Bradford House expands exhibits; visitor experiences

In July 1794, a group of 400 whiskey rebels, mainly from Washington County, attacked and destroyed the home of a tax inspector south of Pittsburgh.

One of the leaders of the Whiskey Rebellion, David Bradford, was among them.

A resident of Washington County from 1788-1794, Bradford made his home in today’s Bradford County House, now a museum that allows visitors to see what it was like in the 1700s. Across the street is the Whiskey Rebellion Visitor and Education Center, with exhibits such as their authentic Rev. Bible. Corbly since 1782.

“We have some new exhibitions. I think the one that will get the most attention is an outdoor cube, kind of like a tic tac toe board, that shows the herbs we planted in our garden and what they would be used for,” said Tracie Liberatore, executive director of Bradford House . “The plants are based on 18th century living and the supplies they would use for food and medicinal purposes. So many people ask about it.”

The visitor center will also debut a new display featuring a first edition Hugh Henry Brackenridge book.

“He was a major player in The Whiskey Rebellion. He wrote an account of the rebellion in his book and we will also display newspapers from that time,” said Liberatore.

Liberatore said building their wealth of historical artifacts has been a slow process.

When the museum first opened in 1965, there were only mock exhibits.

“It amazes me how people come up with this information and these artifacts that they’ve held onto all these years,” Liberatore said. “In the first year, we received three donations, in the second year, there were three more donations and so on. The Corbley Bible we have came from a shoebox in an attic.”

Bradford family ancestors continue to donate items such as an authentic silver tea set and more.

Bradford House and The Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitor Center is free to take visitors between 10am and 4pm, Wednesday to Saturday, April to November.

They regularly offer cookery demonstrations, garden parties and ladies’ tea events.

In addition, thousands of people flock to the popular Whiskey Rebellion Festival, scheduled for July 12 and 13 this year, and many enjoy the annual Whiskey Rebellion Dinner, scheduled for November 8 this year.

Staff at Bradford House continue to offer new events and exhibitions for visitors and regularly invite students to participate in field trips and other educational activities.

“For the first time this year, we will be offering a Homeschooler Day in the spring and fall. We will have stations and activities for all ages,” said Liberatore. “The spring event had over 170 students, so we want to fill a need there.”

The fall day for students at home will be October 1. Tickets are $7 per person.

For more information, visit https://www.bradfordhouse.org/.