Archives and Collections

These specialized collections are available by appointment to those conducting research related to specific projects.

For genealogy inquiries, please visit our Library and Genealogy page.

The Archives

The archives houses a variety of photographic images, correspondence, organizational minutes and records, unpublished documents, as well as rare and limited edition pamphlets and publications from the 18th through mid-20th centuries. These items are related to residents and organizations from Westmoreland County.

Curatorial Collection

The curatorial collection consists of items as varied as furniture, memorabilia, musical instruments, and textiles. The textile collection, one of the largest, has examples of clothing and accessories from the early 19th century through mid-20th centuries. One prized garment includes Richard Coulter’s army jacket from the Mexican War.

Archaeological

The Hanna’s Town site is an archaeological treasure because it is a sealed time capsule from an early and important period in the history of our county. The site has already produced in excess of one million artifacts that are currently cataloged and stored at various locations on and off site. These artifacts can be extremely instructional to the community at large. Plans are underway to make significant displays available to the general public. These resources are appealing to archaeological professionals and students interested in the material culture of the waning British colonial frontier and the emerging American republic.

Contact our Collections Manager

Joanna T. Moyar

Director of Collections & Interpretation

Collections Donations

The Westmoreland Historical Society (WHS) has an extensive collection of documents, photographs, and objects. This includes a wide range of items related to local history and culture, trades, business and industry, military actions, agriculture, government on all levels, and daily life. Many people are interested in donating items related to specific events, places, institutions, or from their families so we can preserve and use them to interpret what life was like for our county residents in the past.

We are always interested in accessioning items that help us tell the story of our county, but we must be selective. Organizing, cataloguing, and preserving collections takes time. Preserving collections also requires the space, materials and funding to do the job according to professional standards. Our mission statement directs us to acquire and manage “resources related to the history of Westmoreland County.” We will only accept items that have a direct relationship to the county’s history and heritage.

Please read the following if you are interested in donating materials to our collection.

What is the process for donating items?

Please contact Joanna Moyar, Coordinator of Collections and Interpretation, at (724) 836-1800 x216 or joanna@westmorelandhistory.org to discuss what item(s) you want to donate to the WHS.
Please complete the Collections Donation Form:
- List the items you are interested in donating. It does not have to be detailed but it should describe what is being donated and how many of each type of material (i.e., 5 street scene photographs; 2 dresses, c1920; 3 kitchen utensils, c1890.)
- Briefly explain what connection the donation has to the county. Include any relevant information about the individuals who owned or have some relationship to the items. Please attach any images that you have of the items you intend to donate. Return the Donation form to the Coordinator of Collections.
The Coordinator of Collections and collections committee will evaluate the Donation Form material and determine if the entire donation, or certain items, will be accepted.
We will contact you to determine how and when the items will be received.
You will receive a Deed of Gift Form listing the items that you are giving to the WHS. You will sign and return the document to us and receive a copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of materials do we accept?

Archival material: correspondence, personal papers, diaries, legal documents, business records and ledgers.
Published materials: early business pamphlets, memorabilia/event programs, and select editions of late-18th through mid-19th century newspapers published in Westmoreland County. (The Pittsburgh Gazette was a printed in the county from 1785 through 1787.) Books are generally donated to the Calvin E. Pollins Library, although one-of-a kind and rare books may be accepted into the archives.
Photographs: identified localities, scenery, buildings, business and industry, events, and people. There should be clear attribution, particularly of individuals.
Objects: textiles (clothing, quilts, and coverlets), tools/equipment, musical instruments, memorabilia/souvenirs, and furniture. Size, condition and association with the county or an individual will determine if the donation is accepted.
Works of art: paintings/portraits, prints, and sculpture depicting a subject relevant to this region or produced by a Westmoreland County artist.

How do I prepare the items for donation?

Once the donation is approved, we will determine the best way to transfer it to the WHS. It may mailed by the Postal Service or a commercial delivery company. You may schedule an appointment with the collections manager if you prefer to hand-deliver your donation.
Please do not clean, launder, paint, or refinish items; however, we request that the container in which we receive the donation not contain filth or vermin. We will analyze and determine the appropriate treatment for each type of material.

Will you appraise the donation for me?

Any items that you want to declare as a tax deduction must be appraised before you give it to the WHS. We cannot do the appraisal but can direct you to a qualified, local appraiser.

Will you put my donation on permanent display?

We cannot guarantee if, when, or how long your donation will be exhibited. There are many items in our collection and it is impossible to exhibit everything at one time. Condition is also a factor. We do our best to select items that interpret a variety of topics related to county history. Items may be used for study or be loaned to other museums for exhibition.

Can I put restrictions on how the donation will be used?

The Deed of Gift form states that the donor will “irrevocably and unconditionally give and transfer to the Westmoreland Historical Society all right, title, and interest.” We reserve the right to keep, use, or lend the donated material. In rare cases, items may be deaccessioned if it is determined that they no longer align with the mission or collections policy of the WHS.

Have More Questions?

Whether you’re researching your roots or planning a visit, we’re happy to help. Reach out anytime.