CURRENT EXHIBIT
What’s the direct relationship between Mt. Lebanon and the original “Downton Abbey?” What is it about some of our neighborhoods that will remind you of New York’s Central Park? Where did the style of all these houses that we call “Tudor” actually come from? And just who was it who drove the first car through the Liberty Tunnels?
Come over to the History Center, 794 Washington Road, if you’d like to know. We have a new exhibit called “Shaping Mt. Lebanon – Why our town looks the way it does.” It marks the 100 years since ground was broken in 1922 for Mission Hills, a historic Mt. Lebanon neighborhood unique in its time that influenced the subsequent design of much of the rest of our town.
You’ll learn about the developers, architects and builders who shaped Mt. Lebanon, creating what the National Register of Historic Places cites as an outstanding example of an Early Automobile Suburb. And you’ll get some glimpses of what life was like for residents in the 1920s and 30s, including a detailed recreation of a Mt. Lebanon living room from the early 1930s. It was a time when new technologies like cars and radios were reshaping American lives.
Docents are waiting to greet you and assist you during your visit. The History Center is open Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact us with your questions and comments: info@lebohistory.org 412-329-8595.
We have more events coming up in 2023!
Take a look at some events we held in 2022.
The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon serves and promotes the community by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and sharing its history in ways designed to inspire our present and guide our future.
The History Center is open! The Board of Trustees of the Historical Society of Mount Lebanon has acted to reopen the History Center, 794 Washington Rd. Initially, the Center will be open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Additional days and hours will be added in the future. We welcome you to visit us. The current exhibit is titled: “Then and Now Along Washington Road: 1964 & 2019” – this displays photos of buildings in the Uptown area taken in 1964 and again, 55 years later, in 2019. And some 2021 updated have been added. For everyone’s safety, when visiting masks must be properly worn and social distancing practiced. The number of persons in the Center will be limited to under 20% of capacity. We look forward to seeing you!
Mount Lebanon History
Mount Lebanon is spread across more than six square miles of Western Pennsylvania’s hills, but it once was contested land.Surveys were made on May 25, 1770, for James McFarlane’s “Black Oak Hill” within what was to become Mount Lebanon and a neighboring tract, probably now in Dormont, occupied by an individual named Price. A Pennsylvania patent for the McFarlane land was not received until November 27, 1788, perhaps because Virginia had included this territory in the western part of its County of Augusta and, later, the County of Youghioghenia.
Become a Member
Our success depends on the support and involvement of people, businesses, and organizations. Each member adds strength to our organization, and together they provide a strong collective force toward accomplishing our purpose. The society is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization.
Membership Benefits
- Subscription to The Cedar Tree, published quarterly.
- Flyers announcing our bi-monthly programs.
- Access to The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon’s collections (upon application to the collections committee chairperson).
- Savings on tours, publications, and educational programs.
The History Center 794 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(at the corner of Washington Road across from Southminster Church)
OUR HOURS
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
You can also make an appointment for your organization or high school reunion group.
If you have out-of-town guests and would like to schedule a tour, call 412-329-8595 and leave a message with the date and time you’d like to visit. We will do our best to open for you!