NORTH
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 .
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 .
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 , including lavish balls and equine events . This museum has period attire , carefully restored vintage cars and carriages , unique photos and film documenting the Gilded Age . It also hosts an annual Riding and Driving Party and other events and lectures . If you were fascinated by the era of “ The Great Gatsby ,” you ’ ll love this trip through the past .
Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum 5507 Lakeside Drive , Gibsonia 724.444.6944 , wpmrm . org
This museum features a 40 ’ x100 ’ model railroad that represents the tracks between Pittsburgh and Cumberland , Maryland — forever locked in a summer 1952 setting — and will delight both the young and the young at heart . It also houses a collection of historical model train sets and railroadrelated items , some of which date back to the early 20th century .
SOUTH
Bethel Park Historical Society History Center 2600 South Park Road , Bethel Park 412.835.9898 , facebook . com / BethelParkHistoricalSociety
Located in the former 1905 Bethel Township High School building , “ the Schoolhouse ,” this center holds a variety of events and features items related to local schools , military service and the people and places of Bethel Park . Be sure to stop by Reginald ’ s Coffee Shop to enjoy some refreshments as well .
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