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elienople Historical Society was founded
in 1975 by a group of 17 interested citizens
as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The
society was created to collect, document,
restore and preserve significant items
relating to the past and current history of
Zelienople and the area it serves. Additionally, the group
was formed to educate the community about the town’s
rich heritage—which is the American birthplace of the
Passavant and Buhl families.
The Passavant House was placed on the National Historic
Register on April 11, 1977. The Buhl House is in the process
of being added. “We maintain and operate two house
museums—homestead dwellings of these two founding
families—built in the early 1800s,” says Karen Hungerford,
Treasurer. “Our vision is to respect our heritage, reaffirm our
values and revitalize our community.”
Zelienople Historical Society operates in partnership
with the Borough of Zelienople, Butler County Tourism,
Zelienople Area Business Association and the local
group of businesses and citizens charged by the borough
to accomplish a historic preservation plan. It has
approximately 300 members. Many are local residents,
and many are former residents and descendants of
historical residents. The organization is staffed entirely by
volunteers—and anyone is heartily welcomed to become
involved with the group. “Much has been accomplished and
still needs to be accomplished by our dedicated volunteers,”
notes Hungerford.
Zelienople Historical Society holds yearly fundraising
events to raise money for maintaining the two historic
properties. It also participates in local community events,
including Horse Trading Days, Fall Festival and Miracle
on Main Street. At these events, the museums are available
for tours.
The museums offer tours by appointment and host
several school tours in the spring. “The schoolchildren
remember these tours and ZHS garners many repeat visits
as parents, grandparents and other visiting family members
return,” says Hungerford.
“It is the task of every community to preserve the history
of their town to allow for education in genealogy and
historical events and history,” she continues. “Zelienople
Historical Society strives to elevate the national historic
recognition of the town and create tourism appeal.”
Zelienople Historical Society is located at 243 S. Main
Street, Zelienople, and can be contacted at 724.452.9457.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to
noon. The board meets on a monthly basis. Tours can be
scheduled by appointment, as can research in the Lester R.
Mohr library. Visit ZelieHistory.org for more information. n
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Passavant House, built in 1808 by Zelie & Philippe Passavant.
“Our vision is to respect
our heritage, reaffirm our
values and revitalize our
community.”
Board members dedicating new gazebo in 2016.
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CRANBERRY
❘
WINTER 2018
17