Historical society readies for annual Murrysville Heritage Festival

Considering the disdain children seem to have for putting away their clothes, Carol Interieri isn’t sure what they love so much about colonial-era laundry demonstrations.

“They just can’t enough for some reason,” she said with a laugh.

Intrieri and other members of the Murrysville Historical Preservation Society will put local history — including a washing demonstration — on display at the 12th annual Murrysville Heritage Festival, set for Saturday at the Sampson/Clark Toll House and Schoolhouse on West Pike Street.

The building is the only remaining toll house left along the route of the former Northern Turnpike. It was built in 1784 and was renovated in 2010. West Pike Street is a quiet country road but once was part of a major thruway to Ohio.

Westmoreland County is marking its 250th anniversary in 2023, and Murrysville Historical Preservation Society President Sam Staymates is no stranger to local and regional history. His family has been in the Murrysville area since the 1750s, when their name still was Steinmetz.

“I love watching kids have a great time at the exhibits, talking with the reenactors and living-history people,” Staymates said.

In addition to those dressed in the fashion of the colonial era, the afternoon will include period demonstrations, a recreation of life in an 1800s-era schoolhouse, music, food, crafters, vendors and more.

“We have the Victory Stables petting zoo that’s been here before (from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.),” said society event committee member Carol Intrieri of Murrysville. “Gearhard Farms will do their corn maze, we’ll be doing quill pen writing at the schoolhouse and we’re preparing to do a water-bucket relay, as well.”

Children will have the chance to experience a 19th-century school lesson, as well as sew a haversack.

“Those are little bags that went around the neck, with a flip-top,” Intrieri said. “It’s like a little around-the-shoulder body purse.”

Society secretary Jessica Mallisee said there will be a 1 p.m. presentation and demonstration on the history of the Scottish bagpipes.

“I like seeing the community come out,” Mallisee said. “The number of people the last few years has increased, and it’s great to see new faces along with the people who’ve been coming for a long time.”

There is no cost to attend. The festival will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the schoolhouse. Parking is available on Triangle Lane, off Route 22 in Murrysville.

For more, see Murrysville History.com.