Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
"Take a Ride into the Past"
Open Daily through Labor Day
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
1 Museum Road
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-9256
Fax Number: (724) 228-9675
http://www.pa-trolley.org
Email Addresses:
* Pennsylvania Trolley Museum - ptm@pa-trolley.org
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Mission Statement
The mission of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is to communicate the story of Pennsylvania's Trolley Era to a diverse audience through the preservation, interpretation, and use of its collection of electric railway and railroad equipment, associated artifacts and photo/document archives, and to ensure that its visitors have an enjoyable and rewarding educational experience.
History of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
The Museum has evolved over the past 50 years from a handful of volunteers and a few trolleys to approximately 600 members and 50 railway vehicles preserved at its museum in Washington, PA. It is unique in that visitors actually experience the Trolley Era first-hand by riding the Museum's beautifully restored streetcars for a scenic four-mile ride into the past.
The Museum’s beginnings go back to 1946 when the Pittsburgh Electric Railway Club was organized. Between 1949 and 1953 three cars were acquired for the collection and the group searched for a suitable location to preserve and operate them. In late 1953 the group formally organized as a nonprofit corporation and purchased a 2,000-foot section of the Pittsburgh Railways Company's Washington interurban trolley line near Washington's County Home in Chartiers Township.
The Museum opened to the public in June of 1963 using the trade name Arden Trolley Museum (named for nearby village), and provided visitors with short demonstration trolley rides plus an informal tour of the carbarn. Two years later an eighty-foot 1923 railroad baggage/passenger car was acquired and turned into a gift shop/museum area. A restoration shop was built in 1975 to provide additional indoor storage for the trolley collection and an area for trolley car restoration, and in 1988 a restoration parts storeroom was added to the building.
Since 1993 the Museum's interpretive efforts have expanded greatly. To better reflect its mission, the trade name was changed to Pennsylvania Trolley Museum (and became its corporate name as well in 1998). Regular guided tours and changing exhibits in the Visitor Education Center (opened in 1993) have become a standard part of the visitor experience. An Executive Director, with extensive railway museum experience, was hired in 1993 to help the Trolley Museum reach its full potential as an educational historical institution.
In 2002 the Museum opened a one-half mile extension of its demonstration trolley line which links it to a twelve-acre site that is well suited for development of a larger Visitor Center and two display trolley buildings, thus putting the entire trolley car collection under cover and on display. A 28,000 square foot Trolley Display Building was opened to the public in 2005 and tracks have recently been constructed to link it with the Museum’s trolley line.
ANTIQUE PITTSBURGH STREETCAR ARRIVES
AT THE PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM
Washington, PA – A Pittsburgh artifact returned to Pittsburgh from Cleveland on the morning of Thursday May 7th. Former Pittsburgh Railways streetcar #4145 was built in McKees Rocks in 1911 by the Pressed Steel Car Company and carried passengers through the streets of Pittsburgh until the late 1930s. It is a classic streetcar that helped Pittsburgh grow during the transitional period before, during, and after World War I when transportation shifted from horse-drawn wagons to automobiles. A special highway trailer transported the car from the Lake Shore Electric Railway in Cleveland and over 15 volunteers were on hand to unload the streetcar.
BACKGROUND:
Car 4145 was one of the last series of “high floor” streetcars built for Pittsburgh Railways. These cars were designed to pull un-motored trailers during peak periods.
Visitation to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum has grown over the last few years with over 24,000 people from all over the world visiting PTM during 2008. To help continue this growth, some new events are being introduced this summer including a series of Senior Sunday Events. Great for Grandparents and their Families, these events include June 14 (Antique Radios), July 12 (Scrapbooking) and Aug 9 (Genealogy), as well as “Proud to be a Scout Day” on July 11th. A new Halloween season event called “Trolley Rails and Spooky Tales” will be introduced October 23-24 featuring story telling on a darkened streetcar. These new events join several repeated from last year that have proven to be quite popular at the Trolley Museum (a full schedule is attached).
