We will meet at Historic Hanna’s Town in the old parking lot at 8:30 AM and travel by car the 40 miles to the Museum. Jim Laskoski, an experienced volunteer tour guide at the Flood Museum will provide insight and context to the events of that dreadful day—May 31, 1889. We plan to visit Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site in the morning; watch the 20-minute film at the Visitors Center; and see the Lemon House and Engine House #6. Then lunch on our own; restaurant suggestion to follow. In the afternoon, it’s a visit to the Johnstown Flood Memorial Visitors Center to watch another film (35 minutes). Then we’ll go to the remains of the dam.  The north side is ADA compliant, and the south side gives the opportunity to walk down into the former lakebed and through the breach of the dam. The side we visit with Jim would be based on the mobility of our guests. Last we would stop at the Clubhouse. We expect to return to Historic Hanna’s Town by 5 PM. There is no fee, just the cost of your lunch.

Sometimes, we postpone visiting nearby places, intending to go “someday.” This is an opportunity to visit or revisit this National Park with other interested people and our own personal guide! Please call the office at 724-836-1800 ext. 210 to let us know if you will join our caravan.

Historic Hanna’s Town is open on Memorial Day from 10:30 – 1:30 p.m. Join us for guided tours of the historic site and learn about Westmoreland County during the American Revolution.

Guided tours are offered when you arrive. Reservations are not required, but if there are ten or more in your party, they are requested. The last tour leaves at 12:30 p.m.

Tours last about 1 full hour; it is a walking tour. If you or someone in your group has mobility issues, please speak to someone at the front desk, and accommodations will be made for you.

Call 724-836-1800 x212 for more information.

Antiques & Collectibles, a community tradition since 1974, provides excellent buying and selling opportunities for lovers of antiques and anyone seeking vintage items. Browse for bargains and support local history preservation. Proceeds from this event have been vital for the reconstruction of Historic Hanna’s Town. The quaint and historic setting hosts numerous vendors offering a variety of one-of-a-kind items covering a wide price range.

Antiques and Collectibles is held the second Sunday of the month May through October. For 2025, these dates are May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, and October 12.

This event will be held rain or shine. Sorry, no pets are permitted; service animals only.

ADMISSION: $5 per car.

VENDORS: Vendors of antiques, folk art, historical crafts, and collectibles (please no flea market items) are welcome to set up for the day or weekend. Spaces are 28′ x 20′ and cost $40 per space, per show. Discounts are available if all shows are paid in advance by May 11. If you are interested in being a vendor, call 724-836-1800 x100.

A Living History Event!

Details coming soon!

Join us for a program by EVAN PORTMAN as he explores a fascinating chapter of Civil War history, where devotion to faith clashes with the realities of a nation at war. 

As the American Civil War split the nation, brother against brother, the conflict also divided one of Westmoreland County’s small monastic communities, the Saint Vincent Benedictine Abbey. As Americans chose sides in the struggle over slavery, so did the monks and students of Saint Vincent. Abbot Boniface Wimmer soon found his confreres fighting for both North and South as the college, seminary, and monastery became embroiled by the conflict.

Call to register your interest to attend: 724-836-1800, ext 210

Antiques & Collectibles, a community tradition since 1974, provides excellent buying and selling opportunities for lovers of antiques and anyone seeking vintage items. Browse for bargains and support local history preservation. Proceeds from this event have been vital for the reconstruction of Historic Hanna’s Town. The quaint and historic setting hosts numerous vendors offering a variety of one-of-a-kind items covering a wide price range.

Antiques and Collectibles is held the second Sunday of the month May through October. For 2025, these dates are May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, and October 12.

This event will be held rain or shine. Sorry, no pets are permitted; service animals only.

ADMISSION: $5 per car.

VENDORS: Vendors of antiques, folk art, historical crafts, and collectibles (please no flea market items) are welcome to set up for the day or weekend. Spaces are 28′ x 20′ and cost $40 per space, per show. Discounts are available if all shows are paid in advance by May 11. If you are interested in being a vendor, call 724-836-1800 x100.

