Bayernhof . This Bavarian-inspired home of millionaire Charles Brown , III has over 140 music boxes and self-playing instruments ( many of them extremely rare ), complete with a bat cave in the basement , and pool . See this O ’ Hara Township gem that many have traveled from around the world to see .
Buhl House Museum 21 South Main Street , Zelienople 724.452.7766 , visitbutlercounty . com / attractions / buhl-house
Experience the beauty of this 1805 home of German immigrant Christian Buhl . Its 10 rooms contain many of the Buhl family ’ s possessions , but also items related to the history of Zelienople , and life in that time period . It also frequently features temporary exhibits on loan . You can make a weekend of it with a stay at a charming nearby B & B .
Depreciation Lands Museum 4743 South Pioneer Road , Hampton 412.486.0563 , dlmuseum . org
This museum is not just a building , but an entire village that depicts life in the late 18th and early 19th century . Knowledgeable docents dressed in meticulously accurate period clothing present a living view of history as you venture through the 1837 Covenanter Church building , and an 1803 log house . You ’ ll visit a working blacksmith shop , a one-room school , and an 18th century tavern , along with many more exhibits . Great for kids and adults alike ! It ’ s open May through October .
Fern Hollow Nature Center 1901 Glen Mitchell Road , Sewickley 412.741.6136 , fhnc . org
Fern Hollow is more of an outdoor museum , where you can experience the natural beauty of the area ’ s vast creek system and enjoy nature walks where you ’ ll encounter all sorts of wildlife , native trees and plants . Although this is a popular destination for school groups ( as a certified Natural Outdoor Classroom in Pennsylvania ), there are also programs specially designed for families and adults .
Harmony Museum 218 Mercer Street , Harmony 724.452.7341 , harmonymuseum . org This fascinating group of people who decided to go “ off grid ” from their traditional Lutheran background formed a new order based on communal living , mysticism and a strong work ethic . They were German immigrants seeking religious freedom , and chose the area of Harmony to found their small 1807 settlement . While the practice of celibacy led to their eventual end , you can still see how this community lived , worked and worshipped .
Hartwood Acres 200 Hartwood Acres , Hampton / Indiana Townships 412.767.9200 , alleghenycounty . us / parks / hartwood / index . aspx
The Hartwood Acres Mansion is almost back ! After some much-needed work on access to the grounds , this jewel of architecture will reopen its doors for tours and special events this spring . ( Check the website for updates .) Based on Tudor-style architecture , the 31-room mansion features stately rooms with lush furnishings and fabrics . Though it was completed in 1929 , the veil of time is very thin here , and you ’ ll feel as if you ’ ve been transported to 16th century England !
Mars Train Station Museum 1 Brickyard Road , Mars 724.625.4478 , marshistory . org
The active historical society supporting this museum has a large collection of artifacts , including a nostalgic display featuring the Mars Theatre of 1950- 1960 , a 1926 caboose and an operating early 20th century windmill . The lovely 1897 Mars Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station is a museum that gives a glimpse of travel when time moved a little slower .
McCandless / North Allegheny Heritage Center 830 Aufman Lane , Wexford 412.364.0616 , x300 , townofmccandless . org / mccandless-northern-alleghenyheritage-center
One of the region ’ s newer museums , this replica of a one-room schoolhouse contains artifacts and documents pertaining to the Town of McCandless and the North Allegheny School District . It was the dream of Joe Bullick , an employee of the school district for 40 years , to see the collection publicly shared with the community after it took him over 20 years to collect and catalog the items .
Sewickley Heights History Center 1901 Glen Mitchell Road , Sewickley 412.741.4487 , sewickleyheightshistory . org
The turn of the 20th century was a unique time in our nation ’ s history , especially in Sewickley Heights where many wealthy industrialists settled . It was a place where elaborate parties and events were held , with plenty of lavish balls and equine events . This museum has period attire , unique photos and film , and carefully restored vintage cars and carriages documenting the Gilded Age . It also hosts an annual Riding and Driving Party . If you were fascinated by the era of “ The Great Gatsby ,” you ’ ll love this trip through the past .
Tour-Ed Mine & Museum 748 Bull Creek Road , Tarentum 724.224.4720 , tour-edmine . com
This mine and museum were originally owned by Allegheny Steel , with the coal used at its steel mills in Brackenridge . You can experience firsthand what it was like for the 1850s miners who helped build this region . Since it ’ s only open certain
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