SPOTLIGHTS
A representative from the following destinations will highlight each site and what you may see there during your visit. Following the virtual presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more!
Registration is required; links to register are beside the date of the event.
August 16th @ 5:00PM: Old Economy Village
Old Economy Village tells the fascinating story of the Harmony Society, a 19th century religious community. Visitors can tour the Visitor Center and many of the settlement’s buildings such as the George Rapp House, Carriage House, Mechanics Building, Wine Cellar, Store, Post Office, Baker House, Bake Oven, Community Kitchen, Cabinet Shop, Blacksmith Shop, and Granary. In these buildings, visitors can observe artifacts on display and learn about the daily life of the Harmonists.
At this virtual program, a representative from Old Economy Village will highlight the history of the site and what you may see during your visit. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more!
August 23rd @ 5:00PM: Duncan & Miller Glass Museum
Before the Pittsburgh area became known for its steel, it was once known as the glass manufacturing center of our country. Opened in 1893, the Duncan & Miller Glass Company became famous for its workers’ skill, the artistry of designs, and the glass colors. The National Duncan Glass Society was formed in 1975 to keep alive the history of glass companies, to study their impact on the economic development of the region, and to celebrate the men and women who made it possible.
At this virtual program, a representative from Duncan & Miller Glass Museum will highlight the history of the site and what you may see during your visit. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more!
August 30th @ 5:00PM: Historic Fort Steuben
Historic Fort Steuben was built in 1786 by the First American Regiment for the protection of surveyors who had been sent by the Continental Congress to map the Northwest Territory. Visitors can tour the reconstructed fort to see the soldiers’ quarters, guardhouse, hospital, and commissary, as well as the Federal Land Office. Historic Fort Steuben’s many exhibits, tours, and events tell the story of the daily life of the men who helped open the territories to settlement.
At this virtual program, a representative from Historic Fort Steuben will highlight the history of the site and what you may see during your visit. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more!
September 6th @ 5:00PM: West Overton Village Museum & Distillery
West Overton Village is the only pre-Civil War village intact in Pennsylvania. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a stop on the American Whiskey Trail. The Village represents the transformation of American culture from an agrarian society with the production of the coverlets and the distilling operation, to a more industrial society with the excavation of coal and ultimately the production of coke, a necessary ingredient for steel. Today visitors can tour the restored Village’s remaining buildings, including the Overholt Homestead, the Spring House where Henry Clay Frick was born, and the Distillery Museum.
At this virtual program, a representative from West Overton will highlight the history of the site and what you may see during your visit. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more!
September 13th @ 5:00PM: Merrick Art Gallery
The Merrick is home to a collection of French, German, English and American paintings from the 18th and 19th Century, featuring examples of romantic, realistic, and impressionistic art by prominent American and European artists. In addition, a piano played by composer, Stephen Foster, is on display.
At this virtual program, a representative from Merrick Art Gallery will highlight the history of the site and what you may see during your visit. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more!
September 20th @ 5:00PM: Heinz History Center
Whether you are a regular visitor or have never been, there is a lot for you to discover at the Senator John Heinz History Center!
Devoted to the history and heritage of Western Pennsylvania, the History Center is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum and a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The 370,000 square-foot museum presents compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection in an interactive environment perfect for visitors of all ages. Learn about the museum’s rich collection and ongoing exhibits, including newest exhibition: Pittsburgh’s John Kane: The Life & Art of an American Workman. This exhibit features 37 original works of art and dozens of artifacts that showcase the world of John Kane – a turn-of-the-century Scottish immigrant who achieved breakthrough success as a painter after toiling for more than 40 years as a laborer in industrial-age Pittsburgh.
At this virtual program, a representative from the Heinz History Center will highlight the history of the site and what you may see during your visit. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more!
STORYTIMES
August 13th @ 10:00AM: Somerset Historical Center
Enjoy our special virtual storytime in honor of Somerset Historical Center!
A representative from the Heinz History Center will read a themed story that will introduce children to local history in a fun and engaging way. Following the storytime, kids will be encouraged to participate in an activity based on the story we read!
