Local Historical Society
Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
By D. C. Morinello and Bev Borneman
In 2020, the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society
(WJHHS and Society) turns 20 years old; and happily,
it continues to thrive! Considering that other similarly
sized organizations close after an average of only 10
years of existence, it is a pretty remarkable achievement!
Survival can largely be attributed to its commitment to
the organization’s mission and its active involvement in
the surrounding communities.
Established in the spring of 2000, the WJHHS was
initiated by school district librarian and local historian
Joyce Schmidt. Early in its formation, the group
expanded to include the Pleasant Hills Historical Society.
Following this progressive change in scope, the group
determined that its jurisdiction would mirror that
of the West Jefferson Hills School District, including
West Elizabeth Township as well. The Society’s mission
became “to discover, chronicle, and preserve the history
of West Elizabeth, Jefferson Hills, and Pleasant Hills.”
Since its inception, the Society remains committed to
finding entertaining programs on historical topics for
Society members and community residents alike. Past
memorable speakers include a Holocaust survivor, a
steward on Airforce One, a Native American storyteller,
and the “History Hounds” who use metal detectors to
find ancient artifacts. Many program speakers come
straight out of the West Jefferson Hills, too. Talented
local writers like poet Garnett Schultz, novelist Dr.
Andrew Nixon, and historians Jeffrey Lang, Carlton
Young, and Jennifer Sopko captivated audiences with
their storytelling.
All the while, the Society still manages to support
its mission to discover, chronicle, and preserve area
history through the WJHHS Newsletter, providing
local scout troops with Eagle Scout projects, and
“Antique Discovery Days.” Society members have also
displayed and educated audiences about their amazing
collections; local historians have provided entertaining
programs about local area history; area artists and
craftsman have presented their quilts, paintings, poetry,
and models; and programs have also included field trips
to local businesses and sites of historical significance. At
Society meetings, members also found the opportunity
to discuss historical topics and reminisce about “the
good old days” of the West Jefferson Hills area. On top
of that, the WJHHS Archive has preserved much of the
area’s history by collecting and safely storing vintage
photographs, antique clothing, toys, and artifacts in its
room behind Council Chambers in the Jefferson Hills
Municipal Building.
The past 20 years have been quite an exciting ride for
Society and community members. The historical society
leadership and members hope the next 20 years are
just as thrilling. Please come and celebrate the WJHHS
at its open house on June 24! See the “WJHHS Spring
Programs” for more information.
52
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
Joyce Schmidt, creator and former
president of the West Jefferson
Hills Historical Society
Gary Slonaker in front of WJHHS Sign at the 2005 Community Day
The WJHHS Tea and Fashion
Fundraiser March 23, 2019
Jacqueline Mikolaj (1927-2020)
presenting her quilt program to the
Society in 2006
Society member
Nancy Wilson leads
children in coloring
activity at 2018 Fall
Festival