Event: Frontier Court Days
Location: Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601
Date: Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, 2023
Time: Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Admission: $12 adults; $6 children; 5 & under free | $30 Family Pass
(usual discounts do not apply for this event.) CASH ONLY requested for admissions.
Step back in time to when the Revolutionary War-era village of Hanna’s Town served as the seat of government for Westmoreland County and held the first English courts west of the Allegheny Mountains. Join us for reenactments of actual court cases heard at Hanna’s Town! This year, we’re featuring two court cases from the year 1773 in celebration of Westmoreland County’s 250th Anniversary--Let’s take it back 250 years! The weekend will also feature history presentations, military encampments and demonstrations, activities for children, live music, food, and more!
Experience the excitement that the people of the 18th century felt when they gathered in town for court. See how those who were accused and convicted of crimes paid their debt to society on the Pennsylvania frontier. Court reenactments will take place at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Additionally, the event includes encampments, drills, and artillery demonstrations by Revolutionary War era militia and military groups; 18th-century trade and craft demonstrations such as blacksmithing, gunsmithing, gardening, spinning, and weaving; Native American history and culture displays; Revolutionary War era midwifery and herbal medicine. Walk through Hanna’s Tavern or play 18th-century toys and games. On Sunday morning only, attend an 18th-century church service featuring traditional readings, sermons, prayer, and music.
Throughout the day, enjoy Traditional Scots-Irish and Celtic music by Dee and Paddy’s. Visitors can also enjoy the exhibit in the Kendra Gallery, “Westmoreland 250! Celebrating our Story with 25 Objects.” Explore the rich history and culture of Westmoreland County over 250 years. The Westmoreland History Shop offers history-inspired books, ceramics, 18th-century toys and games, jams, teas, and more.
In honor of Father’s Day, family pass admission will be offered at a discounted rate of $20 instead of $30 on Sunday, June 18th.
D.J. Coffman, illustrator of “Go, Discover! Westmoreland,” a children’s book that is all about Westmoreland history, will be available to sign copies and do a “scribble challenge” with kids on Saturday, June 17th. Please check in with our Facebook Page and Website for specific times he will be at our event. The books will be available to purchase inside our Museum Shop.
Also, stop and take your picture at the Westmoreland 250 metal “Picture This” photo frame located by our fort! Remember to use the hashtag #Westmoreland250 and feel free to give us a shout-out on social media at our handles! Facebook, @Historic Hanna’s Town & Westmoreland History | Instagram, @WestmorelandHistory.
About Historic Hanna’s Town
Historic Hanna's Town preserves and interprets the history of the first Westmoreland County seat of government, established in 1773, which hosted the first English courts west of the Allegheny Mountains. Hanna’s Town was home to frontier settlers, hosted travelers along the Forbes Road, and served as a recruitment center during the Revolutionary War. The historic site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is collaboratively maintained by the Westmoreland Historical Society and Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation. As a county park, the grounds of Historic Hanna’s Town, which include walking paths, gardens, and interpretive waysides, are accessible daily.
Keep up to date on activities and events on our website westmorelandhistory.org, on Facebook: Historic Hanna’s Town & Westmoreland History, and on Instagram @WestmorelandHistory. For information about Historic Hanna’s Town and the Westmoreland County Historical Society, give us a call at 724-836-1800.
