Butler County: Where the Past is always Present
Some of the most important people and events in American History have a connection to Butler County Pennsylvania. Come hear the story of George Washington’s trail, Moraine State Park, The Brooklyn Bridge, The first Oil Well, Amelia Earhart’s plane, The Bantam Jeep, and many more. Discover how much of our rich heritage still exists all around you!
Allegheny Arsenal: The Day Lawrenceville Exploded
The Battle of Antietam on September 17,1862 was the bloodiest single day of the Civil War. Little known and largely forgotten is the worst civilian disaster of the war which occurred that afternoon when the Allegheny Arsenal exploded. Learn about this awful tragedy long overshadowed by the giant battle the same day.
Western Pennsylvania from the Ice Age to the Space Age
If something important happened in America, there is probably a connection in Western Pennsylvania. In this presentation you will get a brief glimpse into the story behind many of the names associated with this area: Carnegie, Pitt, Westinghouse, Braddock, Forbes, Perry, Heinz, Salk, Mellon, and many more.
Highway to History- Route 8: William Flinn Highway
Beginning south of Pittsburgh and winding its way 150 miles north to Erie, PA, Route 8 passes near an amazing number of historic sites. From prehistoric glaciers to space age storage vaults, this road has connections to every era of American History. Take a drive through history with Forbes, Perry, Drake, and Earhart and visit actual places that were part of their stories.
Planes, Trains, Automobiles (& Boats)
The history of modern transportation is a story with many ties to Pennsylvania. Drake Well, steamboats, interstate highways, Lindbergh and Earhart, world famous canals, bridges, and railroads. All of these have connections here in our own backyard.
What’s in a Name?
Bessemer Avenue, William Flinn Highway, PPG Paints Arena, Allegheny River, Phipps Conservatory, Fayette County, Perry High School. We are surrounded by names that we see or hear every day and never think about. Most of these places and things have names of historical significance and many have fascinating stories.
Butler is known as a “city of churches”. We will learn the story of the people of all faiths who built houses of worship here. Many of our local congregations were established in the very earliest days of our county’s history and most are still with us today.
Butler County Spiritual
Shattered Glass
One hundred years ago, 80% of the glass in the United States came from the region around Pittsburgh. We will destroy the myth that iron and steel were our only important industries. Come hear the stories of the people and places that made this possible and the legacy that remains.
Black and Gold Fever
Western PA is home to some of the greatest teams in the history of sports. The Black and Gold is never out of season because these are the colors of every professional team in Pittsburgh. Come hear the story of those colors and all the other great traditions like “Terrible Towels”, “Butcher’s Dogs”, and “Green Weenies”.
Coasters and Corn Dogs
Amusement Parks. How did these iconic places from our childhood come into being? Why did so many, such as Alameda Park, Luna Park, and West View, disappear? How do the survivors, like Kennywood and Idlewild, remain relevant in the modern world of cable television and smart phones.