Newtown Wayne Historical Society Lockhouse, 515 Ferguson Valley Road in Newtown Hamilton, and open 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Between the two floors of the barn, two floors of the house and the Blacksmith Shop there is plenty to see,” said Denise Chester, president of the Kishacoquillas Valley Historical Society.

“It would probably take the entire three hours to see it all,” Chester added.

In the past, the historical society has seen an uptick in visitors on Museum Day than a typical Saturday that they are open.

The Old Hoopes School, an historic one-room school building located at 867 Long Lane, just off Route 522 North, in Derry Township, was built about 1873. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The school and its vintage contents were donated to the Mifflin County Historical Society in 2021 by owner Clifford Walters. The school remains a museum, where visitors interact with educational artifacts in a classic example of a 19th century Pennsylvania rural school, Fisher said.

Built in 1841, the McCoy House was the birthplace of Major Gen. Frank Ross McCoy and now houses many displays and exhibits from the Mifflin County Historical Society’s large collection of items from the county’s cherished history.

The Memorial Room emphasizes the Gen. McCoy collection that commemorates the family’s contributions to the welfare of the community and nation in both war and peace.

Now through Sept. 29, the Anne Kepler Fisher art exhibit will be featured throughout the museum. This retrospective of her Amish art includes extensive signage and images of her other works highlighting Mifflin County history.

There will be 10 stops in neighboring Huntingdon County on Museum Day. Among those are popular destinations like:

Friends of the East Broad Top Museum, 550 Main St. in Robertsdale, and open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

Swigart Museum, located at 12031 William Penn Highway in Huntingdon, and open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 20; and

Rockhill Trolley Museum, 430 Meadow St. in Rockhill Furnace, and open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to discover and celebrate the stories that shaped our community,” the release stated. “Whether you’re a history buff, a curious local, or looking for a family-friendly day trip, there’s something for everyone.”

There’s also the following stops:

Bricktown Museum, 300 W. Small St. in Mount Union, and open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.;

Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum, 704 Main St. in Robertsdale, and open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

Huntingdon County Historical Society, 106 Fourth St. in Huntingdon, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;

Huntingdon County Visitor Bureau Exhibition Area, 6993 Seven Points Road in Huntingdon, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Isett Heritage Museum, 11941 Stone Creek Ridge Road in Huntingdon, open 1 to 4 p.m.;

Juniata College Museum of Art, 1700 Moore St. in Huntingdon, and open noon to 4 p.m.; and

Mount Union Area Historical Society, 22 W. Water St. in Mount Union, and open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Please remember that these places are all 501(c)3 nonprofits and mainly volunteer run and donation based, so please know that donations are greatly appreciated to help them maintain their builds and collections to keep them preserved for many generations to enjoy and learn from,” the release added.

Visit www.huntingdoncountyhistory.com for more information.