Community Treasures
House sits on land that belonged to one of the area ’ s original settlers and was built in the early 1800s . Both historical gems were slated for demolition at one time but thankfully they were restored , preserving them as an important part of the region ’ s history for future generations .
McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center 1832 Arboretum Drive , McKeesport 412.678.1832 , mckeesportheritage . org
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 record-breaking 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 preserves and presents the history of the Mon Valley , holds various events , and is located in the beautiful Renziehausen Park .
National Museum of Broadcasting Site identified in East Pittsburgh 412.241.4508 , nmbpitt . org
This museum now has a planned site , a former Mellon Bank building in East Pittsburgh . The location is close to the origins of broadcasting where KDKA launched over a century ago . The museum will include a 2,500-sq . -ft . room to serve as the main exhibit hall . On Nov . 2 , 1920 , KDKA delivered the nation ’ s first commercial radio broadcast , a term coined by Wilkinsburg ’ s Frank Conrad . Pittsburgh was also a pioneer in other electrical and media innovation . To learn more about the important role our region played in the beginnings of this billion-dollar industry , the website has a plethora of information . Be sure to watch the site for emerging details !
Sampson / Clark Toll House & Schoolhouse and Hoey / Staymates Cabin 5332 West Pike Street and 4515 Roundtop Road , Export 724.516.0126 , murrysvillehistory . com
The toll house hosts an annual heritage festival , and a rebuilt colonial schoolhouse was recently added to the property . The 1758 cabin may have served as a rest stop for early settlers traveling west , and a “ blockhouse ” for defense against
attacks . Check the website or contact the Murrysville Historical Preservation Society for events , open houses and tours at each site .
Trundle Manor 7724 Juniata Street , Swissvale 412.916.5544 ( text ), trundlemanor . com
This mansion of macabre is open by appointment and features stuffed animals ( real ones that were once alive ), a hidden laboratory , a coffin bed , extractions of various body parts ( that we think were given up voluntarily ) and more . This house makes “ The Addams Family ” seem tame by comparison . It is seriously filled with strange and interesting artifacts , and the hosts , Mr . Arm and Velda Von Minx , have a delightful sense of humor .
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
221 North Main Street , Greensburg 724.837.1500 , thewestmoreland . org
The Westmoreland is an ever-changing kaleidoscope that focuses solely on American art . As exhibits are rotated , along with traveling exhibits , there is always something new ! For the 65th anniversary of the museum opening , it is presenting an exhibition of 65 artists from its collection .
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The Civil War Room – Andrew Carnegie Free Library 300 Beechwood Avenue , Carnegie 412.276.3456 , carnegiecarnegie . org
The Thomas Espy Post No . 153 ( called the Civil War Room ) contains authentic uniforms , weapons and drums , photos and other artifacts . The room itself is quite historic , since it ’ s one of the last surviving posts of the Civil War veterans organization known as The Grand Army of the Republic . The post was set up at the library in 1906 , and there it has remained — a frozen capsule of a pivotal time in our history .
The Dean Martin Room of the Jefferson County Historical Association Museum 426 Franklin Avenue , Steubenville , Ohio 740.283.1133 , jeffcountyhistorical . org
Dean Martin was eventually a household name to all of America , but to Steubenville residents he was Dino Crocetti , son of Gaetano , a barber . This museum room has a variety of memorabilia , including record albums , photos of the Rat Pack , videos of “ The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast ” shows , a wedding gown made by his mother , Angela , who was a seamstress , and many other personal items of the legendary crooner . Be sure to contact the historical association in advance of visiting .
Historical Society of Carnegie History Center and Honus Wagner Museum 1 West Main Street , Carnegie 412.276.7447 , facebook . com / HistoricalSocietyofCarnegie
For more than 30 years , this society has been preserving and presenting the history of Carnegie . There are three main permanent exhibits in the registered landmark building on Main Street : military heritage , with a focus on Vietnam POW Col . Robert Sawhill Jr .; Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer and lifelong resident Honus Wagner ; and a handcrafted diorama of Carnegie ’ s Main Street of the 1940s and ‘ 50s . The society offers other exhibits and special events as well , along with extensive community and ancestry information .
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum 3021 Landis Street , Sheraden 412.458.1355 , karpeles . com
This library museum has archives of more than 1 million historical documents ! The collection rotates between its various locations . Among the items are the Peace Treaty of the War of 1812 , The Ten Commandments from the Gutenberg Bible , and a draft of part of the Emperor Concerto by Beethoven . There is also space for art exhibits . A special note for teachers : The Karpeles provides educational programs , exhibits and lectures for schools at all levels .
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village 401 Meadowcroft Road , Avella 724.587.3412 , heinzhistorycenter . org / meadowcroft
Meadowcroft Rockshelter is a site of human habitation from 19,000 years ago , making it the oldest in North America ! In addition to the archaeological dig site , there is a reconstructed Eastern Woodland Indian village of the 1570s , a 1770s trading post , and a 19th century village . Meadowcroft is open May through October .
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