Family Tree

Researching Your Family Tree

If you’re traveling down the family ancestry road and have found a familial connection with Greene County roots, Greene County offers a myriad of research options covering all aspects of our history. From libraries to a museum, courthouse records or living relatives, a visit to Greene County can help you fill in the missing pieces for your genealogical research.

2016 Harvest Festival - Reenactment

Celebrating Our Rural History

The Harvest Festival has long been a treasured tradition in Greene County since the museum open its doors in 1971, and those who attend this event while visiting this beautiful part of southwestern Pennsylvania will be treated to a full slate of appealing attractions, such as encampments with reenactors and skirmishes, Native American reenactors, demonstrations, entertainment, retail and food vendors and much, much more.

History in Greene

Founded in 1796, Greene County was established when Washington County was split as an act of Legislature. That brings over two centuries of history and mystery from the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania. Travel around the County with me as we explore a few historical sites.

2016 Harvest Festival - Reenactment

The Civil War: A Harvest Festival Retrospective

Born from a fiery gospel writ from burnished rows of steel. Smoke lay heavy under the canopy of the trees and confusion was rampant. The order to “Fire at Will” was given, and shots rang out from all directions. It was difficult to see who was on your left and right. All you had to follow were the commands from the Captain, barely audible and muffled by the sound of rifles firing.  

Museum Façade by Greene County Historical Society

The Story of an Aged Institution

Just before the start of the Civil War legislation was passed in Pennsylvania, and many other states throughout the country, for each county to establish houses to care and support the poor. These houses often started out as converted family homes, usually beginning small in scale and expanding greatly over time.