Sharon Historical Society - Pennsylvania

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Sharon Historical Society - Pennsylvania

Founded in 2013, we are dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich history of Sharon, Pa.

and the Shenango Valley while educating the public on its local, regional, and national importance.

06/02/2026

History comes to life — the stories of names that helped define the Shenango Valley — during the RETURN of our Oakwood Cemetery Tours: The Best of the Best on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm.

The Sharon Historical Society, in partnership with the Oakwood Cemetery Associaton 1866, invites you to our FREE Oakwood Cemetery Tours: The Best of the Best — an unforgettable evening of history, heritage, and local legend.

Visit thoughtfully selected locations throughout the cemetery grounds, where each stop brings to life the compelling biographies of the individuals laid to rest there.

Each attendee will receive a FREE commemorative booklet highlighting tour locations and additional historical insights about Oakwood Cemetery.

Walking is required for the tour, often on rolling, uneven terrain. Rest stops may be limited. Please wear appropriate shoes and attire for the weather. These tours are FREE and OPEN TO ALL. No advanced reservations needed.

The event will be at Oakwood Cemetery, 600 North Oakland Ave. Sharon, PA 16146 on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm.

More event details HERE: https://sharonhistoricalsociety.com/events/oakwood-cemetery-tours-spring-2026

05/27/2026

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the Sharon Historical Society’s Wallis Mansion History Center is decorated in patriotic bunting, reminiscent of the way it may have been decorated in the early 20th century for patriotic celebrations such as elections, holidays, and the end of World War I.

America250 has us reflecting on the people and industries that helped build the nation — and few places shaped America more than the steel towns of western Pennsylvania.

From mill workers and immigrants to inventors, unions, railroads, and river towns, the Shenango Valley helped forge the backbone of modern America. History wasn’t just witnessed here in western Pennsylvania, it was made.

05/25/2026

On this day, Memorial Day, we pause to remember all those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces over the years. May their bravery and their stories live on forever.

Originally called “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day was established in 1868 by the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the American Civil War. By decorating their graves with flowers, the day symbolized an opportunity to honor and reflect upon the sacrifices the fallen had made. By the end of World War I, the holiday was renamed Memorial Day and expanded to include all those who died in service to the United States. It was designed a federal holiday in 1973.

Photograph of the Sharon High School Band marching down East State Street in the 1938 Memorial Day parade. From Scott McElvain.

05/24/2026

Explore the past of the North Flats section in this book!!

Once more residential, this section of downtown Sharon is now home to Penn State University’s Shenango campus, light industrial businesses, and new apartments, and fitness and recreation facilities by JCL Development. In 1910, Sharon’s new Post Office was completed but by 1959 a new building was built on the site of several homes and businesses along Shenango Avenue. Crowded along the riverbank were a hodgepodge of buildings. The Elks Home was the site of Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy’s campaign speech in 1960. Sharon’s educational influence grew when former school district buildings were repurposed for Penn State Shenango while other buildings were built, like Forker Laboratory.

North Flats: Shenango and Penn Avenues - the book - covers hundreds of years of history with rarely seen photographs including the ones here.

Grab your copy HERE: https://sharonhistoricalsociety.com/shop/revisiting-the-north-flats

05/22/2026

The Sharon Historical Society would like to thank everyone for attending our first Buhl Mansion Spring Guided History Tours on May 3, 7, 14, and 17, 2026.

We had over 150 local attend the event throughout the month of May and support the Society through donations and purchasing our publications, including “Built by Steel: Frank and Julia Buhl’s Mansion and Legacy.” Special thanks to President Taylor Galaska who gave a nearly ten hour-long tours, to Buhl Mansion General Manager Laura Ackley, and to Donna Winner and the Winner Family for not only allowing this unique opportunity and partnership, but for restoring and opening the Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa to the community this spring. We appreciate their continued support of the Society and their dedication to preserving our city’s rich architectural heritage.

Enjoy these photos courtesy of Leanne Lee.

Check out our upcoming events here: https://sharonhistoricalsociety.com/events

05/21/2026

Masters of storytelling, sharing the stories of names that helped define the Shenango Valley — community leaders, cultural icons, veterans, and figures whose lives have become part of local folklore.

The Sharon Historical Society, in partnership with the Oakwood Cemetery Associaton 1866, invites you to our FREE Oakwood Cemetery Tours: The Best of the Best — an unforgettable evening of history, heritage, and local legend.

Thoughtfully selected locations throughout the cemetery grounds, each stop brings to life the compelling biographies of the individuals laid to rest there.

Each attendee will receive a FREE commemorative booklet highlighting tour locations and additional historical insights about Oakwood Cemetery. The Sharon Historical Society will also have an information tent with memberships and select publications available for purchase.

Walking is required for the tour, often on rolling, uneven terrain. Rest stops may be limited. Participants may be on their feet for the entire event. Please wear appropriate shoes and attire for the weather. These tours are FREE and OPEN TO ALL. No advanced reservations needed.

