For more than a century, the Westmoreland Historical Society (WHS) has been preserving the stories, people, and places that shaped Westmoreland County. Founded in 1908, the organization serves as the county’s official historical society and is recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Today, WHS continues its mission of preserving, interpreting, and promoting the rich cultural heritage of western Pennsylvania while creating meaningful opportunities for community engagement and education.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Lauren M. Churilla, Ph.D., WHS has evolved into much more than a preservation organization. It serves as a vibrant community resource that connects residents, students, researchers, and visitors with the region’s past in ways that remain relevant to the present.

Over the years, the Society has assembled and cared for an extensive collection of artifacts, manuscripts, photographs, archival materials, and archaeological resources that document Westmoreland County’s history from the pre-colonial era through modern times. Researchers and genealogy enthusiasts also benefit from the Society’s library, which contains thousands of reference volumes, original records, and family histories related to the county and surrounding region.

Education has always been at the heart of the organization’s mission. WHS publishes the scholarly journal Westmoreland History, presents lectures and community programs, partners with schools, and provides research assistance to the public. Each year, the organization serves more than 4,000 people through its educational and outreach initiatives.

One of the Society’s most significant responsibilities is the stewardship of Historic Hanna’s Town, one of western Pennsylvania’s most important historic sites. Established in 1773 by Robert Hanna, Hanna’s Town was the first county seat of Westmoreland County and the site of the first English court west of the Allegheny Mountains. Westmoreland County acquired the property in 1969 to ensure its preservation, and the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Today, Historic Hanna’s Town features reconstructed and relocated period buildings, interpretive exhibits, and the Westmoreland History Education Center. The site serves as a living classroom where visitors can explore frontier life, early American government, and the foundations of civic participation.

The organization’s impact is particularly evident through its educational programming. WHS hosts more than two dozen programs annually and partners with over 20 schools to provide curriculum-aligned field trips. These immersive experiences help students better understand constitutional principles, early government, and life on the Pennsylvania frontier. The quality of these programs is reflected in the fact that every school that visited in 2024 returned in 2025.

Beyond formal education, Historic Hanna’s Town has become a gathering place for the broader community. Living history demonstrations, volunteer opportunities, lectures, cultural events, and collaborative initiatives with local organizations create opportunities for civic dialogue and intergenerational connection. Through these efforts, WHS strengthens community identity while demonstrating how history can inform contemporary life.

As the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the Society is expanding its programming and partnerships to help residents reflect on the nation’s founding ideals and their continuing relevance. By preserving historic resources and activating them as spaces for learning and engagement, WHS ensures that local history remains accessible, inclusive, and impactful for future generations.

One of the most anticipated events on the calendar is Frontier Family Days, taking place August 15 and 16 at Historic Hanna’s Town. This year’s celebration embraces the theme “Revelry and Revolution” in honor of America 250.

Visitors will have the opportunity to step back into 1776 and experience life during the American Revolution on the Pennsylvania frontier. The event will feature frontier court reenactments inspired by real cases heard at Hanna’s Town, militia encampments, living history demonstrations, children’s activities, vendors, live music, and interactive exhibits. Guests can also meet reenactors portraying members of Proctor’s Militia, one of the first militias west of the Allegheny Mountains.

Additional highlights include appearances by Jessica Young of Penny Rivers Costumes, mushroom hikes with Flannel Roots Farms, America 250 trivia hosted by Buzz Worthy Trivia, an 18th-century tavern crawl, and local breweries serving refreshments in keeping with the spirit of frontier tavern life. Food vendors Zeus BBQ and The Coffin Bean will also be on site.

For anyone interested in history, heritage, education, or community, the Westmoreland Historical Society and Historic Hanna’s Town offer a unique opportunity to connect with the stories that helped shape both Westmoreland County and the nation itself.

Westmoreland Historical Society

Historic Hann's Town