Historical Society Opens Its New House

When thinking about history, one might think of the Civil War or even locally about the Whiskey Rebellion. But do you ever think about the history that happened right here in our local community?

In collaboration with Bridgeville Days, the new location of had its grand opening Friday at the newly named Kathleen Banks Building, which is the old train station and caboose.

“We want to preserve our history for another one or two more generations,” said Mary Weise, president of the Bridgeville Area Historic Society. “We want to establish our roots and have people growing up knowing their roots.”

and is now decorated with a taste of Bridgeville’s past. Old sports photographs, beautiful glasswork from JB Higbee Glass, which was located in the community in the late 1800s, and other artifacts enhance the space.

“Bridgeville was like a melting pot," Weise said. “We had Greeks, Italians, Polish, Scots, Irish, such a mix, which brought fascinating history to our area.”

In addition to different ethnic groups, Weise mentioned the area was rich with diverse groups of workers.

“Doctors, business men, coal miners came up out of this valley giving us a great historical background,” said the history and Bridgeville buff.

on Aug. 1. Before the society’s home on Station Street the group had a small space located on Hickman Street, but with the generosity of Bob Banks, the society was able to buy the former library. 

If you are interested in learning more about the history in our back yard the Bridgeville Area Historical Society offers eight free historic, educational programs each year. Gary Link will present “The Underground Railroad in Pittsburgh” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.