Westmoreland County
 
Historic Sites

www.derryhistory.org/

YOUNGWOOD RAILROAD MUSEUM - 1 Depot St. ("down by the tracks"), Youngwood, phone/fax: 925-7355, e-mail: patches28@juno.com  This former Pennsylvania Railroad station features railroad artifacts and history on the Youngwood area. There is also a Railroad Store, souvenir shop, Youngwood Model Railroad Supply, paintings of local scenes and Heritage publications by local writers. free admission. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sundays by appointment.

PITTSBURGH CHAPTER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD TECHNICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Info: Carl Izzo, president, 2245 Manordale Drive, Export, 733-5103. The goal of the group is to record and preserve information regarding the organization, operation, facilities and equipment of the Pennsylvania Railroad; the society publishes a national journal, a local newsletter and other books and materials

ALLEGHENY PORTAGE RAILROAD NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE - Route 22 at the Gallitzin Exit, 12 miles west of Altoona. This Blair County site commemorates the first railroad over the Allegheny Mountains with exhibits, slide presentations, inclined planes, wooden rails and other features of the early railroad. Visitor Center open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours during summer.

RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM - 1300 Ninth Ave., Altoona. Also the site of Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

BOX: Or Take a Drive ...

PATH OF PROGRESS HERITAGE ROUTE - Includes 500 miles of three major highways and numerous back roads in a nine-county area of southwestern Pennsylvania with signs directing travelers to historic sites, evidence of past industries and small towns. Three main sections follow parts of Route 40 (the National Road), Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) and Route 22. For a free color brochure, call (800) 898-3636. Also, check out the PENNSYLVANIA CANAL area. Structures and remnants of the one-time canal that ran along the Conemaugh River and brought pioneers over the Alleghenies can be seen in certain locations along the Indiana-Westmoreland border. If you find yourself in the Laurel Highlands, look for the many historic COVERED BRIDGES in the area (for info: 238-5661).

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS/MUSEUMS

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE - Route 711, north of Ligonier, 238-3677. Includes the Image of God Icon Museum; antique icons from Russia, Greece and the Middle East and the St. John of Damascus Sacred Art Academy. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, weekends by appointment.

BUSHY RUN BATTLEFIELD - Located on Route 993 between Routes 66 and 130 at Harrison City, 527-5584. The Battle of Bushy Run, won by British forces under Col. Henry Bouquet on Aug. 5-6, 1763, is believed to be a turning point in the French and Indian War. Features include a Visitor Center (part of the state Historical and Museum Commission) with upgraded exhibits (including the permanent exhibit "The March to Bushy Run"), video and gift shop, picnic areas, hiking/biking trails and battle re-enactments (see CALENDAR OF EVENTS section). Museum Admission: $2 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for children. Museum open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Nov. to March); Battlefield open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

COMPASS INN - Route 30 East, Box 167, Laughlintown. 238-4983. Originally built in 1799; restored stagecoach stop with reconstructed outbuildings including a cookhouse, blacksmith shop, beehive oven, stagecoach and Conestoga wagon. Admission charged (reservations required for groups of 10 or more). Season runs from early May to end of December though the last day of regular tours end Nov. 27, hours: (May through October) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Open for special weekend events November through mid-December, see CALENDAR OF EVENTS for details.

CORRIDOR OF HISTORY - Located in the passageway between Latrobe Area Hospital's main floor and its parking lot. Included are pictures, charts, documents, books, instruments, uniforms and other memorabilia (brass mortars and pestles and a World War I military kit circa 1917) that depict the evolution of medical technologies in general. Depicts medial history of certain time periods and tells the story of the hospital.

DERRY BOROUGH VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY MUSEUM - Derry V.F.D. headquarters, 116 E. Second Ave., Derry, 694-9408, 694-2653. Displays of antique fire-fighting equipment include a 1929 American LaFrance firetruck, Pennsylvania Railroad hose carts, uniforms, photographs of major fires fought by the company.

