Westmoreland Historical Society unveils artifacts at new education center

Fashions, furniture and artifacts from the past are among items the public will get to explore Friday when the Westmoreland Historical Society holds an open house at its recently opened education center on the grounds of Historic Hanna’s Town.

The center has been opening in phases at the Hempfield historical attraction since this summer, and now all is in place for Friday’s free event, set for 6 to 8 p.m.

Visitors will be able to tour the 6,500-square-foot center at 809 Forbes Trail Road, which houses a library of historical resources, exhibits, space for educational programming and a gift shop. The tour includes an adjacent restored farmhouse, dating to 1910, which features more program space and displays on the ground floor and society offices upstairs.

The center’s Kendra Gallery already has presented some changing exhibits. It now features “Gems of the Collection: Everything AND the Kitchen Sink” — items drawn from the society’s permanent collection.

“This is really the opportunity to see a lot of these items on display for the first time,” said Pam Curtin, education coordinator for the society.

As the name suggests, those items include a sink, devoid of running water. It dates to the late 19th century or early 20th century, when it stood in the kitchen of a Greensburg home.

“Prior to having plumbing in someone’s home, they would have what’s called a dry sink, where they’d be able to wash dishes” using water drawn from a well, Curtin explained.

Society volunteers this week were carefully unfolding for display apparel from earlier eras — in some cases, steaming out wrinkles or adding reinforcement.

“Getting these items out of the boxes and letting them see the fresh air is exciting for us,” said Lisa Hays, executive director of the historical society.

The oldest garment on display is a circa-1800 silk taffeta dress that features a plaid design and a high Empire-period waist. It originally was in the youthful wardrobe of Peggy Coulter — aunt of Gen. Richard Coulter of Greensburg, who served with the 11th Regiment during the Civil War.

The exhibit also includes examples of locally manufactured glassware from the 20th century that were donated to the society by the Mt. Pleasant Glass Museum, after the latter closed in 2017. Mt. Pleasant glass factories represented include Bryce Brothers, L.E. Smith and Lenox.

Visitors will see artifacts uncovered during archaeological digs at Hanna’s Town — the first county seat of Westmoreland, established in 1773. A small silver spoon of the period bears the initials of local tavern owners Charles and Sarah Foreman.

Displayed over the fireplace in the farmhouse’s Tanto Room is a family photograph of local judge John Steel, for whom the Colonial Revival dwelling was constructed. Members of the Steel family continued to own the property until the early 1970s, when it was purchased by the county — leading to development of recreated historic buildings, including a tavern and a fort.

Portraits in the farmhouse’s First Commonwealth Parlor depict Gen. Coulter’s parents, Eli Coulter Jr. and Rebecca Alexander Coulter, which are used for the society’s educational programs. As the holiday season approaches, the parlor will be decked out to represent Victorian Christmas traditions and decor.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 724-836-1800, ext. 210. Light refreshments will be served. Visit westmorelandhistory.org for more information.