Warren County Courthouse commemorating 150 years next week

The public is invited and encouraged to join the Warren County Historical Society and the Warren County Government in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Warren County Courthouse. In April of 1876, Buffalo architect M.E. Beebe's plans were accepted by Warren County Commissioners and construction of the county's courthouse began. Thomas Bell oversaw demolition of the standing courthouse and jail while J.P. Marston was charged as superintendent of construction. Though the $107,000 finishing cost far exceeded Beebe's $65,000 opening estimate, the courthouse was completed by December of 1877 and was commended as a "model courthouse of the state."

On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6 p.m., local attorney Rene Johnson will share her vast knowledge of the Warren County Courthouse in the main courtroom located at 204 Fourth Avenue in Warren. Johnson began her law career prosecuting as an assistant district attorney in Warren County handling child abuse and domestic violence cases. She has more than 30 years of legal experience and is a member of the Robert H. Jackson Inn of Court and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Warren County Commissioner Dan Glotz will issue a proclamation and state Rep. Kathy Rapp’s office will provide a citation in celebration of the anniversary.

The Warren County Historical Society sponsoring the 150th commemoration of the Warren County Courthouse. In addition, Warren County grant writer Josh Cotton will be discussing a few of the portraits in the courthouse and the recent restoration work. While visiting the courthouse, attendees may wish to see the original Lady Justice and World War 1 Doughboy statues, the 25 Historical Society-framed images of notable people in Warren County history, and the 1876 Warren County Courthouse ledger with building and labor expenditures.