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Air Heritage Aviation Museum Beaver County Airport , 35 Piper Street , Beaver Falls 724.843.2820 , airheritage . org
If you ’ re an aircraft enthusiast , or even just enjoyed watching “ Top Gun ,” you ’ ll find this museum interesting and especially touching , as you learn about historical aircraft and those who flew them . The collection houses 12 aircraft ranging from the 1930s to the early 1980s , including an F-4 Phantom , a 1935 Fairchild and an F-15 Eagle . One very special part of the collection is a Douglas C-47B Skytrain , nicknamed “ Luck of the Irish ,” flown in WWII , complete with a detailed history of the plane ’ s service from 1944 until its last mission in May 1945 .
Bayernhof Museum 225 Saint Charles Place , O ’ Hara Township 412.782.4231 , bayernhofmuseum . com
Despite having been featured on “ CBS Sunday Morning ” and in numerous articles , many area residents still don ’ t know about the Bayernhof . This Bavarian-inspired home of millionaire Charles Brown , III has more than 140 music boxes and self-playing instruments ( many of them extremely rare ), plus a secret cave and pool . See this O ’ Hara Township gem that many have traveled from around the world to see .
Buhl House Museum 221 South Main Street , Zelienople 724.452.9457 , 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 features temporary exhibits on loan as well . Also on Main Street is the beautiful Passavant House estate , where you can see how Zelie and Philippe Passavant ’ s family lived and worked .
Butler County Historical Society Museums
123 West Diamond Street , Butler 724.283.8116 , butlerhistory . com
The Senator Walter Lowrie House ( in Butler , built in 1828 ), the Little Red School House ( in Butler , constructed in 1838 ), and the Cooper Cabin ( in Cabot , circa 1810 ) are all properties owned and maintained by the Butler County Historical Society to preserve and learn about Butler County ’ s diverse history . There are numerous events , programs , exhibits , and collections throughout the year .
Depreciation Lands Museum 4743 South Pioneer Road , Hampton Township 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 ( offering a Natural Outdoor Classroom ), there are also programs and events specially designed for families and adults .
Harmony Museum 218 Mercer Street , Harmony 724.452.7341 , harmonymuseum . org
A 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 1805 settlement . You can see how this community lived , worked and worshipped and learn other history of the area .
Hartwood Acres Mansion 200 Hartwood Acres , Hampton / Indiana Townships 412.767.9200 , alleghenycounty . us / parks Based on Tudor-style architecture , the 31-room Hartwood Acres mansion features stately rooms with lush furnishings and fabrics . Though the building was completed in 1929 , you ’ ll feel as if you ’ ve been transported to 16th century England ! There is also a stable complex and gate lodge , along with beautiful formal gardens .
John A . Hermann Jr . Memorial Art Museum 318 Lincoln Avenue , Bellevue 412.761.8008 , johnhermannmuseum . org
Born in 1855 , John Hermann was self-taught and his paintings were little known during his lifetime , but this museum showcases the work of the native Bellevue artist . Included is a series that evokes warm memories of local events and neighborhoods . The museum also hosts exhibitions of area artists . It is generally open Sunday afternoons or by appointment .
Mars Train Station Museum 1 Brickyard Road , Mars 724.272.9588 , 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 .
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