These 6 Historic Villages Near Pittsburgh Will Transport You Into A Different Time
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Pittsburgh’s rich history provides countless stories that still resonate with generations today. But, history doesn’t always come wrapped in a book or a television show. These six historic villages near Pittsburgh open a window into the past, allowing us to experience history up close.
Journey back to the 19th century when you visit Old Economy Village. Founded by the Harmony Society, a religious group, Old Economy Village was created in the hopes of it becoming a utopia where residents could lead successful lives while waiting for the second coming of the Messiah. The village, which was once a thriving community, now welcomes visitors to explore its past. Old Economy Village is open from April 1 to December 31st on Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Explore life an estimated 16,000 years ago at Meadowcroft Rockshelter, known as North America's oldest site of habitation. The Historic Village takes visitors on a journey back 500 years. Stroll through the village to get a glimpse of a one-room schoolhouse from 1834 and the Prehistoric Indian Village from 400 years ago. Exhibits and demonstrations bring history alive during your tour of the Historic Village. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and History Village welcomes visitors from May to October. Opening and closing times depend on the time of the year.
Experience life during colonial times at Old Bedford Village in Bedford where history will come alive through exhibits, entertainment, educational activities, and military reenactments as well as special events. Plan to Visit Old Bedford Village for a Candlelit Christmas On December 3 and 10 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The charming Christmas event includes a leisurely walk through the old village, live entertainment, and apple cider. Old Bedford Village is open annually from Memorial Day through October. However, events like the Candlelit Christmas are held during the winter.
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Hidden atop Mount Washington, the historic community of Chatham Village has thrived since the early 1930s. Designed around the concept of a garden community, the village meshes the persona of an old village in England with modern life. Run as a cooperative, Chatham Village regularly hosts community events, such as plays and social events.
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West Overton Village dates back to 1800 when the Overton family, along with fellow Mennonites, put down roots in Scottdale. The village, however, is perhaps best known as the site of Henry Clay Frick's birth. Frick's daughter, upon his death in 1919, bought West Overton Village in memory of her father. Today, the village features 18 buildings, including a majestic old barn. The historic village, a National Historic Landmark, hosts weddings and other special events. The village hosts events throughout the winter while tours will begin in May 2017.
Yellow Dog Village in Worthington dates back to 1800 when Pittsburgh Limestone Mine Company built a community of homes for its employees. The homes were built, at the request of the miners who worked for the company in exchange for the workers promising never to unionize. Recently restored, Yellow Dog Village offers unique ways for visitors to experience life in the former mining community. It hosts one-day workshops, two-day weekend workshops, five-day full week workshops, work study programs, and internships.
The historic villages near Pittsburgh each tell a poignant story, providing Pittsburghers with hands-on access to history.
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Featured Addresses
126 MAK Square, Worthington, PA 16262
109 W Overton Road, Scottdale, PA 15683
220 Sawblade Road, Bedford, PA 15522
401 Meadowcroft Road, Avella, PA 15312