History in the News

HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY

 

The French and Indian War started not too far from Armstrong

County.

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At the time, both the French and British laid claim to the land where Armstrong County now sits and were attempting to establish a permanent presence in the Ohio Valley.

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None other than our first American President, George Washington, then a Virginia Militia Officer, was tasked, along with 40 colonial soldiers and 12 Native Americans, to protect a British crew in the process of building a fort in what is now modern day Pittsburgh.

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However, prior to Washington’s arrival to the confluence of the three rivers, a much larger French Canadian contingent drove off the British construction crew...

Kittanning council gives irregularly-shaped lot by former Kittanning Train Station to ACHMGS, Inc.

 

Kittanning Council this week voted unanimously to give an irregularly-shaped lot that was originally part of the Kittanning Train Station property to the Armstrong County Historical Museum & Genealogical Society, Inc. (ACHMGS).

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Tyler Woodside and Rob Watt of ACHMGS came to this week’s council meeting to ask council to give the roughly half-acre lot to the society. Gregory Jones of ExUrban Planning said the parcel was where rail cars could swing in to be unloaded.

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Mr. Watt said ACHMGS has also made an offer to Continental Clay for a grassy plot that was also part of the former train station property...

U.S. Rep. Thompson and county commissioners visit the ACHMGS

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KITTANNING – U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, along with Armstrong County Commissioners John Strate and Anthony Shea, visited the Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society (ACHMGS) on Friday.

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They toured the historic train station and museum to learn more about the upcoming project and the rich history in the area. “It was a pleasure to tour the Armstrong County Historical Museum & Genealogical Society,” Congressman Thompson said.

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“They are doing great things to preserve the history of our community and engage residents and visitors alike in fun and interactive ways. I look forward to seeing the completed train station site in the near future...”

Kittanning train station property in focus

 

The freight station and passenger station on the Kittanning Train Station property were recently documented in photographs. Pictured are the large doors where freight was loaded/unloaded from the trains, among other sites inside and out.

 

In late 2022, the Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society, Inc. (ACHMGS) acquired the property of the former station, with an eye toward refurbishing the site as a future visitor destination. With plans to rehabilitate the building, the ACHMGS is looking for ideas of what people want to see established...

Historical society host gala to kickoff Kittanning Train Station Restoration Project

 

A kickoff gala recently was hosted by the Armstrong County Historical Museum & Genealogical Society for the Kittanning Train Station Restoration Project.

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The gala was held at the Meredith Inn, with preliminary plans presented to save the train station and freight building, which is near where the historical society is located at 300 N. McKean St., Kittanning.

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“This is the preliminary vision of what we want to do with the property,” said society President Tyler Woodside about the historic train station, which was purchased by the society for $75,000 last year...

ACHS becomes a FamilySearch Affiliate Library

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The Armstrong County Historical Society (ACHS) recently announced its new designation as an official FamilySearch Affiliate Library, offering the public expanded access to the world’s largest collection of genealogical and historical records, according to a press release.

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This exciting partnership makes the Armstrong County Historical Society the only affiliate library in the Kittanning area with this level of access.

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Through this new affiliation, researchers and genealogy enthusiasts visiting the Historical Society will be able to view digitized images and documents that are normally available only at FamilySearch centers or affiliate locations...

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Armstrong County Unveils Bells Across PA Installation

 

In front of the Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society, Inc., (ACHMGS) there is a new decoration — a painted bell.

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As part of the Bells Across PA initiative, the bell is a celebration of America’s 250 anniversary and recently was unveiled to the public.

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As part of the unveiling, speakers took time to discuss the bell America250 Branding and Design Director Bri Farrand was the first to speak, telling about the initiative...

America250PA Officially Kicks Off in Armstrong County

 

Members of the community on Wednesday packed into the conference room of Armstrong County’s board of commissioners to kick off America250PA in the county. America250PA is an effort to encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present and future. Kicking off the event was county Commissioner Anthony Shea, who led those in attendance in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Shea was introduced as veteran Major – U.S. Air Force, Retired, in addition to his acknowledged status as commissioner. America250PA Director of Branding and Design Bri Farrand followed, saying: “We’re excited to mark the beginning of the America 250 anniversary celebration here in Armstrong County. The place where determination and innovation have long shaped Pennsylvania’s story. On the frontier of the early colony Armstrong County played a critical role during the French and Indian War over the Battle of Kittanning...