Mount Rushmore

Why visit a U.S. Presidential Memorial? What could it possibly have to offer? It turns out that the symbols and stories of Presidential memorials can tell Americans a great deal about their country and themselves. The memorials of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt are filled with language, architecture, and images that tell the American story. Join the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society as WJHHS President Deb Morinello presents “Monumental Men: Memorials of US Presidents” in April. Attendees are sure to discover many fascinating and unexpected aspects of Presidential monuments. Both society and community members are invited to attend this free program and participate by sharing their own discoveries about the Presidential monuments they have visited.

Thomas Jefferson High School graduate Patty Henderson has been captivated by the paranormal world since a very young age. Perhaps it is not surprising then that she became a co-owner of a paranormal company in 2018 but decided to venture off on her own in 2022 when she established Whispering Souls Paranormal Investigations LLC. As its owner, Patty leads a team of experienced paranormal investigators, using the most modernized ghost hunting equipment, to help locate paranormal activity at various sites. WSPI often hosts paranormal investigating events at various historical locations to bring awareness and funding to these non-profit organizations. Society and community members are invited to attend this free WJHHS May program to learn more about the fascinating topic of ghost hunting. Be prepared to experience shivers, goosebumps, and the like as details of ghost hunting investigations unfold.

Many still recall the days when one could hop on a streetcar to get to any number of places in the Pittsburgh area. At the WJHHS June program “A Brief History of Pittsburgh Railways,” George Gula will help attendees relive those nostalgic rides on Pittsburgh’s railways. George, who was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, spent his first six years in Philadelphia where he lived along a trolley line and near one of the world’s largest car houses. It was there that he acquired his interest in transit and trolleys. Graduating from Penn State University in 1973 with a degree in Business Logistics and Transportation, George began a career in the public transit industry which lasted until his retirement in 2009. After joining the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in 1975, he has served there as a streetcar operator, conductor, and docent in the Operations Department. Eminently qualified to speak on Pittsburgh’s railways, George will simplify a very complicated history as he discusses the origins of public transit in Pittsburgh and the Trolley Museum. With the knowledge and old photographs that he will share, George is sure to provide the audience with an entertaining ride back in time.