The Hagen History Center celebrated 13 Erie-area individuals whose accomplishments have made an impact on a national scale during its annual “A Night at the Museum.”
About 600 people attended the event, which recognized honorees from a variety of professional backgrounds while celebrating their connection to Erie.
Organizers say the honorees’ accomplishments highlight the impact people from the Erie community can have well beyond Northwest Pennsylvania.
“Sell out crowd for something that’s truly part of Erie’s history,” said Caleb Pifer, president of the Hagen History Center. “The individuals that we’re honoring tonight are just unbelievable. Putting together their bios, you really get a sense of all that they’ve accomplished, and to be from our hometown, it just–I think anybody watching this should feel good.”
The event was also part of Pennsylvania’s America 250 celebration, recognizing the people and stories that have helped shape the region’s history.
Among the honorees was Emmy Award-winning television host Maria Sansone, who began her broadcast journalism career in Erie at age 11.
Sansone said returning to Erie for the event was especially meaningful because of her longtime connection to the Hagen History Center.
“It’s really hard to put into words how amazing it is to be an honoree tonight,” Sansone said. “I don’t think I realized the impact until I actually got to Erie and felt all the love and support.”
Sansone said she grew up visiting the museum with her grandmother and admiring the people and stories featured throughout its exhibits.
Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General James Dubik was also among the honorees. Dubik was recognized in the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame and said many of the foundations for his career were built during his time in Erie.
“I feel very blessed to be honored here in my hometown,” Dubik said. “Everything I ever achieved, all the foundation was learned–I learned it here.”
Dubik pointed to his experiences at Holy Rosary Parish, Cathedral Prep, and Gannon as important parts of his journey.
Organizers say the event provided an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of Erie natives while also supporting the Hagen History Center and its efforts to preserve and share the region’s history.