From unsolved murders and ghastly disasters to medicinal water and sports legends, Northwestern Pennsylvania has a rich and diverse history.

Jessica Hilburn, historian and head of reference at Benson Memorial Library in Titusville, Pennsylvania, will discuss the region’s history as outlined in her book, “Hidden History of Northwestern Pennsylvania,” from noon until 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 24, on the seventh floor of PennWest Edinboro’s Baron-Forness Library.

“Local history is my favorite history. The national highlights are important, and everyone should know them, but the real nitty gritty of life can be found in the local details,” Hillburn said. “So much life has been lived on the ground where we walk today.”

Held as part of the Friends of Baron-Forness Library’s Meet the Author Series, the event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so registration is recommended.

Hilburn provides many types of stories within her novel that she is excited to share—from a quack doctor who used his wiles to terrorize multiple communities, to the "Titusville Slaughter" where willfully negligent business practices resulted in the death of six passengers and traumatized innumerable others.

She likens exploring local history to "panning for gold," describing the thrill of discovering "that shiny nugget of information that no one living today remembers, or if they do remember it makes them smile and want to share more."

Hilburn, who performed her undergraduate work in history and political science at Mercyhurst University before earning a master’s degree from Edinboro, believes that local history is far from closed.

“History is a dynamic subject. It may feel like the book has been written and closed for good, but that couldn't be further from the truth,” Hillburn said. Her book reopens these closed chapters, bringing forgotten narratives to light.