Admission is $9 Adults, $8 Seniors ages 62+, and $5 Children 3-15. Infants 2 and under are free. PTM is happy to introduce a special family rate this year of $30 which covers up to two adults and four children. Admission includes scenic four-mile trolley rides, exhibits, guided tours of the Museum’s original car house, museum store, theater, picnic area and free parking. There is an optional 1-hour tour of the Museum’s Trolley Display Building beginning at 1:30 pm every day for an additional charge of $4 for adults and $2 for children. This 28,000 square foot facility showcases many electric railway passenger, freight and work cars from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The Museum’s spring and fall hours are Fridays and Mondays from 10-4 and Saturdays and Sundays from 11-5. From Memorial Day through Labor Day hours are Monday-Friday 10-4 and Saturdays and Sundays 11-5.
DIRECTIONS: From Pittsburgh take I-79 to Exit 41 Race Track Road and follow the detour and Trolley Museum signs to the Museum. From the south take I-79 North to Exit 40 Meadow Lands and then follow the blue Trolley Museum signs to the Museum, located opposite the Washington County Fairgrounds.
For further information on Museum hours, group tours, educational programs, special events, birthday parties and our popular “Operator for an Hour” program please call 724-228-9256 or visit the Museum’s website at
www.pa-trolley.org.
Woodville Plantation | 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017-2821 | 412-221-0348
Woodville, locally known as the Neville House, is the oldest house museum open for tours in Allegheny County and is one of only 10 National Historic Landmarks in the County.
The house was built in 1775 by John Neville for his son Presley, and was originally part of a 10,000 acre estate that covered much of the area in the South Hills that today includes Scott Twp. , Mt Lebanon, Carnegie, Heidlberg, Collier Twp, and Bridgeville. (Only 2 1/2 acres are preserved of that original property)
John and Presley Neville were the wealthiest men in Western Pa in the 1780's and 1790's. In addition to Woodville, John Neville owned a country house on the property known as Bower Hill ( originally located about 3/4 mile away from Woodville) This house was burned by local farmers in July of 1794 during the "Whiskey Rebellion"
Both John and Presley Neville owned town houses Pittsburgh as well. John Neville built his third and final resdence on Montours Island (Neville Island) in 1799 following the burning of his Bower Hill house.
Woodville was occupied by three families in 200 years- Neville (1775-1815) , Cowan (1815-1835), and Wrenshall (1835-1975)
Woodville is interpreted through a Multigenerational Interpretation - presenting the house as it would have been seen from 1780-1820 and all of the architectural changes that occured throughout that period. As you tour the house, visitors will "travel through time" via interpreters and historic furnishings.
Woodville is owned and administered by the Neville House Associates (NHA). The NHA , along with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks (PHLF), saved the house from sale and demolition in 1975 following the death of the last owner of the house. PHLF owned the site from 1975-2007. During that time the programming and administration of the site was handled by the NHA. In 2007, the NHA took ownership of the site.
The NHA and Woodville are run entirely by volunteers.
The Colonial Dames of America, Western PA chapter, assist the NHA in aquisitions of historic furnishings and decorative arts matters. They have been involved with the site since 1975.
Woodville is Western PA's link to the late 18th century, promoting the history of the Federal Period of American History. This period (1780-1825) coincides with Pittsburgh's largest incremental period of population growth. Pittsburgh's population in 1790 was 390 people. This figure grows to 12,500 by 1830.
The NHA is also committed to presenting the history of the Whiskey Rebellion. (1791-1795)
Woodville presents over 2 dozen historic programs each year- including 18th century cooking demos, 18th century laundry demos, palnting and growing a garden using only period correct species of plants, raising an 18th century flock of poultry (Dominique Chickens), and recreating the regiment of soldiers that helped defend Bower Hill during the WHiskey Rebellion - Waynes Fourth SubLegion.
Also visit the website http://www.woodvilleplantation.org for additional material.
Rob Windhorst
President, Neville House Associates
Acting Site Director
Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS
110 Federal Park Road
Gallitzin, PA 16641
(814) 886-6150
Megan O’ Malley
megan_omalley@nps.gov
Megan O’Malley
Chief of Interpretation - Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and Johnstown Flood National Memorial
I’ve been in my position at Allegheny Portage and Johnstown Flood for about two months, but I’ve been with the National Park Service for over 15 years. My previous position was as a supervisor at Old Faithful Visitor Center in Yellowstone National Park.
I am a native Pittsburgher and I jumped at the opportunity to come back to western Pennsylvania. My background is in history and I’m excited to be at sites that tell stories that are deeply connected to the western Pennsylvania community and to the nation as a whole.
