Though it was founded in 1908, the Westmoreland Historical Society never had a permanent home until this year, when it moved into the new Westmoreland History Education Center at Historic Hanna’s Town. Fundraising started a little more recently — during the George W. Bush presidential era.

That tidbit was shared with major contributors during a Grand Opening Gala on Nov. 14 at the Hempfield site, which includes a gallery, gift shop, library, meeting room and collection storage.

The current “Gems of the Collection” display is “the tip of the iceberg of the things in the collection,” said board president Michael Cary. “(The gallery) greatly expands our ability to educate the public and really makes history come alive.”

Included are items donated by Greensburg’s prominent Coulter family in 1958, such as a jacket 19-year-old Richard Coulter Sr. wore during the Mexican War in 1846 (which looks as though it might fit a 10-year-old today).

Gala guests were treated to a musket salute by Proctor’s Militia members, music by a Seton Hill University trio, a champagne toast and heavy hors d’oeuvres from Chef Mark Henry.

Event chairs Nancy Anderson and Dave Delisi were assisted by committee members Cary, Linda Assard, Linda Austin, Jim Clayton, Debbie Delisi, Joan DeRose and WHS Executive Director Lisa Hays.

Seen: Marquis III and Kimberly Smith, Chuck Anderson, Lou DeRose, Daniel Wukich, Jennifer Kettering, Mary Catherine Motchar, Phil and Gladys Light, Rich Lopretto and Phyllis Bertok, Clinton Piper, Charles and Laura Aftosmis, Dick and Barbara Flock, Tom and Donnis Headley and Bruce Shirey.

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