FORBES ROAD GUN MUSEUM - Gravel Hill Road, two miles north of Ligonier (off Route 711 north), Box 173, Ligonier RD5, 238-9544. Collection of more than 800 firearms from 1450 to present time, including a 15th century Swedish weapon and Revolutionary War firearms. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day year-round.

FORT LIGONIER - Junction of Routes 30 and 711 at Ligonier, 238-9701. Historic outpost of the French and Indian War; staging area for English Gen. John Forbes and his men before their capture of Fort Duquesne and important as a haven for settlers. The current fort is the result of years of archaeological research to determine its precise location. Features include: re-enactments, archaeological digs, living history activities, admission charged. Authentic recreation of a fascine canon battery now open to visitors. Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4:30 p.m. Sunday.

HANNA'S TOWN - Located three miles north of Greensburg between Routes 119 and 819, info: The Westmoreland County Historical Society, 836-1800. This National Historical Site marks the location of the first courthouse in Westmoreland County; archaeological excavations have produced about 1 million artifacts, the location of approximately 12 acres of occupation and the exact location of the fort. The reconstructed 18th century town features a courthouse-tavern, log palisaded fort (under reconstruction) and other buildings. Tours conducted by costumed guides. Hours: Weekends in May: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, and daily Memorial Day through Labor Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Huge flea-tiques in spring and summer (see CALENDAR OF EVENTS).

KINSEY FAMILY MUSEUM - Menoher Highway, Route 271, Waterford, Ligonier Township, 238-0106. Display includes Kinsey family memorabilia; pioneer home display; beehive oven. A bread-baking demonstration is held the Saturday following Memorial day; an apple butter making demonstration the last Saturday of September. Admission charged. Open by appointment Saturday and Sunday June through September.

LARIMER HOUSE - 50 Maus Drive, North Huntingdon, 864-6517. Display includes Larimer and McFarlane family possessions dating back to the 1800s.

L. E. SMITH GLASS (AMERICAN GLASS) - 1900 Liberty St., Mt. Pleasant, 547-3544. The company has been crafting fine glassware since 1907. Factory tours 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

LEAGUE OF SEPARATED TRIBES NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER - 122 N. Fourth St., Youngwood, 925-8390. Native American artifact displays; informational library. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday year-round.

LINDEN HALL - Dawson RD1, 529-7543. This 35-room mansion was built in early 1900's. Features include Tiffany windows and Chippendale furniture; golf course and restaurant on property. Hours: 1-6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed during January and February.

PETER LOUCKS (LAUX) HOMESTEAD - 527 N. Chestnut St., Scottdale, 887-6350. Circa 1835 brick home of Scottdale's founder. The property is open for special events and groups tours by reservation.

ST. CLAIR CEMETERY - Re-located along Route 30 east just before Westmoreland Mall, 837-2620. Originally located in St. Clair Park, downtown Greensburg, the cemetery dates back to 1856 and contains the gravesites of many Civil War veterans. Visitors are welcome 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.

ST. VINCENT ARCHABBEY COLLEGE AND SEMINARY - Route 30 East, Latrobe, 532-6600. Free walking tours on cassette tape of the first Benedictine college in the country, founded in 1846.

STONE HOUSE MUSEUM - Located near downtown Saltsburg, the museum houses artifacts, costumes, and early furniture along with newly added displays of Girl Scout uniforms and World War I military gear. Owned and operated by the Saltsburg Area Historical Society. Open 1-4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday April through October. Other times by appointment.

VICTORIAN VANDERGRIFT MUSEUM - Vandergrift, 568-1990.

