Ambridge, PA - At approximately 5:00 PM yesterday evening, a severe thunderstorm passed through the Ambridge area, bringing down a large tree onto the Community Kitchen at Old Economy Village, a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) site.
The Community Kitchen is a historically accurate reconstruction that features significant historic fabric and artifacts and serves as a vital gathering space for community events, including the upcoming InHarmony Initiative summer program.
PHMC is moving promptly to address the damage. PHMC’s Department of Architecture and Preservation is already on the ground conducting a thorough assessment.
The recovery plan will be executed in three critical phases:
- Phase One – Debris Removal: A local tree removal company has already assessed the site and provided a quote. Extracting the tree safely is the immediate priority.
- Phase Two – Building Stabilization: Once debris has been removed, the PHMC’s Department of Architecture and Preservation will assess the damage and enact plans to stabilize the structure.
- Phase Three – Artifact Preservation: Once the structural integrity of the building is deemed safe, Curatorial Specialists will enter the space to properly recover, document, and securely store the historic artifacts that were on display inside the kitchen.
PHMC and Old Economy Village leadership are working as quickly as possible to resolve the situation, safeguard our collections, and restore this important community space so that our scheduled events and programming can continue safely.
About Old Economy Village
Old Economy Village is a designated National Historic Landmark that preserves the legacy of the Harmony Society, one of the most successful religious communal groups of the 19th century. Established in 1824 in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, the village was known worldwide for its piety, agricultural innovation, and industrial prosperity. Today, the six-acre historic site features 17 original buildings and beautiful historic gardens, offering visitors a window into the spiritual practices, cultural life, and economic achievements of the Harmonists.
Old Economy Village is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) with the active support of the Friends of Old Economy Village. It is one of 23 historic sites and museums that make up the Pennsylvania Trails of History. To learn more, visit the Old Economy Village website.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram or LinkedIn.