Journey back to the 19th century – before the conveniences of modern life – when a group of people came together to create a thriving, entrepreneurial community just a half an hour from downtown Pittsburgh. Embrace a living history experience when you visit Old Economy Village near Pittsburgh.
Dating back to 1824, Old Economy Village - then known as “Oekonomie” - was founded by a group of Harmonists, who traveled to Southwestern Pennsylvanian from Germany in search of economic and religious freedom.
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Also the founders of Harmony in Butler County and New Harmony in Indiana County, the Harmonists didn’t gain acclaim until others began to learn of their prospering community at Old Economy Village.
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Members of the Harmonist community relinquished all possessions when they moved to Old Economy Village. Community members worked together toward common goals, with each member receiving the necessities for a comfortable yet simple lifestyle.
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Within a year of its founding, the quaint village boasted shops and textile factories and thrived for decades. However, the village prosperity slowly declined toward the end of the 1890s, with only a handful of Harmonists remaining by the turn of the century. The community dissolved in 1905.
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Today, Old Economy Village welcomes visitors to experience life as the Harmonists did.
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Guided and self-guided tours lead visitors to such spots as the wine cellar, the Carriage House, the store and post office, the bake oven (with demonstrations), and the blacksmith shop.
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Another popular stop is the Natural History Museum located in Feast Hall. The Harmonists, in fact, founded one of the country’s first museums in 1827.
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Meet “Harmonists” who once lived at Old Economy Village during your tour, including a blacksmith demonstrating his trade for visitors.
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Old Economy Village hosts special events throughout the year, including an Easter Egg Hunt (April 9, 2017) and hands-on history days.
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Cap off your time at Old Economy Village with a visit to the Museum Store. Old Economy Village, which is closed from January 1 through March 31 annually, welcomes guests from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Address:
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Old Economy Village 270 16th Street Ambridge, PA 15003 724-266-4500 Click here for more information.
If you’ve enjoyed your visit to Old Economy Village near Pittsburgh, you’ll also want to stop by Meadowcroft Rockshelter.
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