Welcome to Beaver County’s Passport to History

Each page will guide you through some of the most wonderful and unusual museums, sites and historical collections in the County. All you need to do is visit 10 participating museums and have that site stamp their page in your passport with their own unique stamp. After you have collected 10 different museum stamps in your passport, you can visit the Vicary Mansion in Freedom and they will present you with a Beaver County Bicentennial Keepsake Token! There isn’t an expiration date for this program so take your time and enjoy the all the wondrous history of Beaver County. Our map of locations is located on Page 27. Enjoy your journey through time!

Sincerely Co-Chairpersons, Brenda S. Applegate, Director Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation “Beaver County’s Official Historical Organization” Janice Jeschke Beall Recorder of Deeds

1 PASSPORT MUSEUMS We have included historical societies, groups and Map Page organizations that do not have a historical site to Location visit, but who are still very much involved in protecting and fostering our historical legacy. 1 Air Heritage Museum 4 2 Beaver Area Heritage Museum 5 3 Genealogy and History Center 6 Page 4 Beaver County Industrial Museum 7 Colonial Dames XVII Century 23 5 Beaver County Model R.R. 8 Daughters of the American Revolution - 23 6 Beaver Falls Hist. Soc. Museum 9 Fort McIntosh Chapter 7 Little Beaver H.S. Complex 10 Fombell Area Historical Society 23 8 The Larry Bruno Foundation HOF 11 Ladies Grand Army of the Republic 24 9 12 H.C. Fry Glass Society 24 10 McKinley School 13 Legion Ville Historical Society 24 11 Monaca Community Hall of Fame 14 Logstown Associates 25 12 Ohio Valley Model RR 15 New Brighton Historical Society 25 13 16 Sons of the American Revolution 25 14 Richmond Little Red School House 17 Sons of Confederate Veterans 26 15 Rochester Area Heritage Society 18 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War 26 16 South Side Historical Village 19 17 St. Nicholas Chapel – GCU 20 18 Vicary Mansion – BCHR&LF 21

2 3 AIR HERITAGE AIRCRAFT MUSEUM AND RESTORATION FACILITY BEAVER AREA HERITAGE MUSEUM

Visit Air Heritage Museum and allow aircraft from the past to guide you through This award-winning museum is housed in a restored 104 year-old railroad the rich history of flight. Images of wings, beating propellers and blaring radial freight station. Opened in 1998, the museum features a 40 foot long mural engines send some visitors reeling into memories of challenges bravely met in depicting significant events and people from 1700 to 2002. The museum the past, while others are able to admire the acts that have led to today’s flight features a permanent display of Fort McIntosh artifacts and the history of the technology. Fort and its excavation. Additional displays include biographies of prominent Beaver Area persons as well as items and artifacts. Rotating exhibits are pre- Three flyable aircraft can be seen, a C123K “Provider” (Thunder Pig), a C-47 sented each year in the museum. A special feature is the 1802 log house and “Gooney Bird,” and a L-21B Super Cub. On static display there is an F-15A gardens, which is the centerpiece for educational programs. Geocache friendly. “Eagle” fighter jet, an F-4C “Phantom” and a T-3 “Provoast.” Various other aircraft can be seen in different stages of restoration. Aviation is endless! It is our task to build a “vehicle” capable of “bringing the past into the present.”

LOCATION: 35 Piper Street LOCATION: 1 River Road Extension Chippewa Township, Beaver Falls PA 15010 Beaver, PA, 15009 724.843.2820 724.775.7174 EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.airheritage.org WEB: www.beaverheritage.org FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/airheritage FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/beaverheritage OPEN: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm OPEN: April-November Sundays & Holidays by appointment STAMP Saturdays 10am-4pm, Sundays 1pm-4pm STAMP ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated

4 5 BEAVER COUNTY GENEALOGY BEAVER COUNTY INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER The Beaver County Industrial Museum has a collection from all of the major The Beaver County Genealogy and History Center has been collecting the Beaver County Glass and Steel industries. Glass was the largest employer in written history of Beaver County since 1971. The History Center has over 8,500 the county in the 19th century and steel in the 20th century. This information is surname files, newspaper births, marriages and obituaries, 3,500 books, maps, being preserved for future generations to understand what happened here over thousands of newspaper clippings filed by subject, high school yearbooks, church the last 200 years. An extensive library of books, literature, photographs and files and newspapers on microfilm from 1830 to the present. The History Center DVD presentations are also maintained for use by appointment. Information on is the first place to stop if you are tracing your family history or are interested in a number of the steelworker unions in the county is available and a database of any aspect of Beaver County history. workers in the mills in the county is under development.