The event will be at Oakwood Cemetery, 600 North Oakland Ave. Sharon, PA 16146 on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm.

Volunteers are still needed! If you are interested in serving as a group es**rt or assisting with the event, please contact the Sharon Historical Society at: [email protected]

More event details HERE: https://sharonhistoricalsociety.com/events/oakwood-cemetery-tours-spring-2026

05/19/2026

Discover the history of Sharon’s South Irvine Avenue Gateway in this book!!

This residential street was the Ohio gateway into the city before the current freeway bypass was built. Lined with homes, this neighborhood benefitted from easy access and transportation to schools, work, and shopping. First served by streetcars, the area was later served by intercity buses. E. E. Clepper, a prolific architect, designed the homes in the block between Columbia and A Street. The intersection of West State and Irvine is dominated by sacred spaces, like St. John’s Episcopal Church and the former Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, now ACTS Performing Arts Center.

South Irvine Avenue - the book - covers hundreds of years of history with rarely seen photographs including the ones here.

Grab your copy HERE: https://sharonhistoricalsociety.com/shop/south-irvine-ave

05/15/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We need your help! Will you help us make our Oakwood Cemetery Tours: The Best of the Best a success this year?

An unforgettable evening of history, heritage, and local legend, our tour will be at Oakwood Cemetery, 600 North Oakland Ave. Sharon, PA 16146 on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm.

Volunteers are still needed to help at this event. We are looking for folks to es**rt groups to each stop (no history knowledge or speaking required) and registration and parking assistance.

If you are interested in working during the tour, please contact Cemetery Tour Co-Chairperson, Taylor Galaska at 724-301-7942 or via email at: [email protected]

For more information, visit: https:// sharonhistoricalsociety.com/events

05/13/2026

Did you know that a prominent Sharon citizen was chosen to serve on the state commission to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1913?

When Alexander McDowell was appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Edwin S. Stuart to the commission to mark the golden anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1913, it seemed like a natural fit. McDowell served as sergeant of the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry where he was later a brevet major. He was noted for bravery at Fredericksburg. But his service didn’t end when the Civil War did, Major McDowell was elected to the 53rd Congress as congressman-at-large from Pennsylvania from 1893-95, then was elected Clerk of the House of Representatives in 1895 and served until 1911, one of the longest serving clerks in history. He was a distinguished speaker for local, state, and national campaigns. He also served as a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1900, 1904, and 1908.

In Sharon, his most recognizable achievement was the founding of the longtime financial institution bearing his name, McDowell National Bank. Major McDowell was noted as a “gentleman of the old school who believed in humility, courtesy and goodness.” Sadly, he didn’t get to see the 1913 Gettysburg Reunion, which brought over 53,000 people to the battlefield for the several date event. McDowell had been battling diabetes for several months and was unable to attend the reunion. He died September 30, 1913.

One of our newest books, The Civil War Era in the Shenango Valley, reveals the rich history of the valley, from its founding through the Civil War, touching on hometown heroes, industrial growth, and more: https://sharonhistoricalsociety.com/shop/civil-war-era-in-the-shenango-valley

05/12/2026

Step beyond the gates and into the stories that shaped a community.

The Sharon Historical Society, in partnership with the Oakwood Cemetery Associaton 1866, invites you to our Oakwood Cemetery Tours: The Best of the Best — an unforgettable evening of history, heritage, and local legend.

The program begins with a brief welcome and orientation at the Veteran’s Bandstand before guests are guided in small groups to thoughtfully selected locations throughout the cemetery grounds. At each stop, a historic interpreter will bring the past to life, sharing the compelling biographies of the individuals laid to rest there.

This year’s theme, “The Best of the Best,” spotlights the names that helped define the Shenango Valley — community leaders, cultural icons, veterans, and figures whose lives have become part of local folklore. Featured stops may include the Buhl Chapel and mausoleum, Billy Whitla “The Kidnapped Boy,” the legendary Gypsy Queen, prominent family mausoleums, distinguished veterans, and other fascinating individuals whose legacies continue to resonate today.

Each attendee will receive a FREE commemorative booklet highlighting tour locations and additional historical insights about Oakwood Cemetery. The Sharon Historical Society will also have an information tent with memberships and select publications available for purchase.

The tour will involve approximately 1.5 miles of walking on rolling, uneven terrain. The estimated length of the walk is nearly 1.5-2 hours. Rest stops are limited. Be aware that participants may be on their feet for the entire event. Please wear appropriate shoes and attire for the weather. These tours are FREE and OPEN TO ALL. No advanced reservations needed.

The event will be at Oakwood Cemetery, 600 North Oakland Ave. Sharon, PA 16146 on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm.

Volunteers are still needed! If you are interested in serving as a group es**rt or assisting with the event, please contact the Sharon Historical Society at: [email protected]

Come discover the stories within — and meet the voices of Sharon’s past.

Address

290 E State Street
Sharon, PA
16146

Website

http://sharonhistoricalsociety.com/

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