Historical Hand Sewing Workshop with Penny River

⛺️Living History Displays and Activities with Proctor’s – IBWCP
🧶 Spinning Demonstrations
🗺️ Guided & Self-guided tours
🤸 Children’s Games & Activities
🍧 Kona Ice and Food Trucks
📝 Exhibit Scavenger Hunt and Activities
🛍️ Museum Shop Open
🌳 Trails open for exploration!

The Westmoreland Historical Society and Historic Hanna’s Town is offering donation-based admission starting this year in honor of America 250

Reservations Open on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. by calling 724-836-1800, ext. 210.

11:30 a.m. Seating

2:00 p.m. Seating

Step back in time and enjoy an afternoon of tea, history, and colonial charm. Our Spring Tea Party invites guests to gather in the spirit of the 18th century, when tea was at the center of both social life and spirited conversation. Inspired by the era surrounding the famous tea protests of 1773, this year’s theme celebrates the traditions, stories, and customs that surrounded one of the most beloved beverages of the colonial world.

Guests will enjoy a delightful selection of traditional tea fare, including delicate tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an assortment of sweet treats, all served alongside our fine tea all while experiencing the atmosphere of a colonial gathering. Whether you come for the history, the hospitality, or simply a lovely afternoon with friends, this event promises a warm and memorable celebration of the past.

Join us for an elegant and engaging day as we raise our teacups to history.

Reservations Open on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9 am by calling 724-836-1800, ext. 210

Learn to sew an accessory with Jessica Young of Penny River Costumes!

Jessica will guide you step by step and provide you with the all education and materials needed. Whether it’s a pocket, apron, or handkerchief, you’ll have your very own hand stitched accessory to take home with you!

This workshop includes:

• Fabric and sewing materials
• Access to “Cut from the Same Cloth” Exhibit Gallery
• Expert instruction
• Creation of a unique accessory made by you!

$65 for Members | $75 for Non-Members

Spots are limited. Register here: https://westmorelandhistory.org/event-directory/basic-accessories-workshop-with-penny-river-costumes-registration/

Jessica Young is the owner/operator of Penny River LLC, a company that specializes in making and teaching about 18th century clothing and accessories.  A graduate of the University of Richmond with degrees in theatre/costuming and history, Jessica has worked for Colonial Williamsburg as a costumer, and Carnegie Mellon University’s drama department.  Through Penny River, she has made garments for a number of museums, theaters, films, and television series, including Outlander and Bridgerton.

A second opportunity to learn to sew an accessory with Jessica Young of Penny River Costumes!

Jessica will guide you step by step and provide you with the all education and materials needed. Whether it’s a pocket, apron, or handkerchief, you’ll have your very own hand stitched accessory to take home with you!

This workshop includes:

• Fabric and sewing materials
• Access to “Cut from the Same Cloth” Exhibit Gallery
• Expert instruction
• Creation of a unique accessory made by you!

$65 for Members | $75 for Non-Members

Spots are limited. Register here: https://westmorelandhistory.org/event-directory/basic-accessories-workshop-with-penny-river-costumes-registration-2/

Jessica Young is the owner/operator of Penny River LLC, a company that specializes in making and teaching about 18th century clothing and accessories.  A graduate of the University of Richmond with degrees in theatre/costuming and history, Jessica has worked for Colonial Williamsburg as a costumer, and Carnegie Mellon University’s drama department.  Through Penny River, she has made garments for a number of museums, theaters, films, and television series, including Outlander and Bridgerton.

Do you know about Westmoreland County’s connections to the Revolutionary War? Or the Hanna’s Town Resolves? A precursor document to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

Join Mike Giorgianni for a talk about our region’s fascinating history during the dawn of our nation’s formation. A perfect occasion to reflect on America’s 250th anniversary and remind ourselves what it took to get here.

Afterward, we invite you to explore Historic Hanna’s Town and walk the path of those who lived here 250 years ago.

Please register here: https://westmorelandhistory.org/event-directory/westmoreland-speaks-speaker-series-registration/

About the Speaker:

Michael Giorgianni is a lifelong western Pennsylvania resident with a deep passion for American history, particularly the Civil War and the role of Pittsburgh in our nation’s development. He has taught middle school social studies in the Hempfield Area School District for over 25 years, inspiring generations of students with his enthusiasm for the past. Michael is especially drawn to human interest stories found throughout history and is excited to share his research and meet fellow history enthusiasts. He has also seen his research extend beyond presentations with several articles published onto the website Emerging Civil War. 

Join us for a hands-on gardening workshop at Historic Hanna’s Town! Come plant and learn in the style of the Indigenous practice of the 3 Sisters Garden! A fun and perfect occasion to play in the dirt and learn some history.

Please dress accordingly for this workshop as we will be working outdoors and in some muddy areas. We also encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle.

Historic Hanna’s Town is a beautiful and quiet Westmoreland County park. While we do work to preserve our historic built environment on site, we are also dedicated to preserving our natural environment through demonstration gardens, native plant restoration, and developing walking trails.

More details and registration link to come!

Registration Required. $25 for non-members | $20 for members

Flannel Roots is an LGBTQIA+ owned regenerative agricultural business that was founded in 2021, rooted in a deep commitment to sustainability and community education. The founders, Brittany and Jill, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, each contributing unique skills that enhance their mission. Both Brittany and Jill are certified by Mushroom Mountain and hold qualifications in Edible Mushroom Safety Identification, allowing them to safely forage and sell mushrooms. Their main passion lies in exploring the permaculture uses of fungi within ecosystems, and they actively engage in educational pop-ups and workshops.