Join the Sharon Historical Society, in collaboration with The Corinthian, as we host “Erie's Great Mausoleum Mystery: Cocktails & History,” a unique, lecture with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage included. True crime author and historian Justin Dombrowski presents the twists and turns of a historic and shocking crime and cover-up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the case’s unique connections to Sharon, Pennsylvania. On February 8, 1911, the Scott Mausoleum, a symbol of wealth for the Scott and Strong families in Erie, Pennsylvania, was desecrated by unknown vandals, coined by nationwide papers as ghouls. With the inside of the mausoleum heavily damaged - and a body missing - the crime set off shockwaves throughout the country during a time in which grave robbery, extortion and murder reigned supreme. Hundreds of reporters and newspaper correspondents throughout the country and world descend upon the Great Lakes port city. Private Detectives from the Perkins Detective Agency in Pittsburgh took charge of the case, pitted against rival detectives from the famous Burns Detective Agency. The case took a sinister turn when a series of letters were sent to wealthy local philanthropist Charles Hamot Strong, threatening to blow up his mausoleum and murder his granddaughter.
This lecture is provided by true crime author and historian Justin Dombrowski. Justin Dombrowski has studied local history for over 20 years, specializing in local historical and criminal records in northwestern Pennsylvania. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, he obtained a degree from Mercyhurst University, briefly working as an Intern with the Erie County Detective's unit in 2009. Having worked in the film industry since 2011, Justin is also a co-founder of Pickwick Entertainment, an Independent Film Production Company. His first book with The History Press, Murder & Mayhem In Erie, Pennsylvania, received critical acclaim for its writing and research. An author of five books with The History Press, the most recent being The Murder of Debbie Gama: Justice & Absolution in Erie, he resides in Erie, Pennsylvania.
This event requires tickets to be purchased in advance on our website which are $20 per person and include one (1) alcoholic or unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar will be available with mixed drinks, beer, and more.
The event will be at The Corinthian, first-floor, Sharon, PA 16146 on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Please use the Pitt Street entrance to the first-floor space.
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