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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Are you considering a year-end donation?

Do you want to give a gift to someone who has everything?

We have some wonderful options:

A Westmoreland County Historical Society membership might be the perfect gift!

or a donation made in honor of someone!

We are happy to accommodate your gift-giving!

Follow this link to donate now. Donations

To purchase a membership - Join WCHS

Any questions? Call 724-532-1935 x210

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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

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The Museum Shop at Historic Hanna's Town is open on Saturdays December when the site 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.

December 1 & 8: 10 AM to 4 PM

December 15: Noon to 3 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.

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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 - DECEMBER

12/7/1949 Greensburg Coliseum destroyed by fire.

12/10/1785 Newtown, now Greensburg, was selected as the permanent county seat for Westmoreland County.

12/14/1799 George Washington died at Mt. Vernon.

12/20/1785 The first person to be executed by court order west of the Allegheny Mtns was hung at Hanna’s Town.

12/23/1823 "A Visit from St. Nicholas" first published. Better known as "The Night Before Christmas," this poem did much to standardize the American idea of St. Nicholas, aka Santa Claus.

12/23/1908 The Westmoreland County Historical Society was founded.

For more information on dates in history: Today in History