the History of Ligonier Valley Historical Society
Ligonier Valley Historical Society was formed in 1964 by the Ligonier Women’s Club. At that time, its primary purpose was recording oral histories and maintaining abandoned cemeteries in the Ligonier Valley.
1969 auction raising money for restoration
In 1966, with the assistance of the R.K. Mellon Foundation, the society bought Compass Inn, then a private home, from Mrs. Virginia Swank. The house was restored and opened as a museum on May 27, 1972. The Compass Inn Museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was expanded and now includes a reconstructed cookhouse, barn, carpenter shop, and blacksmith shop.
Splitting shingles for the restoration of Compass Inn. The restoration began in 1970, under the direction of Charles M. Stotz of the Pittsburgh Architectural Firm.
Opening Day Ribbon Cutting Ceremony photo May 27, 1972
From left to right:
Evelyn Griffith, Constance Mellon Burrell, Barb Craig
Today, Ligonier Valley Historical Society also maintains several local abandoned cemeteries and preserves Laurel Hill Iron Furnace, which is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The Furnace, located in New Florence, PA, dates to 1848. The business and affairs of the society are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors working closely with the Executive Director, Head Museum Interpreter, Marketing/Communications Coordinator, and Office Coordinator.
