Quest for Freedom - Pittsburgh North

Butler County Historical Society
P.O. Box 414
Butler, PA 16003
Phone: 724-283-8116
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed legal holidays.

The Butler County Historical Society was founded in 1927, when a group of residents met to discuss ways to preserve local history. In 1960, the Society was incorporated as a private non-profit entity. In 1991, it was designated the official historical organization of Butler County and now resides in the historic Lowrie/Shaw House. The Society maintains a resource library of historical records and documents relating to the county that can be used by the public for research. The Society also operates three other historic sites in the area. See website for more information.

Crawford County Historical Society
Helene Barco-Duratz Cultural Center
411 Chestnut Street
Meadville, PA 16335
Phone: 814-724-6080
Monday – Wednesday, Friday, 1 – 5 p.m. Thursday, 1 – 8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Crawford County Historical Society was founded in 1880 with a purpose to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Crawford County. The Society archives contains one of the oldest and most comprehensive repositories for genealogical resources in northwestern Pennsylvania, an extensive library of regional and state history and local authors, a large manuscript and photo collection and a massive collection of records of the Erie Railroad.

John Brown Farm & Museum
17620 John Brown Lane
Route 77
Guys Mills, PA 16327
Phone: 814-967-2099
Open from April 15 – October 15 and in the winter by appointment only.

The John Brown museum resides on a farm site where the famous abolitionist lived for a period of time. The museum houses various unique memorabilia that tells John Brown’s abolitionist story. Guided tours are provided by owner by appointment, otherwise the museum is open to the public. A nearby hill is the site of the graves of John Brown’s first wife and young son. The annual John Brown Spirit of Freedom Weekend, held in early May, celebrates his life offering period activities such as games, music and educational crafts and horse-drawn wagon rides. Call for additional information.

Outdoor remains of John Brown’s tannery. Lower stone portion only remains with large weatherproof storyboard and stone monument. No interpretation, tours or programming available or needed.

Mercer County Historical Society
119 South Pitt Street
Mercer, PA 16137
Phone: 724-662-3490
Main site: Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Check website for other site hours.

Historical Society headquarters are part of the Anderson/Magoffin Complex off of the courthouse square. In addition to housing the headquarters, the Anderson house contains many valuable resources for local history and genealogical research, and offers photocopying and research assistance. Also in this building are two large galleries that house collections on the Civil War as well as the Courthouse and farm and Household material displays. There is also a walking or driving tour of the “Historic Underground Railroad and Abolitionist Era Sites.” See their website for information on other buildings located around the region that they also oversee.

Venango County Historical Society
301 South Park Street
P.O. Box 101
Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: 814-437-2275
May – December, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. January – April, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Genealogical library open Wednesday and Thursday.

Housed in the Hoge-Osmer House since 1981, this house museum portrays the history of Venango County through the furnishings of the late 1800s and early 1900s. VCHS houses a state-of-the-art climate controlled, well-organized archive collection. This facility earned a PFMHO award for the archives room. Research is free and librarian and genealogical assistance is available. Education is a focus with Arts & Crafts workshops, hands-on projects and local history speakers in addition to their own tours. Call for current exhibit information.