Talking Points –
Yesterday, May 31st was the 120th anniversary of the Johnstown Flood. We held a number of special programs and events, most notably the lighting of 2,209 luminaria to commemorate the flood victims.
This weekend marks the beginning of summer programs at Johnstown Flood NM. Starting June 7 and continuing through Aug 22, the program Journey Around Lake Conemaugh will be offered daily at 10 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM. This free van tour takes visitors around the ruins of the South Fork Dam and the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.
Summer programming has started at Allegheny Portage Railroad. Daily demonstrations of log hewing and stone cutting are offered daily. Tours of the historic Lemon House, an historic tavern along the route of the portage railroad are also available daily.
June 13 is the start of the program Evening on the Summit at Allegheny Portage Railroad. Programs are $2 and include theater productions, music and special historic presentations.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Johnstown Flood of 1889
There was no larger news story in the latter nineteenth century after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The story of the Johnstown Flood has everything to interest the modern mind: a wealthy resort, an intense storm, an unfortunate failure of a dam, the destruction of a working class city, and an inspiring relief effort.
Special Events
Every year, the luminaria serves as a moving tribute to the victims of the flood. More than 2,209 candles are lit on the ruins of the South Fork Dam and on the farm of Elias Unger, president of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.
Trails
The Johnstown Flood National Memorial has two trails that lead out to the remains of the South Fork Dam. One of the two trails takes you into the lakebed and down into the old remnants of the dam. There is an interpretive trail that points out various cultural resources and acts as a guide book and Junior Ranger Program for children visiting the park.
What To See
The Johnstown Flood National Memorial has many cultural resources within its boundary. The historic South Fork Fishing and Hunting Clubhouse, and cottages line Main Street in St. Michael, PA. The remnants of the South Fork Dam and the restored Unger House all are important in the story of the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889. The park has a visitor center and a wonderful film entitled “Black Friday”.
Journey Around Lake Conemaugh - Travel through the Allegheny Mountains on a journey back to 1889 and the Great Johnstown Flood. This van tour begins at Johnstown Flood National Memorial and includes the Clubhouse of the South Fork Fishing & Hunting Club and the ruins of the South Fork Dam.
Tour is offered daily at 10 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM from June 7 to August 22.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
733 Lake Road
South Fork, PA 15956
814-495-4643
http://www.nps.gov/jofl
The Allegheny Portage Railroad
The Allegheny Portage Railroad was a great achievement in early travel. Charles Dickens, Jenny Linn, and Ulysses S. Grant traveled over the Allegheny Mountains. They braved a system that injured passengers on a weekly basis. A system of inclined planes and a nine hundred foot tunnel carved through solid rock by Welsh coalminers made this feat possible. For twenty years, it was the fastest way to transgress the rough and wild terrain of Pennsylvania.
Special Events
The Allegheny Portage Railroad offers many special events and tours. Come join us on a Ghost Tour of Staple Bend Tunnel. Sit down under the evening sky and take part in our Evening on the Summit Series. Watch park rangers cut stone and hew logs just as they did in the early 1800’s.
Trails
The Allegheny Portage Railroad has many trails and places to explore. Bring your bike and ride the 2.5-mile trail back to the historic Staple Bend Tunnel. Hike the old trace of the level sections of incline planes 10 through 6. Take a stroll down to the Skew Arch Bridge or relax and walk the Nature Trail.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Mary Ellen Snyder
Acting Site Manager
Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services
Friendship Hill National Historic Site
One Washington Parkway
Farmington, PA 15437
724-329-8131
Fort Necessity and Friendship Hill
Bio for MaryEllen Snyder
MaryEllen Snyder is currently serving as the Acting Site Manager at Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Friendship Hill National Historical Site. She has been working in this position since November 2008. In this position she supervises 21 staff and manages both parks, with an annual visitation of over 125,000 visitors and 1500 acres. Her previous position was Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Service at both parks and had been in this position since July 2000. Most recently she managed the development of exhibits, AV programs, a 20 minute orientation film and education programs for the recently opened ten million dollar, state of the art Fort Necessity and National Road Interpretive Center.
The Gallatin House is open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; the park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset.
The park’s ten miles of hiking trails offer woods, meadows and undeveloped river front environments to explore. The graves of Sophia Allegre (Gallatin’s first wife) and Thomas Clare (Gallatin’s friend & neighbor) are located along the trails. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are highly recommended. A picnic area is also available during regular hours of operation.
