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.
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.
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.