Fall Family Day

Join us at Historic Hanna’s Town for a fun celebration of fall and the Halloween season with historic demonstrations and outdoor activities.

Members of Proctor’s Militia, I.B.W.C.P., will be camped at Historic Hanna’s Town and sharing the history of the Westmoreland County militia, established at Hanna’s Town in 1775, and life for settlers on the Pennsylvania frontier. They will present 18th century military drills at 1:00 p.m., tentatively.

Historic Hanna’s Town is proud to debut a new blacksmith shop where visitors can observe demonstrations and discover the history of an essential early American trade. Many tools and equipment were generously donated by the family of the late David “Pokey” Ridenour, a blacksmith, reenactor, and elementary school teacher. Local blacksmith Rex Baughman also contributed equipment and coordinated the shop’s setup.

Children and families can enjoy a scavenger hunt, treat bags, and seasonal crafts, which can be completed at the pavilion with special COVID-19 precautions in place or available as a take-home activity. Dressing up in costume is encouraged!

The Westmoreland History Shop will feature seasonal décor, handmade ceramics, books for adults and children, vintage toys and games, and many other special gifts and keepsakes. One featured item is a new chapter book for children, The Ghostly Tales of Pittsburgh by Diane Telgen, which invites young readers to explore spooky and suspenseful tales of the Steel City, from haunted histories to local legends. Any purchase of the book on Fall Family Day will come with a complimentary tote bag; if books sell out, any purchase $15 or higher for a child will receive a tote bag.

Enjoy all activities with our regular admission price to Historic Hanna’s Town. Members of the Westmoreland Historical Society receive free admission. Program is set up as a self-guided tour leaving on the half hour, first tour at 11 a.m. and last at 3 p.m., to accommodate social distancing. Space is limited and advance registration for a time slot and prepayment required. Please call Historic Hanna’s Town at 724-836-1800 x210 to make reservations. On the day of the program, visitors will check in at the Westmoreland History Education Center.

Participants will also follow the Westmoreland Historical Society’s COVID-19 procedures which include social distancing, face masks, no-touch temperature checks, and hand sanitizing. Full details can be found here: https://westmorelandhistory.org/covid-19

Admission: Free for Westmoreland Historical Society members; $8 adults, $6 children and seniors, free for children 5 and under. Advance registration required by calling 724-836-1800 x210.