Accomplished in 1849, the Baker Mansion stands as a singular instance of Greek Revival structure proper within the coronary heart of Altoona, Pennsylvania. The mansion as soon as housed Elias Baker, a rich ironmaster, and his household till 1914. Quickly afterwards, the Blair County Historic Society got here into its possession and turned it right into a museum that also operates at this time.
An unlimited assortment of the household's authentic furnishings and belongings is housed throughout the mansion to this present day, together with hand-carved furnishings from Belgium and mirrors imported from France. Moreover, uncommon artifacts from the encircling space's historical past reside throughout the mansion's partitions, together with a big desk that was allegedly used to evaluation early drafts of the Emancipation Proclamation on the Loyal Warfare Governors' Convention of September 1862.
Maybe probably the most well-known artifact on show, although, is the haunted marriage ceremony costume of Anna Baker. Legend says that Anna acquired this costume for her marriage ceremony day, however her father, Elias, by no means allowed her to marry the one man she actually beloved. Angered at her father's choice, Anna swore that she would by no means marry. And, certainly, she didn't, as Anna died alone on the mansion in 1914. Nevertheless, it appears that evidently part of Anna nonetheless stays throughout the mansion, as dozens of visitors have reported seeing her costume transfer by itself and listening to faint whispers whereas viewing it. These tales of Anna's marriage ceremony costume, mixed with accounts of different unusual figures seen all through the house, make the Baker Mansion a must-see for paranormal fanatics.
For many who go to the mansion throughout its seasonal public hours, you'll be able to browse its outside gardens, participate in guided excursions of the house, and even attend particular public occasions corresponding to outside live shows and Halloween lantern excursions.
