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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The genealogy & regional history Calvin Pollins Research Library is closed and will re-open in 2019 in the new Westmoreland History Education Center at Historic Hanna's Town. The exact date of re-opening depends on construction progress -- currently estimated to finish in mid-February, 2019. Then placement of shelving units, books, and other resources can begin. You may still contract for research services. For additional information, call 724-532-1935 ext. 210 or visit:

Genealogy & Research

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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

Position Open: Administrative Assistant.

See Job Postings for more information. 

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 - FEBRUARY

02/02/1787      Arthur St. Clair (of Westmoreland County) elected President of Continental Congress.

02/07/1821      William Jack died. He was sheriff in 1782 when Hanna's Town was attacked. He was also one of three donors of the Courthouse property.

02/09/1799      Greensburg incorporated.

02/14/1789      Courthouse and jail authorized.

2/17/1941        110th Infantry Regiment called up for service in WW II.

02/20/1802      Christopher Truby, one of the founders of Greensburg, died.

02/26/1773      Westmoreland County created by an act of the Penn Proprietary government.  It was the last county formed by the Penn government and the first one entirely located west of the Allegheny Mountains.

02/26/1773      Hanna's Town named by the Penn Proprietary government to serve as the first county seat.

02/26/1826      Pennsylvania Canal Act was sponsored by James Clark of Westmoreland County.

 For more information on dates in history: Today in History