LOCATION: Beaver Station LOCATION: 801 Plumb Street. 250 East End Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009 Darlington, PA 16115 724.775.1775 724.312.0831 EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.beavercountyhistory.org WEB: www.beavercountyindustrialmuseum.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/Beaver-County-Genealogy- FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/BCIndustrialMuseum and-History-Center OPEN: Sundays 1pm-4:30pm OPEN: April-November Tuesday-Saturday May through September. 10am-4pm Also History Celebration Weekend and December-March Thursday-Saturday Darlington Days Weekend and by 10am-4pm STAMP appointment STAMP ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated 6 7 BEAVER COUNTY MODEL RAILROAD BEAVER FALLS HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

For twenty-six years the Beaver County Model Railroad and Historical society Founded in 1945, the Beaver Falls Historical Society Museum, located in the has been in operation. Our layout display is set in the 1960’s. From city limits, downstairs of the Carnegie Free Library, presents the story of Beaver Falls by to deep river valleys and a steel mill complex, the detail is very minute. For preserving and displaying galleries of artifacts, industrial products of northern examples: a man and woman waiting to get married, but the man is changing Beaver County including CO-OP glassware, Mayer China products, Chinese a flat tire on his car; an individual sitting in the outhouse with the door open; a Cutlery, period clothes and veterans’ uniforms, fire equipment, extensive trailer park with a pet tiger on the porch. During the spring and fall there is a show photographs, historical books, documents, Beaver Falls sports memorabilia and and sale at Center Stage in Center Twp. from 10 PM to 3 PM with 80 to 100 a Victorian room. Monthly educational programs are given on the economic, tables of model railroading accessories. Geocache friendly. business, industrial, educational advances, sports, social, religious and cultural events of Beaver Falls from native Americans to the present.

LOCATION: 416 6th Street Monaca, PA 15061 LOCATION: Carnegie Free Library 724.843.3783 1301 7th Avenue EMAIL: [email protected] Beaver Falls, PA 15010 WEB: www.bcmrr.railfan.net 724.494.2439 OPEN: Tuesdays 6:30pm-8:30pm also during 724.774.6229 spring and fall sale. Open every weekend OPEN: Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm during the Christmas holidays and by appointment ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated STAMP ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated STAMP

8 9 LITTLE BEAVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMPLEX THE LARRY BRUNO FOUNDATION HALL OF ACHIEVEMENT

The Little Beaver Historical Society has five buildings displaying a variety of The Larry Bruno Foundation honors sports and civic achievements from Beaver artifacts: First, Greersburg Academy, a two story stone structure established in Falls and the surrounding area. On display, from former coaches, athletes and 1802, is Beaver County’s earliest advanced educational institution. Second is family, are game artifacts, photographs and one-of-kind treasures that helped the Little Beaver Museum, a two-story brick schoolhouse built in 1883. Third shape the rich sports tradition of our community. Joe Walton, Candy Young, is the McCarl Industrial and Agricultural Museum of Beaver County which Jim “Bucky” Mutscheller and Oscar Jackson are a few of the “Achievers” celebrates the industrial heritage of the County. Fourth is an 1812 log cabin and featured. The museum is the only place to view the greatest sports book ever fifth is a blacksmith forge/foundry. Geocache friendly. produced “The Super Bowl XL OPUS-MVP Edition” donated by Joe Namath. Information and photo’s available for research. Handicap accessible.

