Welcome to the Washington County Historical Society. Located in the LeMoyne House in Washington, Pennsylvania, the WCHS provides many programs, activities, and services to individuals and groups in the tri-state area.

Please take some time to browse our site. We have included a brief outline of the history of The LeMoyne house and Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne. The LeMoyne Crematory, the first in the Americas, is also presented.  Be sure to view our programs and activities page.

Additionally, WCHS will be glad to assist you with your genealogical search. Visit the research portion of this site for more information on library resources and contract researchers.

If you would like to support the Historical Society by becoming a member, you can download the membership form here.  Membership  benefits include a quarterly newsletter, advanced notice of upcoming events and more!

Thank you for visiting us. Have a great day!

Important News!

From Slavery to Freedom: Pittsburgh and the Underground Railroad is an upcoming long-term exhibit that will highlight the history of abolitionism, the Underground Railroad, and the impact of 19th century activism on the 20th century quest for civil and human rights in Pittsburgh.

The Washington County Historical Society is teaming with the Heinz History Center to help educate the public on the rich heritage of the Underground Railroad in Western Pennsylvania. 

Information on Francis LeMoyne and the Underground Railroad

More information on the From Slavery to Freedom Project.

This project was funded by the U.S. Department of Education Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural (URR) Program.

Flash From the Past - Online Photograph Exhibit

Throughout 2011

With the Historical Society's newly redesigned website, comes the opportunity to bring more of our collection to the public.  Flash from the Past, our first online exhibit, features photographs from the extensive collection housed at the Historical Society.  This exhibit is made possible because of the hard work of Alyssa Shrump and the many volunteers that worked with her to achieve her Girl Scout Gold Award.

Flash from the Past - Online Exhibit

Civil War:  The Home Front

Civil War 150th Anniversary

2011 marks the beginning of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.  Organizations throughout the United States are planning activities to commemorate the The War Between the States.  The Appalachian Regional Organization and American Heritage have put together a wonderful map of historic Civil War sites in Appalachia.                        More information here.