About Somerset Historical Center:
The Somerset Historical Center is a 150-acre rural history museum, which preserves the history of life in southwestern PA through a wide range of exhibits, workshops, and educational programs. At the Visitor Center, stories of the people of southwestern PA through objects of everyday frontier life; also on the grounds visitors can see a 1770’s farmstead with sparse furnishings, a more permanent 1830’s farmstead, an early 19th century covered bridge, a cider press, and a maple sugar camp from 1860. Workshops are offered on traditional skilled crafts and trades, such as cottage craft coopering, tinsmithing, decorating Pysanky eggs, blacksmithing, rug hooking, and folk toy making.
August 20th @ 10:00AM: Old Economy Village
Enjoy our special virtual storytime in honor of Old Economy Village!
A representative from the Heinz History Center will read a themed story that will introduce children to local history in a fun and engaging way. Following the storytime, kids will be encouraged to participate in an activity based on the story we read!
About Old Economy Village:
Old Economy Village tells the fascinating story of the Harmony Society, a 19th century religious community. Visitors can tour the Visitor Center and many of the settlement’s buildings such as the George Rapp House, Carriage House, Mechanics Building, Wine Cellar, Store, Post Office, Baker House, Bake Oven, Community Kitchen, Cabinet Shop, Blacksmith Shop, and Granary. In these buildings, visitors can observe artifacts on display and learn about the daily life of the Harmonists.
August 27th @ 10:00AM: Duncan & Miller Glass Museum
Enjoy our special virtual storytime in honor of Duncan & Miller Glass Museum!
A representative from the Heinz History Center will read a themed story that will introduce children to glassmaking in a fun and engaging way. Following the storytime, kids will be encouraged to participate in an activity based on the story we read!
About Duncan & Miller Glass Museum:
Before the Pittsburgh area became known for its steel, it was once known as the glass manufacturing center of our country. Opened in 1893, the Duncan & Miller Glass Company became famous for its workers’ skill, the artistry of designs, and the glass colors. The National Duncan Glass Society was formed in 1975 to keep alive the history of glass companies, to study their impact on the economic development of the region, and to celebrate the men and women who made it possible.
September 3rd @ 10:00AM: Historic Fort Steuben
Enjoy our special virtual storytime in honor of Historic Fort Steuben!
A representative from the Heinz History Center will read a themed story that will introduce children to local history in a fun and engaging way. Following the storytime, kids will be encouraged to participate in an activity based on the story we read!
About Historic Fort Steuben:
Historic Fort Steuben was built in 1786 by the First American Regiment for the protection of surveyors who had been sent by the Continental Congress to map the Northwest Territory. Visitors can tour the reconstructed fort to see the soldiers’ quarters, guardhouse, hospital, and commissary, as well as the Federal Land Office. Historic Fort Steuben’s many exhibits, tours, and events tell the story of the daily life of the men who helped open the territories to settlement.
September 10th @ 10:00AM: West Overton Village Museum & Distillery
Enjoy our special virtual storytime in honor of West Overton Village Museum & Distillery!
A representative from the Heinz History Center will read a themed story that will introduce children to local history in a fun and engaging way. Following the storytime, kids will be encouraged to participate in an activity based on the story we read!
About West Overton Village:
West Overton Village is the only pre-Civil War village intact in Pennsylvania. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a stop on the American Whiskey Trail. The Village represents the transformation of American culture from an agrarian society with the production of the coverlets and the distilling operation, to a more industrial society with the excavation of coal and ultimately the production of coke, a necessary ingredient for steel.
September 17th @ 10:00AM: Merrick Art Gallery
Enjoy our special virtual storytime in honor of Merrick Art Gallery!
A representative from the Heinz History Center will read a themed story that will introduce children to art in a fun and engaging way. Following the storytime, kids will be encouraged to participate in an activity based on the story we read!
About Merrick Art Gallery:
The Merrick is home to a collection of French, German, English and American paintings from the 18th and 19th Century, featuring examples of romantic, realistic, and impressionistic art by prominent American and European artists. In addition, a piano played by composer, Stephen Foster, is on display.
September 24th @ 10:00AM: Heinz History Center
Enjoy our special virtual storytime in honor of the Heinz History Center!
A representative from the Heinz History Center will read a themed story that will introduce children to local history in a fun and engaging way. Following the storytime, kids will be encouraged to participate in an activity based on the story we read!
About the Heinz History Center:
Devoted to the history and heritage of Western Pennsylvania, the History Center is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum and a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The 370,000 square-foot museum presents compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection in an interactive environment perfect for visitors of all ages.
