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The Monroeville Historical Society The Monroeville Historical Society was founded in 1969. Its mission is to help preserve properties of historical significance to the community, and to educate the community as to their common heritage. The Society oversees four landmarks recognized by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation: the Old Stone Church, the McGinley House, the McCully Log House, and the Old Stone Bridge. These structures are owned and maintained by the Municipality of Monroeville.
In the late 1960s a group of citizens saw the need to form a society to help preserve the community’s history. Tipper Sylvis, Horace Warner and Jim Mirro were the first members, with Mr. Mirro becoming its first president. These members met at the Old Stone Church, which had recently been purchased by the Silvis family and donated to the Borough of Monroeville. The group was also instrumental in saving the McGinley House from demolition by convincing Westinghouse officials to donate the property to the community in 1969.
The McGinley House was opened as a museum on Labor Day in1976 as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations. The McGinley House had been restored to represent a typical1800's farmhouse, and furnished with bought and donated items. The East Suburban Woman’s Club helped by giving the Society a contribution to purchase period antiques. Members also donated furnishings and artifacts to the growing collection of the Monroeville Historical Society.
Lois Alworth, the Society’s second president from 1977 to 1978, was instrumental in getting the Garden Club Council, made up of four Monroeville garden clubs, to join together to build the herb garden behind the House. Each club was given a section and category of herbs to tend. Since that time MHS member Lois Lyman has taken on the responsibility for the upkeep and yearly planting of the herb garden.
Lois Alworth’s term was followed by Dolly Eichelberger’s, and Marilyn Chandler served as the fourth president.
Marilyn Chandler’s term was followed by presidents Lynn Chandler, Paul Damon and Dan Nowak. Bob Elms was president from 1993 to 1995 when the McCully Log House was acquired and rebuilt. Dick McClain, who served from 1996 to April 2004, helped to initiate the remodeling of the Old Stone Church basement and replacement of its deteriorating slate roof.
Dan Nowak, Bill Johnson and Dan Aston were instrumental in securing the McCully Log House for the Municipality before it was torn down. During a three-year project, it was dismantled and rebuilt log by log next to the McGinley House by volunteers such as member Clair Chandler who donated hundreds of hours of carpentry and masonry work.
Today the Society continues to take an active role in preserving our landmarks and educating the public abut the history we all share. The Society’s meetings and programs are held monthly (except in August and December) on the third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Monroeville Public Library. The public is invited to attend.
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