FOR A LISTING OF ALL OUR OTHER TOURS, VISIT https://www.lawrencechs.org/tours/
Interested in Touring Our Museum?
For as little as $5.00 per person, you can have a docent led tour of our museum. For details, please contact us. If you cannot attend in person, we offer a brief Photo Tour below.
Photo Tour of our Museum
The Front Porch • The Foyer • The Main Staircase & Landing • The Dining Room • The Library • The Drawing Room • Upper Hall • The Ira D. Sankey Room • China Collection • On-site Gift Shop
The Lawrence County Historical Society is housed in a turn-of-the century mansion, which was originally the home of the tin plate magnate, George Greer. It is an imposing, eclectic residence which is comprised of beveled, leaded-glass, massive Greek columns, finely crafted panel woodwork and built-in china cupboards. It is decorated with quality antique furnishings that reflect an era of charm and elegance.
The window was designed by the Rudy Brothers and depicts King David playing his lyre. This impressive work of art has actual harp strings on the lyre.
The Front Porch
The Colonial Revival style home has a veranda style front porch which seats 60. It is decorated with red, white, and, blue bunting to celebrate New Castle’s bicentennial.
The Foyer
The ornate front doorway featuring beveled, leaded-glass leads into a center hall and a stairway of carved oak.
The Main Staircase & Landing
The main staircase is made of golden oak, accentuated with hand-turned spindles. The landing contains a Grandfather’s clock made of all Lawrence County hardwood. The portrait is Joseph A. Clavelli, who donated the museum to the Society.
The Dining Room
The dining room table is made of walnut. The table was originally in the home of George W. Johnson, founder of the Johnson Limestone Company. The chairs and pedestal are decorated with hand-carved griffins. The table seats fourteen comfortably. The china was made at the Shenango China Company.
The dining room is paneled in mahogany and the glass in the built-in china cupboards and buffet is beveled, leaded-glass made by the Fry Glass Company of Rochester, Pennsylvania. The original owner of the mansion, George Greer, was a member of the board of the Fry Glass Company.
The Library
The library is paneled in mahogany. The doors in the built-in bookcases are comprised of Fry beveled, leaded-glass.
The Drawing Room
Massive Greek columns give the formal drawing room a classical feeling. The drawing room contains a flat-top rosewood baby grand piano that dates to the 1840’s.
To maintain the aura of elegance, the first floor is furnished much as it was when it was the home of the Greer family.
Upper Hall
On the second floor are ever changing exhibits of the county’s heritage. Currently, the exhibit, “The History of Lawrence County”, celebrates 200 years of Lawrence history through text, photos, and oral histories.
Fireworks Display
A display commemorating the county’s firework heritage.
The Ira D. Sankey Room
The famous reed organ of noted evangelist and gospel hymn composer, Ira D. Sankey.
China Collection
The museum houses a massive collection of Shenango and Castleton China. Shenango China was once the largest manufacturer of vitrified china in the world.
Onsite Gift Shop
Our onsite Gift Shop is located in the Medure Annex which is next to the Museum at 408 N. Jefferson Street, New Castle PA 16101.
We feature books, MP4 videos, and tickets for purchase. We accept payment by credit cards, cash or local check.
GIFT SHOP HOURS: Days Open: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 11 am – 4 pm
Check our HOME PAGE for any exceptions
CLOSED: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and major holidays
You can also shop 24/7 using our online STORE.
FOR A LISTING OF ALL OUR OTHER TOURS, VISIT https://www.lawrencechs.org/tours/