Century Farm Program
Towanda, Bradford County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
In 1949, the Bradford County Historical Society, then located in the courthouse annex, initiated the first Century Farm program in Pa. Based on NY’s Order of Century Farmers, the program recognized farms that had been owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years. In 1976, the Pa. Department of Agriculture adopted the society’s model and has since designated more than 2,000 Century and Bicentennial Farms throughout the state.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In 1949 the Bradford County Historical Society, then housed in the courthouse annex in Towanda, launched Pennsylvania's first Century Farm program, modeled on New York's Order of Century Farmers. The idea was simple and enduring: honor farms held and worked by the same family for a hundred years or more. In 1976 the state Department of Agriculture adopted the model, and it has since recognized more than 2,000 Century and Bicentennial Farms across Pennsylvania.
Why it matters
The program gave formal recognition to the multigenerational family farm, a quiet institution at the heart of rural American identity and continuity.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Tioga Point Museum13.3 mi away
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Themes & tags
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