WEST OVERTON MUSEUMS - Scottdale, 887-7910. 19th-century rural-industrial village; tours include coking film Pillars of Fire; displays of historic objects in the Distillery building; grist mill; guided tour of the Abraham Overholt Homestead and grounds. Open May 16 through October 15. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., closed Monday

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WESTMORELAND MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART - 221 N. Main St., Greensburg, 837-1500. Celebrates its 40th birthday in 1999. Opened in 1959 "without owning a single object and now it owns 5,000 objects," reported director and CEO Judith O'Toole in January. Improvements planned this year include gallery reconfiguration, moving the museum store downstairs to the lobby, adding a small self-serve cafe, a defined staff office area, restrooms will be enlarged and made handicapped-accessible, a first-floor education suite, and classrooms. The museum will close Nov. 1-June 6, 1999 to complete the improvements. The goal is to be re-open for the 200th anniversary of the City of Greensburg in 1999.

The museum is committed to enrich and educate the public, and to stimulate and inspire through its exhibitions and collections of art and toys from the late 18th century to the present, with an emphasis on southwestern Pennsylvania art. Free admission. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

Special exhibits slated for 1998-1999 include: "The Philadelphia Ten: A Women's Artist Group 1917-1945" and "Karen Kaighlin Photographs" (made with a pin-hole camera), today is the last day for both exhibits; "Russell Smith: Pennsylvania Views" (landscapes chronicle the career of this Pennsylvania artist) through Oct. 18; "When Coal Was King" (works of art documenting the growth of the coal and steel industries in western Pennsylvania) and "Janet Towbin: A Seduction of Black" (the artist investigates the properties of non-color, black), both Aug. 9-Oct. 25.

Note: The museum's annual Holiday Toy and Train Exhibition will move to Overly's Country Christmas this year due to the museum renovations. For more information, see the CALENDAR OF EVENTS section, "November" listings.

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS/MUSEUMS-OVER THE BORDER

CHERRY TREE MONUMENT - Situated in the heart of Cherry Tree, the monument marks the junction of Indiana, Cambria and Clearfield counties at the point known in colonial times as Canoe Place. The spot marks the head of the Indian navigation of the Susquehanna River at the juncture with Cush Cushion Creek. The monument was erected in 1894 to mark the beginning of the Purchase Line, which extends to Kittanning.

OVER THE BORDER-ALLEGHENY COUNTY

FORT PITT MUSEUM AND BLOCKHOUSE - Point State Park at the junction of the three rivers, Downtown, (412) 471-1764, (412) 281-9284. Oldest building in the city and site of a strategically vital 18th century British fort. Features include dioramas, exhibits, models and programs on the French and Indian War and early days of Pittsburgh. Open: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday.

SENATOR JOHN HEINZ PITTSBURGH REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER - See DISCOVER PITTSBURGH section.

OLIVER MILLER HOMESTEAD - Located off Corrigan Drive in South Park, this is the site of the Whiskey Rebellion. Includes the original Miller stonehouse and springhouse, a reconstructed loghouse and blacksmith shop. Open for tours and pioneer craft demonstrations 1-4 p.m. Sundays through the end of December.

RACHEL CARSON HOMESTEAD - 613 Marion Ave., Springdale, 15144, 274-5459, Web site: www.rachelcarson.org/ Birthplace of famed ecologist and nature writer Rachel Carson. Year-round activities including annual Rachel Carson Day in May. New series of "Science on Saturdays" free family programs (reservations required) held 1 to 4 p.m. the third Saturday of each month. Tours offered 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission charged.

RIVER MUSEUM - 175 Second St., Monongahela. The Monongahela River Buffs Association has a collection of wooden barge remnants, life jackets and river maps on display. Open 1-3 p.m. weekends, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS MEMORIAL HALL - 4141 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, 15213, (412) 621-4253/4254. Military history museum and veterans memorial founded by Civil War veterans, which features educational exhibits of all manner of military memorabilia from the Civil War, Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. it is housed in a magnificent building styled after the ancient mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Museum open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and 1-4 p.m. weekends. Call for group appointment. Free admission.

TOUR-ED MINE AND MUSEUM - Allegheny Valley Expressway (Route 28) at Tarentum Exit. Depicts history of mining through a tour of a nonfunctional coal mine. Tour includes actual trip into a coal mine. Open 1-4 p.m. daily Memorial Day through Labor Day except Tuesdays.

