MUSEUMS

In a community named for our country’s first president, you don’t need to look far to find areas of historical importance. In fact, The National Pike (Route 40), America’s first federally built highway, runs through Washington County and is home to many historic landmarks and points of interest.

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
1 Museum Rd., Washington
www.pa-trolley.org
The museum collection includes nearly 50 cars, from street cars to locomotives and passenger railway cars. Bring the family to enjoy one of their special events, and make it an annual tradition to check out the toy train display the first week of December. Enthusiasts can reserve a spot as Operator for an Hour, a special session with a museum instructor and includes a complete circuit of the museum’s open line!

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village
401 Meadowcroft Rd., Avella
www.heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft
Designated a National Historic Landmark, Meadowcroft’s trove of artifacts was uncovered by a team of archaeology, anthropology and geology students after the farmer who owned the property stumbled on a prehistoric tool. The excavation yielded stone tools, pottery fragments and evidence of ice-age fire pits. Further testing determined the area was used as a campsite for prehistoric hunters and gatherers 19,000 years ago. Open for tours and special events, from May through October.

The Wright House Museum
815 Venetia Rd., Venetia
www.peterscreekhistoricalsociety.org
The museum is open for tours during scheduled special events. Displays represent the time period from 1760-1860. The focus is on the few meager items early residents possessed – things carried from their original homes or things that could be gathered quickly in times of war, and were light enough to be carried long distances as these people moved west with the frontier.


ARTS

Whether you’re looking to entertain, or be entertained, Washington County has you covered. From community theater shows, to live music and nationally touring sensations – you’re sure to find something fun to do on date night!

Little Lake Theatre
500 Lakeside Dr., Canonsburg
www.littlelake.org
Situated on Canonsburg Lake in a barn originally leased from a farmer over six decades ago, Little Lake Theatre continues to entertain patrons in their theater-in-the-round. Productions run year round, and include main-stage plays and plays for children – including some sensory-friendly performances. They offer classes for adults, as well as summer day camps for kids.

Washington Community Theatre
283 Dunn Ave., Washington
www.washingtoncommunitytheatre.org
Dedicated to providing community members an opportunity to participate in all aspects of the theatre, the Washington Community Theatre aims to provide audiences with quality performances suitable for families to enjoy. WCT offers one Academic Excellence Scholarship and one Performing Arts Scholarship to a graduating senior who has been active in WCT while in school – details on their website.

Old Schoolhouse Players
20 Wabash Ave., Hickory
www.osptheater.com
A community theater dedicated to bringing quality theatrical endeavors to Hickory and surrounding Washington County. Productions are staged in the Bud Allison Auditorium in the historically preserved Mount Pleasant Township Community Center in Hickory. Audition dates and volunteer opportunities can found online along with the schedule of upcoming shows.