Westmoreland's preservationists receive kudos from historical society

Two organizations and three people were honored recently by the Westmoreland County Historical Society’s 2024 Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Awards.

The awards are presented annually to people, organizations, businesses or educational institutions that have contributed to the preservation of Westmoreland County’s historic places, documents, records or stories.

The awards were presented this year to: Frank Cassell, co-authors Debra Coulson and Harley Trice, the Rostraver Historical Society and West Overton Village and Museum.

“This year’s awardees use a variety of methods to preserve history and educate the public, from exhibits to publications and historic buildings to trails,” said Lisa Hays, executive director of the society. “Westmoreland County is fortunate to have so many creative people and organizations that recognize the cultural and economic value of historic preservation.”

Coulson and Trice wrote “Bryce Glass: Art and Novelty in Nineteenth-Century Pittsburgh.” Their account of the history of Bryce Glass includes photographs of the company’s works, according to the society. It at one time employed hundreds of people in Mt. Pleasant during its 113 years of operation.

Cassell, past president of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, has shared his knowledge of 18th century history of the region and spearheaded the creation of Westmoreland Heritage, which expands cultural tourism and educates residents and visitors of the rich history in Westmoreland County.

While chairman of the board of the historical society, Cassell helped the organization create a permanent education center at Historic Hanna’s Town, according to the society.

The Rostraver Historical Society was recognized because of its preservation of the 1830 Concord Subscription School and the creation of a mining museum at its headquarters with artifacts and stories of mine workers. The school recently was renovated and an 1830s-era outhouse and water pump at the site were reconstructed.

West Overton Village and Museum was recognized for its James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center that honors the centuries of whiskey distilling in Pennsylvania, according to the society. The Sam Komlenic Galley in the center houses artifacts related to whiskey history locally and statewide.