Armstrong County Historical Museum
Museum
Hours
May thru October
Thursdays 1-3pm
Sundays 1-3pm
*other times by appointment
Museum currently closed for winter: exhibit updates, maintenance, and refresh.
The Story of Armstrong County— Told Inside One of Kittanning’s Historic Homes
The Armstrong County Historical Museum is an important part of the Armstrong County Historical Society and a cornerstone of local preservation in Kittanning. Here, the story of Armstrong County’s people, places, and defining moments is shared through exhibits, artifacts, and rooms that bring our history to life.
A Society Founded to Preserve Local History
Welcome
In 1924, local community leaders recognized the need to preserve Armstrong County’s early history. The Armstrong County Historical and Society was formed with Judge James King as president. The Society remained active for decades, became inactive in 1964, and was reactivated in 1967 before being incorporated in 1970.
In 1971, the McCain House—an important Federal-style building centrally located in Kittanning—became the Society’s home and museum.
The McCain House: A Building with Layers of History
The McCain House was built in two major stages, reflecting the growth and changing needs of Kittanning over time.
Early Construction (1840s)
In 1842, Robert E. Brown, a local entrepreneur, businessman, and landowner, purchased the property from the Armstrong County Commissioners and began construction of a house—today known as the front portion of the current building.
Before the home was completed, Brown sold it to Thomas McConnell and his wife, Olive Robinson McConnell, also in 1842. While the exact completion date of the original brick structure is unknown, historical evidence suggests the first house was a modest two-story brick home, likely extending to the beginning of today’s Gathering Room.
Expansion (Early 1900s)
The house was likely enlarged in the early 1900s, when major additions were made including:
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The dining room (today’s Gathering Room)
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Kitchen, pantry, hallway, and back stairs
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Grand porches and a porte-cochere
These additions more than doubled the size of the original home and helped shape the museum visitors experience today.
Explore the Museum:
Rooms and Exhibits
Parlor
A glimpse into home life and social traditions of earlier generations
Kitchen
Featuring domestic life, tools, and everyday history
Early Armstrong County Rooms
Local life, industries, and community stories
Gathering Room
A central space for interpretation and rotating displays
Civil War Exhibit Room
Highlighting local connections to a defining national conflict
Native American Rooms
Recognizing the earliest history of this region and the people who lived here long before Armstrong County had a name
Curator’s Corner
“Special exhibitions allow us to tell new stories within familiar walls. By highlighting seasonal events, holidays, and private collections, we are able to connect local history to the rhythms of everyday life and invite visitors to see the museum through a fresh lens. These rotating exhibits give our community an opportunity to share personal artifacts, celebrate traditions, and experience history as something living, relevant, and shared.”
Jim Johnson, Museum Curator
