The Old Stone House Museum

Reenactors prepare for skirmish at the 2009 event

Take a voyage back into the 18^th century, as the Old Stone House presents its annual CONFLICT ON THE VENANGO PATH French and Indian War encampment August 14^th and 15^th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, on the grounds of the Old Stone House.  Admission is free.

Activities will include a complete living history encampment, military demonstrations, and battle re-enactments.  On Saturday, visitors can also enjoy a “taste of history” as cooks will prepare free samples of food from European and Native cultures using authentic colonial-era recipes and cooking methods.

The Venango Path was a well-known Indian trail that stretched from the forks of the Ohio northward toward Lake Erie, running past the current site of the Old Stone House.  The trail was used extensively during the French and Indian War.  Now, British, French and Native American forces will once again march along this famous trail!

“The French and Indian War was a pivotal event in our local history,” noted Dr. Aaron Cowan, curator of the Stone House and SRU history professor.  “During the 1750s, Western Pennsylvania was a major battleground in this explosive global conflict.  Our encampment offers the chance for people to enjoy learning more about this war, as well as seeing aspects of everyday colonial American life firsthand.”

Also, check out our Flickr slideshow from last year’s event!

We’re really looking forward to hosting Western Pennsylvania native Paula Purnell for her “Celebrate Pennsylvania!” program next Saturday, July 10th.  Celebrate PA! is  a great time for kids and families, and anyone interested in Pennsylvania’s rich heritage.  Click here to contact OSH curator Aaron Cowan and reserve your seat today!

The Old Stone House will be closed for the Independence Day holiday weekend of July 3rd & 4th.  We will reopen for regular hours Saturday, July 10th.  Thanks!

Food has always been a part of the Stone House’s history.  During its time as a stagecoach tavern, the Stone House served up simple, hearty meals to travelers on the Pittsburgh—Erie Pike, and even when it became a private farm, locals say the house was known for its chicken dinners served to travelers on Sundays.

Now the Stone House is  reviving that tradition with  historic cooking presentations by local volunteer and Stone House “Tavern Chef” Stan Malecki.

Visitors will learn about early American eating habits, recipes and cooking techniques.  Best of all, delicious free samples will be available!

Scheduled dates are:

June 26th

July 24th

August 7th

August 14th (during the French and Indian War event)

September 18th-19th (during our Civil War Weekend)

Please join us for a “taste of history” at the Old Stone House!

On our opening weekend, we’re pleased to host the annual Old Stone House Native American Festival.  More details about that event can be found here.

New this year will be a fun and interactive presentation by SRU professor emeritus Dr. Stephen Glinsky , entitled “Portal to the World of the Eastern Woodland Indians.”  Dr. Glinsky uses Native American and colonial artifacts, along with the paintings of Western Pennsylvania artist Robert Griffing, to share the culture and history of native Eastern Woodland peoples.  The program is FREE and will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 2. (PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE AND TIME)

Below is the planned schedule for this weekend’s Civil War event – lots of fun for everyone, so be sure to come out and visit!

SATURDAY 9am. – 5pm.

9:00am.  – Company formation and inspection.

9:30 – 11:00am. – Squad drill.

Camp Life Demonstrations.

Active picket lines.

10:30 – 11:00am. – Kids sign up to join the militia.

11:00am. – Kids Militia

1:00 – 3:00pm. -   Squad drill.

Camp Life Demonstrations.

Active picket lines.

2:30 – 3:00pm.  – Kids sign up for militia.

3:00pm. – Kids militia.

3:30pm. – Skirmish

5:00pm. – Camps Close

SUNDAY 10am. – 4pm.

10:00am. – Company formation and inspection.

10:30am. – 12noon. – Squad drill.

Camp Life Demonstrations.

Active picket lines.

1:00pm. – 2:30pm. – Squad drill.

Camp Life Demonstrations.

Active picket lines.

2:15pm. – 2:30pm. – Kids sign up for militia.

2:30pm. – Kids militia.

3:00pm. – Skirmish.

4:00pm. – Camps close

Civilian activities and displays in the house throughout both days, including displays on women spies, foods of the time, and house tours available.

Beginning in June the Old Stone House will begin to excavate a small foundation located behind the house believed to be the remnants of a Summer Kitchen.

Under the supervision of  Dr. Edmund Dlutowski, archaeological work will help to establish what stood upon the crumbling foundation and help historians to better understand the history of the site.

In an effort to promote community involvement in the project, Dlutowski has asked for the help of volunteers to assist in preparing and excavating the site.

Among the duties of volunteers will be the  cleaning and cataloguing of artifacts. Of course, some digging will be required!

For more information, please contact  Dr. Aaron Cowan at (724)738-2409

I’ve always been skeptical about those places that throw around the phrase “world famous” in their advertising – you know, “LuAnn’s World Famous Fried Chicken” or “The World Famous Shoe Emporium.”    But now, perhaps we can start calling ourselves the “World Famous Old Stone House”….hmmm, maybe not.  Still, it’s fun to look at the breakdown of our recent visitors by country and state.

Hello out there to our visitors in Hungary, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the far reaches of the globe!

2010 Cherry Pie Hike T-Shirt

Thanks to the Butler Outdoor Club, the North Country Trail Association, and North Country Brewing Co. for a fantastic Cherry Pie Hike this past Saturday!  More than 60 participants braved the cold and snowy conditions to come out to the Old Stone House and celebrate Washington’s birthday while enjoying delicious cherry pie and coffee from North Country Brewing, and then trekking through the woods of Western Pennsylvania.  The event was a lot of fun and a great way to kick off the 2010 events calendar for us.  Check out the photo album on the NCTA’s Facebook page to see all the fun!

In an effort to contribute to history education in our region, the Old Stone House has created The Old Stone House Educator’s Series. Designed specifically for history educators in local school districts, Series One features two exciting and informative lesson plans highlighting the rich history of our area.  These resources are tailored to meet both Pennsylvania State and NCSS Standards, and help students connect with local history.  They also act as a great companion to a field visit to the Old Stone House.   For more information click the “Educators” tab above.