- Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 August 2017 15:59
The Monessen Historical Society announced the following events.
Founders Day
In honor of the 175th anniversary of the birth of Monessen Founder Colonel James Schoonmaker, the Greater Monessen Historical Society will hold their annual Founders Day celebration August 19, 2017 at Monessen City Park. There will be Civil War re-enactors, food booths, children’s activities, and entertainment. Re-enactors from the 11th P.V.I. Company K, Inc. will set up authentic Civil War camps to showcase a living history view of camp life during the War of the Rebellion.
Living History Schedule for August 13:
Soldier drills: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. include inspection of arms, loading in 9 times, firing by company, file and rank.
Children’s activities: Immediately following Soldier Drills will include drilling with the soldiers using wooden guns, demonstrating the accuracy of Civil War bullets using round and spherical balls, old time games and Victorian dress up for photos. Don’t forget your camera.
Car Cruise
The Monessen/Rostraver Rotary will hold a car cruise at City Park as part of the Founders Day celebration. Pre-registration is $8. Dash plaques will be issued to first hundred registrants; there will be 20 trophies and prizes. Bill Lemon will be the deejay. For registration, contact Kristen Joseph at 724-880-9419. On Facebook check out “Founders Day Car Show.”
Autumn Exhibit
The Autumn Exhibit at the Monessen Heritage Museum will be called “Treasures from the Archives.” It will feature select displays highlighting interesting items and photographs from the collection.
Fundraising Dinner/Dance
A fundraising dinner/dance will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Jozwiak Hall in the St. Vincent DePaul Society building on Grand Blvd. The theme will be the “Life of Colonel Schoonmaker.” Guests are encouraged to dress in costume from the time period of the Colonel’s life (1842-1927), which encompassed the Frontier Age, Civil War, Victorian Age, Edwardian Age and Roaring Twenties.
Seeking Reenactors
The Historical Society is looking for individuals interested in becoming historic reenactors. Inquire at the Heritage Museum or speak to any board member.
Follow Us!
The Greater Monessen Historical Society has a Twitter account. Follow us at @MonessenHistory. We are also on Facebook and have over 3,000 followers worldwide! We can be located on Facebook under “Greater Monessen Historical Society.” See our latest events, news and photos of previous events. Google us and find our webpage filled with all the necessary information to visit, donate, join or learn about us!
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The address is 505 Donner Ave., Monessen. The phone number is 724-684-8460.