Community Gems
Woodville , The John Neville House 1375 Washington Pike , Bridgeville 412.221.0348 , woodville-experience . org
Fans of the 18th century will love being immersed in this 1785 home of General John Neville . It ’ s filled with period furnishings , and in addition to being one of the oldest surviving homes in southwestern Pennsylvania , it played an integral role in the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s . It operates from March through December with special events throughout the year .
EAST
The Big Mac Museum McDonald ’ s , 9061 Lincoln Highway , North Huntingdon 724.863.9837
The inventor of the beloved Big Mac was a Uniontown native named Jim Delligatti , who opened his first McDonald ’ s franchise in 1957 . This McDonald ’ s restaurant pays tribute to Delligatti with a bronze bust and a history wall with information about how the famed sandwich , which struggled to catch on under various names , eventually became a staple . There is also a shop with displays of vintage McDonald ’ s toys and packaging . This mini museum can generally be visited anytime the McDonald ’ s is open , but due to recent remodeling , call to make sure .
The Bost Building , Rivers of Steel 801 Carrie Furnace Boulevard , Homestead 412.464.0838 , riversofsteel . com
Rivers of Steel is comprised of five different attractions . One of them is the Bost Building , a National Historic Landmark . It was the site of one of the most infamous disputes between labor and management in history , the Homestead Lockout and Strike of 1892 . It culminated in a violent conflict , causing fatalities on both sides . The Bost Building now houses collections of art , artifacts , documents , photographs and audio-visual materials that convey the story of this turbulent time .
Braddock ’ s Battlefield History Center 609 Sixth Street , North Braddock 412.271.0800 , braddocksbattlefield . com
This museum shines a light on the French & Indian War period with genuine artifacts and historically accurate reproductions of uniforms , weapons and a brass cannon . It also features the work of
artists Robert Griffing and John Buxton . Braddock was the site of an historic battle that took place on the banks of the Monongahela River in 1755 at Braddock ’ s Field . This museum will give you a better understanding of life in southwestern Pennsylvania well over 200 years ago .
The Carpenter Log House Pierson Run Road , Plum 724.327.0338 , plumhistory . org / LogHouse1 . html
This 1788 house is only open on special event days in summer and autumn , and is in Boyce Park . It is filled with artifacts belonging to the Carpenter family , along with other items that have been donated by Plum residents plus acquired pieces that fit within the period . The Allegheny Foothills Historical Society cares for the property .
Jimmy Stewart Museum 835 Philadelphia Street , Indiana 724.349.6112 , jimmy . org
Who doesn ’ t love Jimmy Stewart ? His everyman persona shines through in “ It ’ s a Wonderful Life ,” “ Mr . Smith Goes to Washington ,” and “ Philadelphia Story ,” for which he garnered an Academy Award . Stewart grew up in Indiana and this museum has exhibits related to his Hollywood career , his military service in World War II , and his personal life with his beloved wife , Gloria , and their four children . It is a must-see for any Jimmy Stewart fan or film classics buff .
Kerr Museum 402 Delaware Avenue , Oakmont 412.826.9295 , kerrmuseum . com
This stunning home of the late Dr . Thomas Kerr is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Commissioned in 1897 , it is a classic example of Queen Anne style architecture and gives visitors the chance to experience what life was like for the middle class of the late 19th century through 1910 . Tours are by appointment only and limited to small groups , so be sure to plan accordingly .
The Living Dead Museum 200 Mall Circle Drive , Monroeville Mall 724.201.1825 , livingdeadmuseum . com
Another great museum for film buffs , The Living Dead Museum celebrates the original 1978 George Romero film “ Dawn of the Dead ,” which was partially filmed at the mall . It also celebrates pretty much all things zombie in cinema and pop-culture .
There is a retail shop at the museum as well ; be sure to check to make sure that the museum is open .
McGinley House and McCully Log House 2381 McGinley Road , Monroeville For tours : 412.973.5313 or tours @ monroevillehistorical . org , monroevillehistorical . org
This is a chance to see two historical homes at the same location ! The McGinley House is a vernacular stone structure circa 1830 and has been furnished according to the time period . The McCully Log House sits on land that belonged to the area ’ s original settlers and was built in the early 1800s . Both historical gems were slated for demolition at one time . Thankfully , they have been restored , preserving them as an important part of area history for all future generations .
McKeesport Regional Heritage & History Museum 132 Arboretum Drive , McKeesport 412.678.1832 , mckeesportheritage . org
For a small town , you might be surprised at the famous and interesting people who have been a part of McKeesport history . Helen Richey was the first female commercially licensed pilot and a recordbreaking stunt pilot . McKeesport native Bette Ford was a New York model , actress and a professional bullfighter . The city was also host to a famous debate between John F . Kennedy and Richard Nixon . If any of this surprises you , then you need to visit the museum ! It is located in the beautiful Renziehausen Park .
National Museum of Broadcasting ( online only at this time ) 412.241.4508 , nmbpgh . org
A museum for the future ! This museum is to be established featuring the garage of innovator Frank Conrad of Wilkinsburg , where radio broadcasting was born in 1919 . On November 2 , 1920 , KDKA delivered the nation ’ s first commercial broadcast , a term coined by Conrad . Pittsburgh was also a pioneer in shortwave broadcasting , electronic television and public television . To learn more about the important role eastern Allegheny County played in the beginnings of this billiondollar industry , the website has a plethora of information .
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