OVER THE BORDER-BUTLER COUNTY

HARMONY MUSEUM AND VILLAGE - Off Exit 27 of I-79, Harmony, east of Zelienople, 452-7341. Includes the Wagner House and Ziegler log house, Harmonist cemetery and Mennonite meeting house and cemetery. Open 1-4 p.m. daily (June through September) and 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (October through May).

OVER THE BORDER-CAMBRIA COUNTY

JOHNSTOWN FLOOD MUSEUM - 304 Washington St., Johnstown, 15905, (888) 222-1889, (814) 539-1889, Web site: www.ctcnet.net/jaha. Features the Academy Award-winning documentary film about the flood of 1889; exhibits depict story of the flood through photographs, videos and artifacts. The national Flood Memorial (814-495-4643) is located along Route 219 northeast of Johnstown and preserves remnants of the South Fork Dam which, by breaking, caused the devastating flood. Part of the National Park System, the memorial features a visitor's center, interpretive trails and a picnic area.

JOHNSTOWN INCLINED PLANE - Info: 711 Edgehill Drive, Johnstown, 15905, (814) 536-1816. Steepest inclined plane in the world, includes an observation deck, sculpture trail, visitor's center and restaurant; laser light sculpture show. Runs 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to midnight Friday, 7:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays and holidays.

SELDOM SEEN TOURIST COAL MINE - Route 36 north, St. Boniface, (814) 247-6305. Hours: noon to dusk, Saturday and Sunday (through May); open daily during summer.

OVER THE BORDER-FAYETTE COUNTY

IRON FURNACES - The stone blast furnace made it possible for the United States to enter iron production when it was needed for weapons. Numerous iron furnaces still dot the countryside today in Fayette County. The most notable and well-preserved is the Wharton Furnace, located six miles east of Uniontown off Route 40 on Legislative Route 26049, south of Mount Summit. It was built in 1839 by U.S. Rep. Andrew Stuart. In 1962, it was repaired and the area cleared for a small park by the state Department of Forest and Waters.

CENTURY INN - This National Landmark inn, built by the Hill family (town founders) in 1794, is located in Scenery Hill on Route 40, along the original National Trail, later called the National Pike. Insurgents of the Whiskey Rebellion stayed there, and a rare Whiskey Rebellion flag is on display in the tavern. The Marquis de Lafayette made the inn a breakfast stop on his grand tour of the United States. Andrew Jackson stayed there twice, the second time on Feb. 2, 1826, on his way to his inauguration as president. The inn, for food and lodging, is open seven days a week. For more info: (724) 945-6600.

CRAWFORD CABIN - North Seventh Street at the Youghiogheny River, Connellsville. The cabin was reconstructed in 1975 as part of the bicentennial project of the Connellsville Area Historical Society in honor of Col. William Crawford, a surveyor and pioneer. Crawford erected a one-room cabin next to the Youghiogheny River in 1765 and entertained such luminaries as George Washington, who taught him the craft of surveying. Also available is a push-button audio narration on Hannah Crawford describing the hardships of living on the frontier. Open by appointment only. For info: Connellsville Area Historical Society, 628-5640.

FRIENDSHIP HILL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE - Off Route 166 near New Geneva. The home of former Secretary of Treasury Albert Gallatin, who served under Presidents James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily expect Christmas Day.

FALLINGWATER - Mill Run RD1, 329-8501. North of Farmington on Route 381 north. Home designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1936 for the family of Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar J. Kaufmann; run by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The only other Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Pennsylvania is KENTUCK KNOB near Chalk Hill on Ohiopyle Road, (now available for touring 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; for info: 329-1901).

