Summer & Fall Hours - Open Everyday from 10 am - 4 pm
THEÂ FORT BEDFORD MUSEUM
Our Fort Bedford Museum features unique historical exhibits that highlight our role in the French and Indian War, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the evolution of the local landscape from "Cave to Empire."
A History of Fort Bedford
Built in 1958 by Bedford residents to commemorate construction of the original French & Indian War fort in 1758, Fort Bedford Museum houses over 4,000 objects from Bedford’s past.
For 57 years, the Museum displayed its entire collection as many museums once did: in rows of wood and glass cases. In 2015, the Bedford Heritage Trust began a five-year plan to renovate and update Fort Bedford’s exhibits, collections management practices, and educational programming.
If you haven’t visited us lately, come see what we’ve done! Two new interpretive exhibits—Becoming Bedford and Cave to Empire—opened in 2016 and 2017. In 2019, we unveiled our exhibition The Story of "Indian Eve" Ernst.
For the summer of 2023, we shared the first phase of our Fort Era exhibit devoted to Bedford's role in the French & Indian War, and work continued on an exhibit about Bedford's role in the Whiskey Rebellion.
As of spring 2025, our latest exhibitions include the Forbes Road exhibit and the newly dedicated James Hostetler Transportation Room. We’ve also added several engaging children’s activities throughout the Museum to enhance the visitor experience for families. Currently, we are hard at work developing our upcoming Bedford Attic exhibit, which will highlight hidden treasures and unique stories from Bedford’s past.
Come explore the new and exciting changes at Fort Bedford Museum!
Calling All Artisans, Crafters, and Historical Demonstrators!
Join us for the 2nd Annual Fort Bedford River Rendezvous on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM at Fort Bedford Park in Bedford, PA! 110 Fort Bedford Dr, Bedford, PA 15522.
We’re looking for:
18th-Century Demonstrators (e.g. blacksmithing, basket weaving, traditional crafts)
Artisan Vendors (handcrafted goods, traditional arts)
Modern-Day Craft Vendors (unique handmade products)
Vendor Fees:
Artisan and Modern Craft Vendors — Early Bird Special $25 if registered by December 25, 2025.
Historical Groups and Demonstrators — FREE to set up! If you’re a historical demonstrator who sells your products, your space is FREE as well.
Want to join us?
[Link to Vendor Registration Form for Sellers]
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfA_5iZY7.../viewform...
[Link to Historical Groups & Demonstrators Registration Form]
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSe7T4kVvXE.../viewform...
For questions or more information, contact us at:
814-624-9211
On June 25, the museum proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Forbes Road exhibit, highlighting the rich history and significance of this vital transportation route. During the event, the museum also honored James Hostetler for his many years of dedicated volunteer service and invaluable contributions to preserving local history. In recognition of his tireless efforts, the museum’s transportation room was officially named the James Hostetler Transportation Room, ensuring his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
2024 Excellence In Tourism
The Fort Bedford Museum, in partnership with the Bedford County Visitors Bureau, is proud to announce that we are the winners of the 2024 Excellence in Tourism Award from the Bedford Chamber of Commerce. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the museum throughout its nearly 70 years of preserving and sharing our local history. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in helping us achieve this honor.
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