Living History Weekends at Compass Inn museum
During all Living History Weekends at the Compass Inn Museum, your admission includes guided tours of the historic inn and outbuildings, live cooking demonstrations from the 18th and 19th centuries, and engaging children’s activities. These attractions are available throughout the day and remain open until 4:00 PM.
General admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (ages 62 and up), and $10 for youth ages 6 to 18. Children under 6 are admitted free. Tickets for the Living History event can be purchased on-site on the day of the event. For more information, please email lvhscompassinn@gmail.com or call 724-238-4983.
Scoundrals, oxen, & glass harps…oh my!
June 14-15, 2025
10 AM- 4 PM
Step back in time at Compass Inn Museum’s lively living history event! Families will enjoy the whimsical “Honest Day’s Work” Children’s Museum, the curious Cabinet of Curiosities, and hands-on games exploring the colorful "Canting Language" and life on society’s fringe. Meet first-person interpreters “Ould” Badger, Maggie, and Penelope as they bring 18th- and 19th-century stories to life. Don't miss the visiting oxen team from Double Tree Farm and Virginia's captivating glass harp performance. History, fun, and learning come together in this unforgettable day for all ages!
Join us Sunday, June 16, at 9 am for an authentic 18th-century church service with Parson John on the museum’s historic grounds. The service is free and open to the public. Attendees receive 10% off museum admission for the rest of the day.
Extraordinarily Ordinary: Compass Inn During the early 1800s
July 19-20, 2025
10 AM- 4 PM
Travel back in time at Compass Inn Museum and explore life in Ligonier Valley during the early 1800s—a world of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the War of 1812. While all of this was happening, discover the story of Rachel and Robert Armor, who in 1814 purchased the old inn, renaming it “Compass Inn” after settling in Laughlintown. Come; immerse yourself in the
sights, sounds, and stories of the early 19th century with members of the Jane Austen Society of North America-Pittsburgh Region and the sailors of the Ships Company, an 1812 naval reenactment unit from Annapolis, Maryland.
On Saturday, July 19, reenactors Steve and Sally Nuckles bring the Lewis and Clark journey to life, sharing stories of frontier travel, character creation, and the unsung women who supported the expedition.
On Sunday, July 20, visit with dance historian Allison Thompson as she explores Jane Austen’s love of music and movement, complete with audience participation. Plus, see live demonstrations of European bobbin lace and a unique American lace-making technique with Dewi Wong and Marion Warsal.
On the edge of the frontier: Western Pennsylvania in the early 1800s
August 16-17, 2025
10 AM- 4 PM
Tucked within the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania, Ligonier Valley once stood at the edge of the American frontier. This rugged region was a gateway to the unknown—a place where settlers crossed paths amidst dense forests and winding streams. During this time, the footsteps of an elite artillery unit trained and maneuvered through this frontier outpost, defending the region and asserting the young nation's resolve. As pioneers pushed westward, carving homesteads from the wilderness, Ligonier Valley became a symbol of grit, determination, and the pioneering American spirit. Rich in culture and courage, the valley offers a vivid glimpse into a nation in motion.
This weekend, visitors can step back in time as historical reenactors bring to life the new frontier. Alongside military drills and camp scenes, guests will experience demonstrations of daily living skills. Women of the era are also represented, sharing the essential roles they played in maintaining households, supporting soldiers, and sustaining frontier communities. Through stories, crafts, and hands-on activities, the past comes alive in vivid detail for all ages to explore and enjoy.
