Documentary Highlighting Centre County’s Revolutionary War History Set for Public Premiere

A new, locally produced documentary exploring the history of Centre County during the Revolutionary War will make its public debut later this month in downtown State College.

The film, “Graves on Indian Lane,” will have a “soft premiere” with a free public screening at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at Schlow Centre Region Library. An invitation-only private screening was held May 16 for members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

The documentary highlights the history surrounding a burial site memorializing Private Thomas Van Doran and Corporal Jacob Shadecre, two Revolutionary War soldiers killed in Penns Valley after an engagement with five American Indians in 1778. 

Filmmakers say the project examines how the incident reflects the tensions and violent relationships between Patriots, British forces and Native Americans during the American Revolution.

The film combines archival research, interviews from local voices and cinematic storytelling to highlight a piece of local history that organizers say has often been overlooked.

Pablo Lopez, film production manager for the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and certified film commissioner, said the documentary arrives during a significant period as the country prepares to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

“We are not only telling meaningful local stories but also building a sustainable pathway for film production in Centre County by connecting history, community and creative workforce development,” Lopez said.

The project was produced by Local Historia LLC and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau in collaboration with Schlow Centre Region Library, the Centre County Historical Society and Museum, Centre County Library & Historical Museum, the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Organizers said the public screening will also give attendees an opportunity to learn more about the film’s production and the historical research behind the project.

The May screenings serve as the beginning of a broader distribution plan for the documentary, with submissions to regional and national film festivals planned throughout 2026.