Woodville Experience

06/20/2026

Join WPSU for a free screening of The Whiskey Rebellion, a documentary film celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States by writer, director, and producer Kristian Berg.

Never before told on public television, the story of the Whiskey Rebellion serves as an example of the tension between citizen rights and federal authority and highlights the importance of establishing a strong national government while respecting individual liberties. The issues raised reflect the polarization of our country today as WPSU explores this important and relevant chapter in Pennsylvania history.

The Bradford House Historical Association is proud to host this screening. Several board members, docents, and volunteers are featured in the film.

📍 Ballroom at Rossin Center, W&J College
60 S. Lincoln St., Washington, PA
🎟 Admission is free, but registration is required. Please visit bradfordhouse.org/events/something-new-is-coming to register.

06/19/2026

Slavery within the Chartiers Valley…

Two of the largest plantations in western Pennsylvania utilizing slave labor were right here in the Chartiers valley of Pittsburgh, only separated by 6.5 miles, and originally owned by John Neville and John McDonald.

John Neville, a wealthy Virginia planter, established his new plantation at Woodville in 1775 while serving as commander of Fort Pitt. The limits of his new land tracts, stretching across Scott and Collier Townships, would serve as home to the largest population of African enslaved people west of the Allegheny Mountains, with 78 known individuals.

John McDonald, an Irishman living in Maryland, also established a new plantation in 1775, and would eventually gain title to almost 6,000 acres across western Pennsylvania and Virginia while serving as a judge for Yohogania County, Virginia. The McDonald family plantations would go on to hold 33 known enslaved individuals.

Very few Pennsylvanians utilized slave labor, but these two men, like many other recently arrived settlers, identified as Virginians. They were living in land claimed simultaneously by Pennsylvania and Virginia, and registered their claims with the latter, leaving a southern legacy on what would soon become a northern abolitionist state.

Take a look at the original survey lines on the satellite images above. While both the Nevilles and McDonalds owned other land tracts, and would’ve also utilized their enslaved people elsewhere, these were the home plantations, where a majority of the slave labor in the Pittsburgh region took place. It is possible that more unidentified enslaved people were present on these plantations. Houses associated with both families still stand, Woodville in Collier Twp and Primrose Hill in Robinson Twp.

Interested in learning more about the local history of the enslaved? Stop by Woodville Experience today at 6pm for the Juneteenth event!

06/14/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀! Showcase your business at the Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America at Woodville event on July 25th!

Get involved [email protected]! Looking for Sponsors, Games, Volunteers, Historians and More!

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲:
https://www.southwestregionalchamber.org/events/celebrate-the-250th-anniversary-of-america/

Join us on July 25th, 2026 to Celebrate America
Step back in time and celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at this exciting outdoor community event hosted at the Woodville Experience in Collier Township, property rich in heritage and tradition. This family-friendly celebration will honor our nation’s past while bringing the community together for a day filled with history, patriotism, education, and fun.

Guests of all ages can enjoy engaging historical presentations, interactive children’s activity stations, local vendors (businesses can jump in!), demonstrations, entertainment, and much more throughout the grounds. From hands-on experiences for kids to opportunities to learn about America’s journey over the last 250 years, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Bring your family, friends, and patriotic spirit as we celebrate the people, stories, and traditions that shaped our nation — all in a beautiful historic setting.

Community Supporters and Businesses can sponsor the event or showcase their company at a vendor space to support the event!

July 25th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Free Public Event

Additional Proceeds will be donated to the preservation of the Woodville Experience

Special thanks to State Representative Anita Kuhlik for your help and support with this project, as well as to the Woodville Experience for hosting.

06/08/2026

We were privileged to host Gordon Loesch of WPXI last week at Woodville as he interviewed Brady Crytzer (author of The Whiskey Rebellion and The National Road) and our own Rob Windhorst for a series they are doing on America 250. Watch for an announcement of its airing.

06/05/2026

🔔Hear ye, hear ye! 🔔 Join us on Friday, June 19th for our Juneteenth event.

06/01/2026

Delighted as always to have Wali Jamal conducting tours of Woodville today. If you missed the opportunity, make sure you visit us for our Juneteenth event. Stay tuned for more details!

05/29/2026

We’ll be there!

05/27/2026