W

hat is Westmoreland Heritage?

 Westmoreland Heritage is a county-wide partnership of organizations and individuals committed to two goals; expanding historical tourism in our area and supporting efforts to educate county residents about their remarkable history.  Based at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, it is a private advocacy group that sees economic potential in the development and marketing of our historical assets.  It also sees a need to make our own citizens more aware of these features and their importance.  Westmoreland Heritage works with and not in competition to historical societies, government agencies, historical sites, innkeepers and other groups.

How did it get started?

Westmoreland Heritage grew out of the Greensburg Bicentennial celebration in 1999 when community leaders decided to consider ways  in which the area's rich history could be made more understandable and appealing to both residents and visitors.  There was a realization that Westmoreland County history is a valuable educational and economic resource which was not being effectively utilized.  Many believed that in spite of excellent sites and events, our citizens remain ignorant of the forces which shaped our community.  Those concerned with economic development questioned if enough was being done to publicize our historic assests to attract visitors from outside the area.

Who is involved?

Westmoreland Heritage is a collaborative community effort involving educators, businesses, foundations, banks, museums, a newspaper, a library, local and state government officials, our tourism promotion agency, lodging providers, historical sites, historical societies, and others interested in Westmoreland County's history.  Today, our Westmoreland Heritage Community Partners number more than forty individuals and organizations, from all areas of the county, working together to stimulate interest in Westmoreland County history and encourage historical tourism.

What does Westmoreland Heritage do?

• Co-Sponsors the annual St. Clair Lecture at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg which each year brings in a major historical scholar to talk about an important aspect of the county's history.  In addition to the lecture, which is open to the public, the speaker holds seminars for local high school and college students.
• Supports the Westmoreland County Historical Society's St. Clair Awards program which recognizes individuals or organizations which have made a significant contribution to our knowledge of Westmoreland County history.
• Encourages development of the country's historical assets adhering to high standards of authenticity.
• Works with local educators and others in the community to increase understanding of and appreciation for our rich local history.
• Seeks to attract visitors to historical sites, festivals, and activities through advertising, special publications, a website, and maps.
• Supports efforts to conduct research and to publish scholarly articles and books about Westmoreland County history.
• Works in partnership with the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau and local inns, restaurants, and other organizations to bring tour groups from the region, nation, and world to visit Westmoreland County sites.