Historic Monongahela Walking Tour Offers Information with a Modern Twist

Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 01:08

Have you ever passed an interesting old building and wondered about the history held within its walls? What if your Smartphone could be a key that unlocks the rich history around you?

That dream has become a reality with the new self-guided walking tour offered by the Monongahela Area Historical Society.

The free, two-hour tour blends both the architectural and personal histories of the buildings and the people associated with each site. Although the experience is more in-depth with a Smartphone, the tour can still be taken with the brochure only.

“Holding your Smartphone over each QR code printed in the tour brochure brings up a narrated video that includes photos of the buildings and people as they were in their heyday,” explained video developer Jim Steiner. “The QR technology has allowed us to include much more information than a printed brochure could hold.”

“We don’t realize that we create history, both big and small, just by living our lives everyday,” said lead researcher and content developer Terrie Steiner. “In our 246 years, Monongahela has had a touchstone for many of the major events in our nation’s history from its beginning. Most notable is

Whiskey Point, where the rebels met in 1794 to discuss the negotiations pertaining to the Whiskey Rebellion. It is our hope that the tour can be utilized as a teaching tool as well.”
The Steiners were assisted by other society members, Charles Talbert, Kelly Linn and Terry Necciai, who have all done extensive research on Monongahela’s past.

The Monongahela Area Historical Society also has several other tours in process. “History Through a Woman’s Eyes” is slated for September and tells the story of key events in local history from the female perspective. A historic driving tour will be offered in the future for other sites outside of downtown Monongahela.

Brochures are available at the Historical Society Museum at 230 West Main Street, Monongahela. Thinking of taking the tour? Be sure to download the QR reader app before you begin. Call 724-292-8247 or contact us through our website at www.monongahelahistoricalsociety.com with any questions.