Community Gems
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 billion-dollar industry , the website has a plethora of information .
Trundle Manor 7724 Juniata Street , Swissvale 412.916.5544 , trundlemanor . com
This mansion of macabre was featured on MTV ’ s “ Extreme Cribs .” With stuffed animals ( real ones that were once alive ), a hidden laboratory , a coffin bed and extractions of various body parts ( that we think were given up voluntarily ), 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 of art that focuses solely on American art . It has a permanent collection of more than 3,500 pieces , with only about 500 works being displayed at any one time . As exhibits are rotated , along with traveling exhibits , there is always something new ! The museum recently renewed its accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums , a prestigious designation it has held since 1972 .
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Air Heritage Museum 35 Piper Street , Beaver Falls 724.843.2820 , airheritage . org
The collection houses 12 aircraft ranging in age from the 1930s to the early ‘ 80s , including an F-4 Phantom , a 1934 Fairchild and an F15A 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 to its last mission in May 1945 .
The Civil War Room at 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 Civil War uniforms , weapons and drums , all of which saw action on the battlefield . It also has a host of documents and photos . The room itself is quite historic , since it ’ s the last surviving post of the Civil War veterans organization known as The Grand Army of the Republic . The post was set up at the library in 1909 , and there it has remained — a frozen capsule of this pivotal time in our history .
Coventry Log Cabin Robin Hill Park , 949 Thorn Run Road , Coraopolis 412.262.1703 , moonparks . org
This historic cabin was built in 1825 and was the home of John Coventry , a Revolutionary War veteran . His family lived in the cabin for 50 years , then it was passed to another family and remained inhabited until 1975 . It has been meticulously restored , log by log , to its original condition and includes period furniture . n
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