Welcome 

Welcome to our website! Whether Westmoreland County is your home, your ancestors' home, or a place you would like to visit, let the Star guide you. 

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For information on our programs, click on the calendar to your right.

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Construction is underway for the

Westmoreland History Education Center at Historic Hanna's Town

 Follow this link to donate now: Donations

This new facility will provide a permanent home for the WCHS and consolidate our services in one location.

Features include:

• Exhibit Gallery for changing exhibits developed in partnership with other historical groups
• Multipurpose Education Room for year-round programs, classes, and events for all ages
• Archaeology Laboratory & Exhibit Area
• Collections Storage
• Modern Amenities to facilitate programs and visitor comfort including modern restrooms and handicapped accessibility
• Research Library for genealogy and regional history
• Museum Shop

In the renovated 1910 Steel House:

• WCHS offices
• Exhibit Room for Early 20th Century
• Conference meeting room

Star of the West was a title given to Westmoreland County by 18th century German pioneers who regarded it as a "stella" or star as they traveled from eastern Pennsylvania through this region and toward western territories. The 5-pointed star also represents the five counties that were carved from Westmoreland's original boundaries - Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland. This Star reflects our mission to provide a guide through history to a greater understanding of the present and a clearer path to the future.

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THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - OCTOBER

10/01/1773      Westmoreland County's first election

10/3/1955        First combined issue of Tribune-Review

10/7/1918        Greensburg suffers its first death from the great flu epidemic.

10/09/1813      County-wide celebration and light-up night held for Perry's victory on Lake Erie.

10/9/1934        First running of Rolling Rock Steeplechase Races

10/12/1758      Fort Ligonier is successfully defended against an attack by a force of French & Indians from Fort Duquesne

10/14/1644      William Penn is born

10/24/1854      Cornerstone for Westmoreland County's fourth courthouse was laid.

10/28/1934      WHJB is the first radio station to broadcast in Westmoreland County.

For more information on dates in history: Today in History

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The Museum Shop is open on Saturdays in November & December when Historic Hanna's Town is hosting programs.  The Shop opens a half hour before the first program of the day and closes at 4 PM.  This allows attendees to shop before and/or after the program. 

November 10 & 17: 11 AM to 4 PM

December 1 & 8: 10:30 to 4 PM

Hanna's Town's Museum Shop features a selection of 18th century reproductions and items relevant to our programs, including holiday gifts, books, toys & games, home décor, edibles, and cards and stationary.