My husband earned a master's degree in U.S. History from the
University of South Florida. Naturally,
he attended USF with history students from all over the country and most of
them were tremendously jealous that Bob grew up just a day-trip away from Gettysburg,
PA – which is a mecca for U.S. history buffs.
They couldn’t believe that he’d not only been there, but had on several
occasions visited the site of the turning point of the American Civil War.
What does this have to do with The Westmoreland, Western
Pennsylvania's only museum of American Art?
As Western Pennsylvanians, we often take for granted the rich history of
our town and larger area. Arthur
St. Clair, buried in St. Clair Park, was the last president of the United
States before the Constitution. George
Washington himself led troops right through our area. As one of the original thirteen states,
Pennsylvania played a significant role in our country’s founding and early
history. And The Westmoreland museum
brings that early history and American values to life, visually, through its permanent
collection of artworks.
When I started this blog, The Westmoreland was one of my
primary targets for places I’d never been but knew I should have visited by now. It's something unique and remarkable - and it's right here - yet I'd never entered. So
finally, last Friday, Bob and I made our first visit to The Westmoreland during
their monthly event, Art on Tap, which is a casual happy hour with music, food,
drinks, and more.
Art on Tap
The Westmoreland's own, fun artwork for promoting these events
(which I lifted from their website)
First of all, this event is a bargain of an evening
out. Admission is just $7 (the museum's
recommended admission donation during regular hours is $5 for adults) and
includes tickets for two drinks, plus the aforementioned entertainment.* Also, the atmosphere is festive and friendly –
and you’re likely to bump into a Greensburger you know. We saw several friends there and got to meet a few new people, as well!
More importantly, once you’ve enjoyed your snack and
beverage, you are free to take in the exhibits.
The museum’s permanent collection is comprised of paintings, sculptures
and other works from early American artists.
Among my favorite items to take in were the beautiful pieces of
furniture. For me, seeing those decor items really
drives home how different life was then as compared to now. As the museum’s website describes, the artwork
really enhances the concepts behind our American ideals, including freedom,
opportunity and diversity. It’s the
early American experience brought to life.
I hate to be cliché, but it really is like a little trip back through
time.
In addition to the permanent collection, we entered the
other exhibit on the second floor, which contains a variety of modern and
contemporary art from local American artists, in the wing opposite the
permanent collection. The juxtaposition of
the two collections is quite startling but in a fun way. There are additional galleries on the first
floor that we didn’t take the time to explore during this visit.
Other Highlights
We also didn’t visit this area, but The Westmoreland also
has a first-floor area called KidSpace, a place to explore art in a hands-on
way. Classes and camps for kids are also
offered at the museum throughout the year. These, as well as other museum
events and activities can be found on The Westmoreland’s calendar of events page. Guided tours are also available by
appointment.
Art from The Westmoreland's "Imagine Nation" program for kids.
Finally, The Westmoreland also includes An American Marketplace, its shop (full of cool stuff for kids and adults!) and coffee bar which is open during normal museum hours.
Location and History
The Westmoreland is situated between North Main Street and
North Maple Avenue, across Park Street from the Greensburg Salem school
district’s administration building and middle school. Although the location served as city hall at
one time long ago, I'm sad to say that there aren’t any Greensburg directions to the museum, as it
and the buildings around it have been pretty permanent fixtures for our
town. (Maybe one of your more, um, seasoned friends might say that it’s
located across from the “old” Greensburg High School, but that's about it.)
However, the site was originally the home of
the parents of Mary Todd Marchand Woods, the person responsible for the museum’s
establishment. Mrs. Woods was the widow
of Cyrus Woods, an ambassador to Japan and, in 1949, she set up the foundation that would
create and fund the museum. When
she died in 1953, she left a two million dollar trust fund to the museum’s establishment
and bequeathed her private collection to the foundation. Construction began in 1957, and museum was
officially opened in June of 1959. Ten years
later, The Westmoreland’s west wing was added.
Plan a Visit!
Whether you’ve never been there or haven’t been there in a
while, I would recommend a visit to The Westmoreland for taking in and appreciating
the history and culture of our home town area.
Impress a date!
Culture your
kids!
Get in touch with our history!
Go soon!
*Admission for August's Art on Tap will be free and there will be a cash bar. The event is Friday, August 10th, from 5:00 to 7:00, and Bill Stankay of Fallen Media will perform.
