- Last Updated on Saturday, 28 March 2015 17:23
Listed below are the events that the Greater Monessen Historical Society has scheduled for April:
Lusitania Dinner
The Greater Monessen Historical Society (GMHS) will hold a Lusitania Dinner in memory of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the luxury liner by the Imperial German Navy. Two Monessen residents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Agnew, perished on the voyage. Samuel Proudfoot, of Pricedale, was also a passenger on the liner.
As 2015 is also the 20th anniversary of GMHS, the dinner will serve a dual purpose of commemorating our anniversary. The event will be held at Jozwiak Hall in the St. Vincent DePaul Society Building on Grand Blvd, on Saturday, May 30 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and feature a menu of dishes served on the Lusitania.
The dinner consists of hors-d'oeuvres, roast beef, chicken, roasted potatoes, salad, dessert and a beverage. We encourage everyone to wear their Edwardian finery as we travel back in time to the early years of World War I. Tickets are available at the Heritage Museum by calling 724-684-8460. Reserve your ticket today, as only a limited number will be sold.
Bells Across The Land
The Historical Society is partnering with California University of PA and the Frederick Douglass Institute to take part in the nationwide event, “Bells Across the Land: A Nation Remembers,” on Thursday, April 9. GMHS is asking Mon Valley churches, schools, and public buildings to ring their bells at 3:15 p.m. on April 9, for four minutes, in remembrance of the symbolic ending of the Civil War at Appomattox Courthouse 150 years ago. The event is also a call for basic human rights in the world today.
Railroads in the Civil War
Gary Strelick, GMHS Vice President, will speak at Donora Public Library on Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. on the history of the railroads in the Civil War.
Westmoreland County Day of Giving
The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County will hold the Westmoreland County Day of Giving on May 5 from 6 a.m. until midnight. All donations during the Day of Giving will receive a pro-rated share of the match pool. The minimum gift donated per organization is $25. The match is capped at $1,000 per donor per organization. Please remember the Greater Monessen Historical Society on this day!
Donation Week
As spring cleaning kicks in, we are designating the week of April 15-18 as “Donation Week.” We ask you to look through your attics, cellars, closets, trunks, and storage places for items you wish to donate to the Greater Monessen Historical Society. Bring in your old photos, historic items and material that tell the story of the ethnic groups, businesses, and local history of southwestern Pennsylvania. Also, keep in mind we need antique items for the front show window displays.
Finnish Exhibit
The Finnish Exhibit is open and available for viewing each week on Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. or by advance scheduling for the evenings or weekends. The exhibit will be on display until the end of June. At the same time, there is also a mini exhibit showcasing Monessen wedding photos from the archival collection. See who you recognize! Please note that he Greater Monessen Heritage Museum will be closed on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, April 3 - 4.