LOCATION: 710 Market Street LOCATION: Carnegie Free Library Darlington, PA 16115 1301 7th Avenue 724.827.8841 Beaver Falls, PA 15010 724.843.4361 724.728.7399 FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/LittleBeaverHistorical WEB: www.themagicalcoach.org OPEN: May-December during special events FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/TheLarryBrunoFoundation and by appointment OPEN: Saturdays from 10am-2pm ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated STAMP STAMP

10 11 THE MERRICK ART GALLERY MCKINLEY SCHOOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF CHIPPEWA The Merrick Art Gallery is Beaver County’s only fine arts museum, where education and appreciation of the visual and performing arts, in their several McKinley Schoolhouse, the only remaining one-room school in Chippewa forms and varieties, can be fostered and enjoyed. Classic collections of 18th Township, opened its doors in 1872 and served the children of Chippewa until and 19th century paintings and artifacts of natural and geological history as well 1932. The school is open for Beaver County History Weekend during the first as a collection of 19th century books make up the core of The Merrick museum weekend in May and for Chippewa Township’s yearly Community Day. During holdings. In house and outreach workshops, classes, recitals, exhibitions, and those two times, the school is filled with historical artifacts. It can also be seen performances are also available throughout the year. Geocache friendly. in mild weather by appointment. Handicapped accessible.

LOCATION: McKinley Road & 37th Street Ext. LOCATION: 1100 Fifth Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010 New Brighton, PA 15066 724.384.1598 724.846.1130 EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/McKinleySchoolhouse WEB: www.merrickartgallery.org OPEN: History Celebration weekend and by appointment FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/themerrickartgallery ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated OPEN: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm

Call for summer hours Closed all holiday weekends ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated STAMP STAMP

12 13 MONACA COMMUNITY HALL OF FAME OHIO VALLEY LINES MODEL RAILROAD, LIBRARY & MUSEUM

Established in 1985, the Monaca Community Hall of Fame has inducted over one This Digital Command Control 400 foot model operating railroad, depicts the hundred twenty seven individuals who have been recognized for their contribu- late 1950’s to the 1960’s era from Ambridge/ local to Wheeling, West tions to Monaca or the in areas of civic accomplishments, fraternal Virginia with full scenery, logging area, steel mill, coal and farming operations. organizations, sports or professional areas. Memorabilia displayed includes The newest addition is our N-Scale railroad. Usually open every weekend from historic maps, flags, yearbooks, uniforms of the former Monaca High School and the fourth Saturday in November through New Year’s Day. Open most Mondays historic pictures of Monaca. The front room serves as a meeting room for various throughout the rest of the year. organizations of the community. An annual dinner is held in October to honor new inductees. Three scholarships are also awarded to deserving local high school students.

LOCATION: 1098 Ave. LOCATION: 1225 Merchant Street Monaca, PA 15061 Ambridge, PA 15003 412.671.1086 724.266.4787 724.775.3187 WEB: www.ohiovalleylines.org 724.728.0248 FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/OhioValleyLines OPEN: By Appointment OPEN: Mondays 7pm-9:30pm ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated Closed major holidays ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated STAMP STAMP

14 15 OLD ECONOMY VILLAGE RICHMOND LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE BRIGHTON TWP. HISTORICAL SOCIETY Old Economy Village was the third and final home of the German communal . Restored buildings are furnished with collections of the group Richmond School, located on Park Road, off Dutch Ridge Road in Brighton known for its industrial prosperity in textiles, manufacturing, railroads and Township, was in use as a school for 106 consecutive years from 1844 to winemaking. Visitors may encounter traditional craftsmen perform historic chores 1950. Eight grades were taught in the one room building, except for the last and view historic structures, formal gardens, paintings and tools. The Visitor three years, when two grades were taught. The building is furnished as it would Center offers an orientation film and permanent exhibit on the Harmonists, have been 100 years ago. The BTHS promotes awareness and appreciation of changing exhibits, and the Museum Store. Visit this six acre National Historic the history and historical sites of Brighton Township as well as documents the Landmark, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum contributions of past residents through research, documentation, education and Commission in partnership with the Friends of Old Economy Village, which preservation activities. Geocache friendly. sits in Ambridge’s National Historic District. Geocache friendly.

