By Deb Morinello, WJHHS Communication Chair est Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
Many residents of West Jefferson Hills are completely unaware of the amazing work of their community’ s historical society. Some have even asked: Does West Jefferson Hills have any significant history? The answer is yes. In fact, the area’ s history is so rich that it cannot possibly be summarized in one short article.
The story of West Jefferson Hills begins with the Native American peoples who first inhabited the area, including mound builders and other early communities. It continued with European settlers who were drawn to the region’ s fertile farmland and nearby waterways. Many of these early pioneers later played a prominent role in the Whiskey Rebellion. The area is also home to the historic Lobb’ s Run Cemetery, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The fieldstone Torrence House, built in the 18th century, still stands today in Pleasant Hills. Rich coal deposits led to a thriving mining industry and the creation of mining patches throughout the region. Businesses and industries such as the Large Distillery and Westinghouse Scientific Laboratory also established roots in West Jefferson Hills. During the 20th century, popular nightclubs like Bill Green’ s and the Ankara became well known not only in Pleasant Hills, but throughout Allegheny County. Even today, remnants of Native American settlements, log homes, one room schoolhouses, and family graveyards can still be found throughout the area. These examples represent only a small portion of the region’ s extensive history.
Local librarian and historian Joyce Schmidt recognized the importance of preserving this history and founded the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society in 2000. For the past 26 years, volunteers have worked diligently to discover, preserve, and document the area’ s history, creating a valuable resource for the community.
The historical society offers ten historically themed programs free to the public throughout the year. Volunteers also conduct research on local areas of historical significance and oversee
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 7:00 P. M.
“ History of Radio in Pittsburgh” presented by Jim Haller
Community Rooms of Jefferson Hills Municipal Building
WJHHS Events
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 7:00 P. M.
“ The Whiskey Rebellion” presented by Dr. Todd DePastino
Community Rooms of Jefferson Hills Municipal Building
the society’ s historical archive, located in the Jefferson Hills Borough Building, where artifacts, photographs, and documents are preserved. Archivists provide research assistance at no cost to those seeking local historical information. In addition, the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society maintains a digital archive through Forever. com, where photographs and documents from its collection are uploaded for the public to view and download free of charge. Recently, the Thomas Jefferson High School History Club partnered with archive volunteers to research and obtain historical markers for veterans buried at Lobb’ s Run Cemetery.
WJHHS also maintains a website at westjeffersonhillshistoricalsociety. org where visitors can learn more about the organization, renew or apply for memberships, view archived newsletters from the past 25 years, and purchase local history publications. Available books include Houses of Worship by Joyce Schmidt and Karen Eirtle, Things You Don’ t Know About Calamity Hollow by John Cuddy, and A Little History of Large by Deb Morinello and Dale Saller. These books are also available at WJHHS events and on Amazon.
Membership in WJHHS includes several benefits. Members receive a quarterly newsletter featuring local history articles, society news, and upcoming events. Because the organization is an affiliate member of the Heinz History Center, members also receive free admission to the history center, along with discounts on special programs, events, and gift shop purchases. WJHHS additionally hosts an annual end-ofyear party to thank members for their continued support. Most importantly, membership helps ensure that the history of West Jefferson Hills continues to be preserved and shared for future generations.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 7:00 P. M.
“ The History of the Terrible Towel” presented by Elizabeth Cope
Community Rooms of Jefferson Hills Municipal Building
40 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS