Boalsburg Birthplace of Memorial Day

Boalsburg, PA Memorial Day Festival 2023

Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, is a small village with a big claim to fame: it is the birthplace of Memorial Day. The tradition of honoring the fallen soldiers with flowers dates back to 1864, when three local women met at the cemetery to decorate the graves of their loved ones who died in the Civil War. Since then, Boalsburg and neighboring communities have observed what was first known as “Decoration Day” until it was officially declared a national holiday in 1971 and named Memorial Day.

Each year, Boalsburg celebrates Memorial Day with a festival that attracts thousands of visitors. The Boalsburg Memorial Day Celebration, “A Day in Towne,” will take place on Monday, May 29th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival features food, music, craft vendors, and historical reenactments. Some of the highlights include: 

  • Two Civil War battle reenactments at the historic Boal Mansion and Estate, will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. You...