The Westmoreland Historical Society will host a Civil War encampment and battle reenactments at Historic Hanna’s Town on July 19 – July 20. Though battles did not take place at Hanna’s Town during the Civil War, western Pennsylvania provided soldiers, leadership, equipment, supplies, transportation systems, and civilian support necessary for Union victory.

Displays and presentations around the historic site will cover a variety of topics.  There will be a reenactment of battle tactics; and demonstrations of various artillery. The public is encouraged to ask questions and talk to over 200 reenactors who will be camped around the site.

Event includes admission to the exhibit Cut from the Same Cloth at the Westmoreland History Education Center.

Adults: $12
Children: $6
Family Pass: $30
Children 5 and Under: Free

Schedule TBD:

Special performance by 46th Pennsylvania Regiment Band (Logan Guards). Since 1995, this reenacting group from Altoona has brought to life the music of the Civil War. Come hear period music performed on 19th century instruments and learn about the history of regimental bands in the Civil War.

Regimental bands like that of the 46th helped regulate army life, keep soldiers in step while marching, and maintain morale. The Logan Guards, a militia organized in Lewistown, were among the Pennsylvania militia troops to be the first to arrive in Washington, D.C., after the war broke out in 1861. They formed the 46th Pennsylvania Regiment, which recruited from across the state, and participated in campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley.

This outdoor concert will tentatively take place in front of the Lefevre House at Historic Hanna’s Town.

ADMISSION: $5 per person, free for those who come in Civil War period clothing and children 5 and under. Reenactment admission includes concert admission.

Summer camps at Historic Hanna’s Town offer an exciting journey into the past! Children engage with the rich history of their surroundings and beyond through interactive activities and captivating living history demonstrations. They will have the opportunity to create unique crafts and participate in lively games that not only entertain but also educate. Each hands-on experience weaves together elements of history, archaeology, architecture, art, and natural science, allowing young explorers to uncover the stories of the past while having fun in the great outdoors.

There are limited spots available. Advance registration required by calling 724-836-1800 x210.

Additional details provided in the Camp Policies and Procedures. 

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Kelton Edmonds, Education Coordinator, at kelton@westmorelandhistory.org or 724-836-1800 x212.

Summer 2025

Theme: “A Stitch in Time”

July 21-25, 2025

Camp runs Monday – Friday

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1

Come support the Westmoreland Historical Society at The Venue Live for a special night of Charitable Community Bingo! Every Monday night, The Venue Live hosts a community bingo event; this Monday, it’s all about us. Join us for an evening of fun, prizes, and community spirit while helping preserve local history. Bring your friends, play some bingo, and make a difference, one Bingo card at a time!

Doors open at 5 pm. Bingo starts at 7 pm

$40 admission

Many incentives are included with the admission price.

From feed sacks to fashion, join us for a fascinating presentation as Louise Baker explores the incredible story of how everyday cotton bags were once used to package flour, sugar, feed, and meal and then transformed into clothing and household items by resourceful homemakers from across America. Discover how this creative reuse began in the early 1920s, a time when practicality and innovation went hand in hand. Whether you’re a history buff, a vintage fashion lover, or just curious about the past, this is a talk you won’t want to miss.

Saturday, August 9, 2025

1:00 pm

Westmoreland History Education Center

$10 members | $12 others

Reservations required

(724) 836-1800, ext. 210

Antiques & Collectibles, a community tradition since 1974, provides excellent buying and selling opportunities for lovers of antiques and anyone seeking vintage items. Browse for bargains and support local history preservation. Proceeds from this event have been vital for the reconstruction of Historic Hanna’s Town. The quaint and historic setting hosts numerous vendors offering a variety of one-of-a-kind items covering a wide price range.

Antiques and Collectibles is held the second Sunday of the month May through October. For 2025, these dates are May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, and October 12.

This event will be held rain or shine. Sorry, no pets are permitted; service animals only.

ADMISSION: $5 per car.

VENDORS: Vendors of antiques, folk art, historical crafts, and collectibles (please no flea market items) are welcome to set up for the day or weekend. Spaces are 28′ x 20′ and cost $40 per space, per show. Discounts are available if all shows are paid in advance by May 11. If you are interested in being a vendor, call 724-836-1800 x100.