Friendship Hill is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, mid-way between Uniontown, PA and Morgantown, WV on State Route 166, three miles north of Point Marion, PA. For more information call 724-725-9190 or write Friendship Hill NHS, 223 New Geneva Road, Point Marion, PA 15474.
Orientation Program
Reflections of Gallatin
Shown throughout the day in the exhibit room. This short presentation offers an introduction to the Albert Gallatin’s life and accomplishments.
House Tours Formal Guided Tour or
Self Guided Tours
Available, free of charge when the house is open.
Just for Kids!
JUNIOR RANGER
Puzzles and games guide children on their explorations of Friendship Hill, helping them learn about Albert Gallatin’s contribution to our nation in a fun and engaging way.
Hands-on Activities
KEEPING HOUSE IN GALLATIN’S TIME
Saturday and Sunday -- 1:30 p.m. See demonstrations of the crafts and activities that were used by the Gallatin servants to run the household. Some activities will offer visitors the opportunity to participate.
JUNE
TAKE JOY – THE MUSIC AT FRIENDSHIP HILL
June 21 – 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Enjoy historic music of Gallatin’ s era played on instruments of the period, including, flutes, tin whistles, and historic ensembles. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day.
July
BATTLE ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION PROGRAM
July 3 – 1:00 P.M. Location: Fort Necessity National Battlefield. This ceremony commemorates the anniversary of the battle of Fort Necessity. Special presentation by Albert Kollar from Carnegie Museum of Natural History
AMERICAN INDIAN LIVING HISTORY CELEBRATION
July 11-12 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Location: Friendship Hill National Historic Site See the skills used by the Eastern Woodland American Indians demonstrated by costumed American Indian re-enactors. You will see how moccasins were made, bone jewelry constructed, skins tanned, and bags woven. Children can also participate in traditional American Indian games and sports. Saturday, July 11 only: The “Oneida Nation – First Allies” of New York demonstrate the loading and firing of 18th century artillery as used during the Revolutionary War, when Gallatin arrived in America.. Programs at 11:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00.
Sponsored in part by the Friendship Hill Association.
August
AMERICAN INDIAN ENCAMPMENT
August 8-9 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: Fort Necessity National Battlefield Re-enactors representing Lenape and Cherokee war parties of 1757, will be camped at Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Native woodland fighting tactics, weapons, trail cooking, and items carried by warriors will be demonstrated. Each native group’s involvement in the French and Indian War will be discussed.
September
FestiFall 2009
September 26-27 – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: Friendship Hill National Historic Site This two-day celebration commemorates the life and times of Albert Gallatin (1786 – 1832) with historic crafts , food and music. Sponsored by the Friendship Hill Association.
Visit www.nps.gov/frhi for up to date information on events.
July
BATTLE ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION PROGRAM
July 3 – 1:00 P.M. Location: Interpretive Center & Fort Area. Albert Kollar presents an illustrated program “Geology and the French and Indian War in Western Pennsylvania” followed by a reading of the honor roll of casualties at Fort Necessity. This ceremony commemorates the anniversary of the battle of Fort Necessity.
AMERICAN INDIAN ARTS WEEKEND
July 11-12 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Location: Friendship Hill National Historic Site See the skills used by the Eastern Woodland American Indians demonstrated by costumed American Indian re-enactors. You will see how moccasins were made, bone jewelry constructed, skins tanned, and bags woven. Children can also participate in traditional American Indian games and sports. Saturday, July 11 only: The “Oneida Nation – First Allies” of New York demonstrate the loading and firing of 18th century artillery as used during the battle of Fort Necessity and General Braddock’s 1755 campaign. Programs at 11:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00.
August
AMERICAN INDIAN ENCAMPMENT
August 8-9 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: Fort Area Re-enactors representing Lenape and Cherokee war parties of 1757, will be camped at Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Native woodland fighting tactics, weapons, trail cooking, and items carried by warriors will be demonstrated. Each native group’s involvement in the French and Indian War will be discussed.
September
FestiFall 2009
September 26-27 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: Friendship Hill National Historic Site This two day celebration commemorates the life and times of Albert Gallatin and 18th and 19th century compatriots in Western Pennsylvania. Sponsored by the Friendship Hill Association.
Visit https://www.nps.gov/fone for up-to-date information on events
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