FORT NECESSITY NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD - Located on Route 40 one mile west of Farmington, 329-5512. Preserved as a national park. On July 3, 1754, 600 French and 100 Indians attacked 393 men led by Col. George Washington at Fort Necessity. Washington and his troops were forced to surrender on July 4. He and his men marched out of the fort with drums rolling and flags flying high, thus ending the first encounter of the French and Indian War. Features a reconstructed stockade, storehouse and entrenchments, hiking and ski trails, and a picnic and camping area. Open year-round. Free admission for those age 16 and younger. Visiting hours on the grounds are during daylight hours. The visitor interpretation center, which houses a slide program and exhibits concerning the battle, is open from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily during summer. Also: nearby is the GREAT MEADOWS AMPHITHEATER, built in 1980. It seats 1,500 and has a magnificent view of the Laurel Mountains.

FREEDOM HALL OF FAME - Lafayette Square, 81 W. Main St., Uniontown, 437-9992. Includes the Fayette Tourist Visitor Center and Mon Fayette Expressway Information Center. This new museum focuses on the freedom efforts of President George Washington, Marquis de LaFayette, General George C. Marshall; exhibits on the area's coal and coke industry in cooperation with Penn State's Fayette campus. Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and weekends. Admission free.

NEMACOLIN CASTLE - Front Street, Brownsville. Info: P.O. Box 24, Brownsville, (814) 886-6150. A former trading post, this turreted, jagged topped edifice along Brownsville's Front Street once served as a trading post and inn during the late 1700s. It is named for the Indian leader Nemacolin, who led parties of explorers over the "Endless Mountains" from Cumberland to the lands of the Ohio claimed by both Britain and France. The Tudor-style castle has open stairways, massive bedrooms and some hallways as long as 70 feet. Open 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays during June, July and August. Also open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Easter Sunday to mid-October. Admission charged.

SEARIGHT'S TOLLHOUSE - One of only two remaining original tollhouses on the National Pike, the hexagon-shaped tollhouse is located four miles west of Uniontown on Route 40; built in 1835 to collect fares from those traveling on the first national highway.

OVER THE BORDER-GREENE COUNTY

GREENE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM - Located 2.5 miles off I-79, Exit 3, a few miles east of Waynesburg. The museum contains local history records as well as Indian artifacts of Greene County and a collection of early hand tools; a W&W narrow gauge steam locomotive; country store; old kitchen; early glassware; salt glaze pottery; the Gov. Edward Martin room; a doll collection; 14 rooms furnished in mid-Victorian style. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays end of May to mid-Oct. Admission charged.

OVER THE BORDER-INDIANA COUNTY

EWING'S MILL - Located along Route 422 in Cherryhill Township, the structure is believed to be the oldest standing gristmill in Indiana County. Also known as the Christian Keller Mill, the building, along with a sawmill and distillery, was erected in 1824. Although not operational or open for public inspection, the mill contains a 52-horsepower McCormick turbine, an Oliver Evans hoist and various other pieces of antique farm and milling equipment. The mill is situated along the old Kittanning Path, once a major transportation route for Indians and early white settlers in what is now the Yellow Creek State Park area.

JAMES M. STEWART MUSEUM - Indiana Free Library, third floor, Indiana, 349-6112. Contains six galleries of exhibits and memorabilia tracing the life of Indiana's most famous son; also a 1930's-style theater for screening Stewart's films and home movies and a smaller one for viewing documentaries. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

MARION CENTER MILLING CO. - Located along Route 403 in Marion Center, the structure is a restored 80-year-old feed mill. A historical landmark, it is the oldest and only working mill in Indiana County. Mill antique shop open Monday through Saturday during regular business hours and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

SILAS M. CLARK HOUSE - Located at the junction of South Sixth Street and Wayne Avenue in Indiana. Registered as a National Historic Site, the structure was built in the late 1860s as a mansion for renowned Indiana educator and state Supreme Court Justice Silas M. Clark. Over the years, the mansion's library has grown from a handful of books to thousands of publications that include genealogical files, obituaries, clippings, and local maps. Today, the early-Victorian structure is home to the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, which boasts the second largest genealogical library in western Pennsylvania. The building is open weekdays during regular business hours, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

SILVERBROOK FARMS - Located just off Route 119 near Marchand, the farm offers a glimpse into early American agriculture with its colonial house, early 1800s barn, antique farm equipment, one-room schoolhouse and spinning-wheel museum. Also a shop featuring a variety of sheepskin products, yarns and related items. Open for tours and special events.

