Community Treasures
and a timeline about how the famed sandwich — which struggled to catch on under various names — eventually became a staple . There are displays of vintage McDonald ’ s toys and packaging as well . This mini museum can generally be visited anytime the McDonald ’ s is open , but call to make sure .
Blairsville Area Underground Railroad History Center 214 South East Lane , Blairsville 724.599.8105 , undergroundrailroadblairsvillepa . org
Many local residents were a strong force in the Underground Railroad ( UGRR ) movement to help enslaved people seeking freedom . This center is in the former Second Baptist Church , built in 1917 , the oldest African American church in the borough . It is committed to preserving , promoting , and presenting the history of the Underground Railroad in the region . There are various events and tours , as well as a map and signage for a self-guided tour to see several UGRR-related sites in Blairsville .
Braddock ’ s Battlefield History Center
609 Sixth Street , North Braddock 412.271.0800 , braddocksbattlefield . com
This museum shines a light on George Washington ’ s early career and the French & Indian War with genuine artifacts , period uniforms , and firearms . This was the site of the historic Battle of the Monongahela in 1755 (“ Braddock ’ s Defeat ”), a turning point in Colonial America ’ s history . This museum will give you a better understanding of this battle and its influence on the development of western Pennsylvania .
The Carpenter Log House Pierson Run Road , Plum 412.350.4636 Opt . 2 ( Boyce Park ), plumhistory . org / LogHouse1 . html
This rebuilt 1822 house is in Boyce Park and has some artifacts from the Carpenter family and furnishings from the 1800s through the early 1900s . The Allegheny Foothills Historical Society cares for the property , and guides help provide a glimpse of the early days of Plum .
The 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 , military service in World War II , and personal life with his beloved wife , Gloria , and their four children . It is a must-see for any Jimmy Stewart fan or classic film buff .
Kerr Memorial Museum 402 Delaware Avenue , Oakmont 412.826.9295 , kerrmuseum . com
This stunning memorial home of family physician 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 and early 20th century . Tours are by appointment only , and special events and tours are held periodically as well .
The Living Dead Museum 200 Mall Circle Drive , Monroeville Mall 724.513.8245 , livingdeadmuseum . com
Another great museum for film buffs , The Living Dead Museum celebrates zombies in pop culture and cinema — including the original 1978 George Romero film “ Dawn of the Dead ,” which was partially filmed at the mall . There is a retail shop at the museum as well . Be sure to check to make sure that the museum is open before you go .
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 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 in East Pittsburgh in a former Mellon Bank building . 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 .
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