A Day at the Neville House

It doesn’t take a historian to know that life in the 18th century was much different than it is today.

But how different?

Re-enactors at Woodville Plantation are eagerly waiting to answer that question by holding a special “Day with the Nevilles” this Sunday afternoon to illustrate what it was like to live in the historic Collier Township house in the late 1700s.

The interpreters who volunteer at the house will dress in period clothing and spend the day showcasing how people lived at the time. Rob Windhorst, executive director of Woodville Plantation, said the interpreters will go about their typical routines and allow the guests to participate in the daily rituals to maintain the house and enjoy the upper class gentry life.

“People can come and see what they would be doing throughout the day, including the afternoon meal,” Windhorst said.

Some of the activities that guests will enjoy are authentic period games, sewing and a meal at the precise hour of 2 p.m.

Gen. John Neville built the house in 1774 and gave it to his son, Presley, to live in. The home was owned by three families since the 18th century until it was sold to the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in 1975.  The Neville House Associates took ownership in 2007 and care for the property.

The Neville House will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and tickets to the event can be purchased at the entrance to the residence. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 12 and free to kids under the age of 6.

For more information about the “Day with the Nevilles,” go to www.woodvilleplantation.org or call 412-221-0348.