Braddock's Battlefield tour part of history center's grand reopening

Braddock’s Battlefield History Center will welcome the public for its grand reopening Tuesday, the anniversary of a 1755 battle on the site that pitted British and American troops against French and Native American forces.

The event begins at 11 a.m. at 609 N. Sixth Street, North Braddock, with remarks and dedication of the museum’s Robert T. Messner Classroom.

Costumed reenactors will bring to life figures from local history — including British Gen. Edward Braddock, who was fatally wounded as his troops lost the Battle of the Monongahela, and George Washington, who led the retreat.

Historian and author David Preston, a Western Pennsylvania native who teaches at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., will lead a 1 p.m. walking tour of the battlefield and, at 3 p.m., will sign copies of his 2015 book on the subject, “Braddock’s Defeat: The Battle of the Monongahela and the Road to Revolution.”

The center’s classroom is named for a local history buff who opened the center in August 2012 with the help of funding from foundations and the Braddock Carnegie Library.

The center, which had a soft reopening in May, is now under the management of Fort Ligonier, a reconstructed mid-18th century British outpost in neighboring Westmoreland County.

A Cannonball Club for kids ages 5-12 will meet at the Braddock’s Battlefield History Center 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday. Kids who attend can learn about Braddock’s history, explore the museum, play games and make crafts. Registration is required for the free event.

Regular operating hours at the North Braddock museum are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Mondays.

Visit braddocksbattlefield.com or call 412-271-0800 for more information.