SMICKSBURG - A sprawling rural community along Route 954, Smicksburg features shops with crafts, furniture and edible goods made by local Amish as well as other residents. Also a winery, cheese factory and historical society.

OVER THE BORDER-JEFFERSON COUNTY

GOBBLER'S KNOB - Located south of Punxsutawney on LR33078, Gobbler's Knob marks the site where Punxsutawney Phil has been making annual forecasts since 1887(see CALENDAR OF EVENTS section). Maintained by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, the site is open to the public. For more information, see CALENDAR OF EVENTS under February 1999. Also: the PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL MUSEUM located along Punxsutawney's main street. The museum was constructed in 1903 by renowned American architect Stanford White and houses seven museum rooms and a genealogy room. The museum is open 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday June through September. The genealogy room is open year-round 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays.

JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM - Located at the Brady Craig House, Jefferson Street, Brookville, the building was erected in the early 1880s. In the early years, the basement was used as a jail. Today, the museum houses records dating to the 1800s. Open 2-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. except holidays. Other times by appointment.

OVER THE BORDER-SOMERSET COUNTY

ADDISON TOLLHOUSE - The only stone tollhouse still standing. Located along old Route 40 east of Addison, Somerset County

MOUNTAIN PLAYHOUSE AND GREEN GABLES RESTAURANT - See CULTURE section for more information about this restored grist mill built in 1805 in Jennerstown (on the National Historic Register).

SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL - Erected in 1856, this is perhaps the only jail in the state built with double hangings gallows. The building is now used as an archive. Open for tours.

SOMERSET HISTORICAL CENTER - Located four miles north of Somerset, take Route 610 north to Route 985, (814) 445-6077. Western Pennsylvania's Rural Heritage Museum depicts the progression of development of southwestern Pennsylvania from the end of the 17th century to the 20th century. A visitors' center featuring interpretive exhibits, a log house complex, early covered bridge, and a maple sugar camp recreates early family life and illustrates economic growth. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

SPRINGS MUSEUM - The museum has a collection of agricultural implements and other artifacts from the early settlements of the Casselman River valley. Open 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Memorial Day through mid-October.

OVER THE BORDER-WASHINGTON COUNTY

DAVID BRADFORD HOUSE - The home of David Bradford, leading figure in the Whiskey Rebellion, who was also a lawyer, businessman, and deputy attorney general of Washington County, is located at 175 S. Main St., Washington. It stands today as a faithfully restored monument of the Colonial period. The structure is furnished with the luxuries of early American life and many of the furnishings are directly traceable to Bradford. In 1959, the home's restoration was undertaken by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Admission fee. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and Sundays 1-4 p.m.

LEMOYNE HOUSE - Located at 49 E. Maiden St., Washington. The home of abolitionist Dr. F. Julius LeMoyne, it was a center of the Underground Railway which spirited slaves north to sanctuary in Canada. The building is now the headquarters of the Washington County Historical Society. An award-winning herb garden is located in the backyard, similar to the one tended by LeMoyne for use in his medical treatments. The residence is on the National Register of Historic Places. Museum features include a "Hands-On History" room for youngsters. The society offers guided tours 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment. Admission charged. Also: the LEMOYNE CREMATORY. Built in 1876, this small brick building located off of South Main Street in Washington and was the first crematory in the United States. It was also built by Dr. F. Julius LeMoyne, and was center of controversy at the time. Open free to the public every second Sunday, May-September.

