2023 marks an exciting year in Washington County for five local institutions that are celebrating milestone anniversaries.

The youngest of those anniversaries will be, ironically, at the oldest known site of human habitation in North America — Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village, established as an archaeological site 50 years ago.

History enthusiasts revere the Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village. It showcases 19,000 years of artifacts uncovered onsite, with three recreated historic villages that demonstrate life in the Ohio Valley through the centuries.

A team of archaeologists began excavation of Meadowcroft Rockshelter on June 18, 1973. This year, on the 50th anniversary of that date, visitors can enjoy an exclusive Insider Tour with James M. Adovasio, Ph.D., who achieved international acclaim with his excavation of the Rockshelter. Professor Adovasio will present a lecture and lead a special tour of the site.

Additional Insider Tours will be held in July, August and October. (Online reservations are required in advance at heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft.)

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum has come a long way in 60 years. Starting from humble beginnings when it opened in June 1963 with an old railroad car as a gift shop and one trolley barn, the museum now boasts three buildings and a collection of 50 trolleys, half of which are beautifully restored and in operation. A visit to the museum includes a 4-mile round trip on one of the antique trolleys, a tour of the Trolley Display Building, self-guided exploration of exhibits, and so much more.

Courtesy of Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum  

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum commemorates its 60th anniversary with the opening of a brand-new, state-of-the-art 21,000-square-foot Welcome & Education Center later this year. The building will include new exhibit areas, including a trolley operator simulator and interactive STEM exhibits. The new facility also features three multipurpose rooms, a dedicated classroom, a larger museum store, new playground and park area, as well as a gazebo perfect for outdoor events. A new brick-lined street where the trolleys operate, as well as increased parking space, is an added bonus.

2023 also marks 60 years of harness racing at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a tradition in the region. While technology has come a long way, the core values of racing have stayed the same. Though the races can be accessed around the world, standing at the racetrack hearing the crunch of the gravel as the horses run by or talking to the winning driver after a race has the same feel it had in 1963.

Courtesy of Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency Horse racing at The Meadows.  

The casino will commemorate this milestone with a family-friendly night at the racetrack in June, as well as a series of vignettes highlighting 60 years of racing in 60 seconds. A video booth will be available at the track where guests can share their memories.

The development of the casino in 2009, when it became Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, made the venue a prime destination point in Washington County. The newest addition to the property is the Barstool Sportsbook, which features a complete view of the track.

The performing arts community came alive in Washington County in 1949 when Will Disney opened Little Lake Theatre. He transformed a red barn at the edge of Canonsburg Lake into a theater-in-the-round and began casting productions. Three-quarters of a century later, that barn is used for prop storage, rehearsals and summer camps, while the theatrical productions take place in a larger building that has hosted hundreds of shows through the years.

Courtesy of Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency A production at Little Lake Theatre  

This summer, Little Lake Theatre celebrates its 75th season by paying homage to the rich history that has made the theater what it is today. With shows like “Popcorn Falls” and “White Christmas” in the 2023 lineup, each production was selected to reflect the anniversary in some way.

Expect to see familiar faces as Little Lake alumni return to the stage.

A highlight at the close of every summer is the Washington County Agricultural Fair. Held August 12-19 this year, the fair will be bringing something extra special as it celebrates its 225th anniversary, making it the longest-running fair in Pennsylvania. Expect to see parades, concerts, a memorial plaza dedicated to the history of the fair and other activities, in addition to traditional fair entertainment, food and fun.

Washington County Agricultural Fair The heart of Washington County Agricultural Fair  

For this significant anniversary, there will be an added focus on agriculture, which is always at the core of the fair. With over 2,600 exhibits in 10 barns and five exhibit halls, the fair brings together the community and truly showcases what the region has to offer. Be sure to make the trip to the Washington County Agricultural Fair in August for a week of family fun.

For more information about these places, and much more, see the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency at visitwashingtoncountypa.com.

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