LOCATION: 245 Park Road LOCATION: 270 16th St. Beaver, PA 15009 Ambridge, PA 15003 724.728.9370 724.266.4500 FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/brightontownshiphistoricalsociety EMAIL: [email protected] OPEN: April-August 1st Sunday of the month WEB: www.oldeconomyvillage.org 2pm-4pm FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/oldeconomyvillage Also Maple Syrup Festival Weekend and OPEN: April-December History Celebration Weekend Wednesday - Saturday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm STAMP Sunday 12-5pm STAMP Also by appointment ADMISSION: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $6 youth ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated 16 17 ROCHESTER AREA HERITAGE SOCIETY SOUTH SIDE HISTORICAL VILLAGE ASSOCIATION

The Rochester Area Heritage Society and Museum was founded in 2014. The SSHVA is a historical village located at the fairgrounds in Hookstown, PA. Our mission is to collect, preserve, promote and communicate the history of We are committed to the education and preservation of local early American Rochester and its surrounding communities. Several rooms and a grand hall history. The “Village” consists of the Mercer School House, Porter Blacksmith contain period artifacts and mementos from Rochester’s grand age as the “HUB” Shop, Johnson Log Cabin, a doctor’s office, a covered bridge, 1858 bank barn, of Beaver County. One room depicts the era of 1890 to 1920 in a model an oil derrick, artisan shop, general store and outdoor bake oven. This quaint railroad display; this room is sponsored by Rochester Manor & Villa. We also village offers a variety of activities from April through October. Geocache friendly. offer educational programs titled, “Travel Back in Time”…watch for event dates on our Facebook page. Private tours are available.

LOCATION: Hookstown Fair Grounds LOCATION: Rochester Municipal Building 1198 State Rt. 168 350 Adams Street-Second floor Hookstown, PA 15050 Rochester, PA 15074 724.899.4165 724.777.7697 724.573.4569 EMAIL: [email protected] 724.573.4420 FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/rochestermuseum WEB: www.sshva.wordpress.com OPEN: Select hours FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/South.Side.Historic.Village ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated OPEN: April - October, Second Saturday of the month Handicap Accessible 11am-3pm also during the Hookstown Fair and by appointment STAMP ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated STAMP

18 19 SAINT NICHOLAS CHAPEL GREEK CATHOLIC UNION OF THE USA VICARY MANSION

Constructed in 1992, Saint Nicholas Chapel in Brighton Township is a replica In 1826 William Vicary, a Philadelphia sea captain, began construction of his of the wooden structures found in the Carpathian Mountain region of Eastern mansion overlooking the in what is now Freedom, Pennsylvania. Europe. It was built to memorialize GCU’s founders who immigrated to the Constructed of large sandstone blocks quarried nearby, it is a fine example of United States from the northeastern portion of the former Austro-Hungarian local vernacular architecture. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places Empire. The chapel, now a part of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of in 1972, the mansion is now home to the Beaver County Historical Research & Pittsburgh, holds services on Sundays and major feast days. Known for his Landmarks Foundation, the official county historical society. The Foundation charity and miracles, scenes of Saint Nicholas’ life are depicted in iconic offers house tours, educational programs, a speaker’s bureau, public archives paintings set into the walls of the chapel. On the lower level, the GCU museum and historic fashion shows. Please call for more information. Geocache friendly. houses archives, artifacts and memorabilia. Displays showcase prayer books and religious instruction manuals from the 19th century, as well as over 125 years of GCU publications, lodge sashes and pins, and other historic pieces.

LOCATION: 5400 Tuscarawas Road LOCATION: 1235 Third Avenue Beaver, PA 15009 Freedom, PA 15042 724.495.3400 724.775.1848 EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.gcuusa.com WEB: www.bchrlf.org OPEN: By appointment FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/beavercountyhistory Divine liturgy celebrated on Sundays STAMP OPEN: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm STAMP at 10:45am ADMISSION: Free, Donations appreciated 20 21 COLONIAL DAMES XVII CENTURY BEAVER TOWN CHAPTER