MEADOWCROFT MUSEUM OF RURAL LIFE - Formerly Meadowcroft Village, the museum is located three miles west of Avella. The site was first settled in 1795 and the museum tells the story of life on the farm in western Pennsylvania. Features include a log house, one-room school, covered bridge and an exhibit on the Meadowcroft Rockshelter archaeological site - the earliest evidence of human life in eastern North America. A guided tour of historic barns, including hands-on use of barn building tools, will be held 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 2 (fee charged and pre-registration required). Open May through October (weekends noon to 5 p.m.) and Memorial Day through Labor Day (noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday). Children age 6 and under admitted free.

PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM - Located just off the Meadowlands Exit of Interstate 79, 228-9256. Also see CALENDAR OF EVENTS section. Operated by the Pennsylvania Railway Museum Association. The facility, which includes an operational trolley line on a portion of the former Pittsburgh-Washington trolley line, traces the history of the development of the cars from a small, four-wheel vehicle of 1890 through the PCC cars used on most of North America's trolley lines. The collection includes cars from around the states, and spotlights the Streetcar Named Desire from the Tennessee Williams play of the same name. The cars are broad gauge- the tracks are 6 inches wider than the standard railroad gauge, common in Pennsylvania but seldom used elsewhere. The museum also features a display of standard gauge railroad equipment, visitors education center with exhibit "Pennsylvania's Trolley Neighborhoods," gift shop and video theater, picnic area. Open weekends and holidays early April through end of Dec., and 11 am. to 5 p.m. every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission charged. Group tours are welcome; advance registration is requested.

RIVER MUSEUM - 175 Second St., Monongahela. The Monongahela River Buffs Association offers a collection of river memorabilia on display including remnants of wooden barges to life jackets to maps of the river. Open 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Saturdays.

HISTORICAL SOCIETIES

The Academy Hill Neighborhood Association is dedicated to the preservation of its Greensburg "neighborhood" loosely defined as Main Street (between Park Street and Cabin Hill Drive), the 200-500 blocks of North Maple Avenue, and the area enclosed by the south side of Kenneth, Arch and Beacon streets and North Maple Avenue. The association holds several fundraising events including walking tours each year (see CALENDAR OF EVENTS section). For info: 837-0212.

ALLEGHENY VALLEY-KISKI HISTORICAL SOCIETY - 224 East 7th Street, Tarentum.

APOLLO AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - 1028 King Arthur Drive, Apollo.

AVONMORE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Avonmore.

BELL TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY - Salina.

BUSHY RUN BATTLEFIELD HISTORICAL SITE - Contact: Jack Giblin, director, Bushy Run Road, Jeannette.

BUSHY RUN CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN COLONISTS, meets at Mountain View Inn, Greensburg.

CONNELLSVILLE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - 275 S. Pittsburgh St., Connellsville, 628-5640.

DERRY AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Organized in 1995, the Derry Area Historical Society is restoring the old Robert Fulton house in New Derry, considered the oldest community in Derry Township. The log and stone building was one of three inns belived to have been operated in the rural village when it was a well-known stop along an old stagecoach line. The society would like to convert the log cabin into a museum dedicated to local history.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF THE BLAIRSVILLE AREA - 116 East Campbell St., Blairsville.

LATROBE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Latrobe, 539-8889.

MURRYSVILLE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY - Contact: Paul Couture, 327-4789.

NORWIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Route 30, North Huntingdon. Tidbit: The group is restoring the Brush Creek Associate Reformed Cemetery, a Revolutionary and Civil War cemetery on Legler Road in North Huntingdon Township. One of the oldest graves is that of William Gray, a Revolutionary War veteran who fought in the 7th Pa. Regiment.

WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Le Moyne House, 49 East Maiden St., Washington.

WESTMORELAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY - 951 Old Salem Road, Greensburg, 836-1800.

WEST OVERTON MUSEUMS - Contact: Kimberly Bringe, West Overton Village, Scottdale, 887-7910. Includes Archives.

YOUNGWOOD RAILROAD & HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION - 1040 Depot Street, Youngwood.