Westmoreland History
Penn’s Woods: Plenty for the Use of Man exhibit
Penn’s Woods: Plenty for the Use of Man highlights the local and regional history of woodworking and carpentry. While promoting his new colony, William Penn proclaimed the forests had “plenty for the use of man.” From the forests emerged building techniques, tools, trades, and crafts that helped make Westmoreland County what...
Independence Day at Historic Hanna’s Town
Independence Day can be a time to reflect upon the history and legacy of the Declaration of Independence, as well as its roots in documents like the Hanna's Town Resolves. On May 16, 1775, citizens of Westmoreland County signed the Hanna’s Town Resolves, protesting the injustices of British Parliament...
Hanna’s Town Featured in New Documentary
We are thrilled a new documentary about the lead-up to the American Revolution in western Pennsylvania has debuted on WQED Pittsburgh. Out of the Woods: Battlefields of Western Pennsylvania explores key moments in the French and Indian War that set the stage for the American Revolution. Many scenes were filmed at...
Lefevre House Reconstruction Videos
While the last year presented many challenges for us all, we had moments to celebrate at the Westmoreland Historical Society, too. One successful project was the relocation and reconstruction of the Lefevre House to Historic Hanna's Town. Originally located in the Jeannette area, the house dates to the late 18th...
“Christmas Memories” video
While you are nestled all snug in your bed for the holiday season, enjoy this video of our Christmas Memories exhibit! While the Education Center is currently closed, we will reopen on January 7 and the exhibit will have an extended run until January 16. The Education Center will begin...
Call for Contributors to Westmoreland History Magazine
Submissions are open for our magazine, Westmoreland History, the premier publication for sharing the history of Westmoreland County. We are seeking articles for all aspects of Westmoreland County's history, from pre-European settlement through the later part of the 20th century. Articles should contain well researched and documented material, source citations,...
Westmoreland County Medal of Honor Recipients
On this Memorial Day weekend, we honor the deceased who have influenced our life, especially those who served in the military.The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious military award in the United States. Since beginning in 1863 during the Civil War, thousands of military service members have been...
“With Our Lives and Fortunes” The Hanna’s Town Resolves
Discover the history of the Hanna's Town Resolves, a document written by the citizens of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in response to the battles of Lexington and Concord during the Revolutionary War. During the American Revolution, patriots in support of independence believed they were fighting for freedom from the tyranny...
Westmoreland History From Home
Here is our comprehensive list of resources for learning about history from Westmoreland County and beyond. Check back for updates! Learn about Westmoreland history Take a digital tour of museums and historic sites in Westmoreland County on Clio (more sites coming soon!) Order issues of the Westmoreland History magazine in the...
Gems of the Collection: Everything AND the Kitchen Sink!
Our latest exhibit at the Westmoreland History Education Center is an important landmark for the Westmoreland Historical Society - one may even say historic! This exhibit tells stories of Westmoreland County history through objects in the Westmoreland Historical Society collection, most of which have never been exhibited before. Since the...