Organized in 1980 for women eighteen years or older who can trace their lineal descent to an ancestor who lived in a British Colony in the now continental United States prior to 1701. Meetings are held four times per year in local restaurants. The following pages list 724.774.4537 EMAIL: [email protected] Historical Societies

and Organizations who do DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION not have a physical facility FORT MCINTOSH CHAPTER The Fort McIntosh Chapter is a patriotic organization for women eighteen or over for visitation purposes or who can trace their lineal descent to an ancestor who served in the American limited public access Revolution. Meetings are held eight times per year at a local Beaver restaurant. 724.728.0383 EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/FortMcintoshNSDAR For more information on their meetings and activities please use FOMBELL AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

the contact information provided This society was formed to research and preserve the history of Fombell, including Marion & Franklin Townships. The society hosts the annual Fombell History Day in the fall, which includes guest speakers, extensive photo displays and artifacts of local interest.

724.971.6580 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.fombellhistory.org FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/Fombellhistory

22 23 LADIES GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC LOGSTOWN ASSOCIATES

We are the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, a patriotic organization The Logstown Associates Historical Society is a non-profit organization formed affiliated with Union veterans of the Civil War. We meet quarterly. We strive for for the purpose of preserving the history of the famous native American trading education, preservation and community service. post located at Logstown, near present day Ambridge. The village was a major trading post from 1725 to 1758 and was visited by George Washington during 724.407.8745 his mission to order the French to leave this area in 1753. EMAIL: [email protected] 724.843.7780

NEW BRIGHTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY H.C. FRY GLASS SOCIETY The New Brighton Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of the A non-profit organization formed for the purpose of learning everything possible town and citizens of New Brighton, PA. Displays are changed periodically at the about the H.C. Fry Glass Company of Rochester, Pa, one of the largest glass New Brighton Borough Building. Meetings are generally held at the Westminster companies in the country during the early 1900’s. Glass displays are held locally. Presbyterian Church at 7:00 on the 4th Tuesday of the month from September Monthly meetings held at the Beaver Municipal Building. through May except Dec., Jan., & Feb. Anyone interested in New Brighton history is encouraged to join. Annual dues are: $15 per individual and $25 for a 724.774.6229 family. Dues may be mailed to: P.O. Box 408, New Brighton, PA 15066. EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/groups/251899365004269/ 724.846.2294 FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/NewBrightonHistoricalSociety

LEGION VILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE CHAPTER Legion Ville Historical Society is a historical research, genealogy and historical re-enactment unit that is dedicated to the preservation of Logstown and Legion Ville archaeological sites in Harmony Twp. The society participates in various The Sons of the American Revolution is a male lineage organization dedicated re-enactments in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and , and is one of to the celebration of American history and the freedoms provided by the Con- the foremost authorities on the Legion of the United States and of anyone who stitution and Bill of Rights. Current information can be obtained by visiting our served in the U.S. military from 1791 - 1796. website.

724.378.1798 724.643.8270 EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.gawsar.org

24 25 SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS

The Sons of Confederate Veterans, established in 1869, is a historical, patriotic and non-political organization, dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of those men who served the southern cause. Membership is open to all male descendants of any veteran who served honorably in the Confederate armed services.

724.643.8270 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.scv.org

SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR

The Sons of Union Veterans, offers male descendants of honorably discharged Union soldiers and sailors a unique organization within which to honor our combined heritage, and to help perpetuate the memory of those men who saved the Union between 1861 and 1865.

724.643.8270 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.suvcw.org

26 27 A special thank you to Brenda S. Applegate, Executive Director of the Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation, which is the appointed and official Beaver County Historical Organization! BEAVER COUNTY HISTORICAL RESEARCH & LANDMARKS FOUNDATION Thank you to Janice Jeschke Beall, Beaver County Recorder of Deeds and to all the various people, organizations and The William Vicary Mansion businesses that have donated time and money to keep 1235 3rd Ave. this an ongoing historical program! Freedom, PA 15042 Phone: 724.775.1848 Thank you to Beaver County Tourism who continually markets Fax: 724.775.1523 our historical museums along with this passport program and Email: [email protected] who sponsors our annual History Celebration Weekend! Web: www.bchrlf.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Beavercountyhistory And last but not least, Thank You to all of the wonderful volunteers at each of our unique museums who dedicate themselves to preserving and presenting our History!

28 29