Northumberland PA


About Northumberland, PA in Northumberland County

Northumberland, PA is called “Norry” by the locals and is located on the Susquehanna River in Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River Valley. Northumberland, PA is located at the Susquehanna River’s confluence – where the two branches of the Susquehanna River merge into one, before heading south to Selinsgrove, Harrisburg and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay.

Northumberland Borough is home to an estimated 3,700 people. Northumberland is part of the Shikellamy School District, whose mascot is the Shikellamy Braves.

The History of Northumberland, PA Northumberlan PA

Northumberland, PA was founded in 1772. The land that became Northumberland, PA was purchased from the Iroquois Indians. During the American Revolution, Northumberland was evacuated in 1778, and finally resettled in 1784.

The most well-known citizen of Northumberland, PA is Joseph Priestley. Northumberland, PA was Dr. Priestley’s home from 1794 until his death in 1804. Dr. Priestley was a theologian, philosopher, educator, and political theorist. His home remains a Museum today and is run by the Friends of the Joseph Priestley House, an all-volunteer organization.

Joseph Priestley House Museum in Northumberland, PA

The Joseph Priestley House still stands on Priestley Avenue in Northumberland, PA and is a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Historically, it was managed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission but in recent years, due to cutbacks in state funding, a group called the Friends of Joseph Priestley House Museum was formed. The Friends group runs the Museum, in partnership with the PHMC.

The Friends of the Joseph Priestley House:

  • Promotes interest in Joseph Priestley and his work
  • Researches and restores the Joseph Priestley House
  • Provides and facilitates educational programming
  • Establishes fundraising activities in order to accomplish the above-stated and related purposes

Susquehanna River and Shikellamy State Park in Northumberland, PA

Sunbury, PA is located on the Susquehanna River, where the two branches meet. The River provides many recreational opportunities for residents, college students and visitors, including boating, fishing, swimming, and ice skating.

Shikellamy State Park is in Union and Northumberland counties. The 78-acre Shikellamy Overlook section is on the western shore of the Susquehanna River and overlooks the confluence of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna River. The 54-acre Shikellamy Marina section is in Northumberland County, between the Borough of Northumberland and the City of Sunbury on the southern tip of Packer’s Island, at the confluence of the West Branch and North Branch Susquehanna River.

King Street Park in Northumberland, PA

In the heart of Northumberland’s historic district is King Street Park. The Park is home to festivals like Pineknotter Days for several days in July and Music in the Park in the summer months.

Liberty Splashland in Northumberland, PA

Liberty Splashland, operated by the borough, includes a 6,400 square foot swimming pool, sand volleyball court and picnic facilities.

Additional Resources in and Around Northumberland, PA