The BMHS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and study of Old Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania with an emphasis on Southwestern Pennsylvania families.

Membership is open to all who share these interests. Since our inception in 1993 our number has grown rapidly with members reaching as far as Australia. Our offices are located approximately three miles west of downtown Greensburg in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Our purpose is the study, preservation and sharing of the records of the settlements of Westmoreland County. Our interest is not just the political and military history of the area; it encompasses the lives of the families who made Westmoreland County their home.

We have a particular concern for the history of the Swiss, Germanic, Huguenot, and Scandinavian peoples which has often been neglected in the area of Old Westmoreland County. Our research materials, however, now extend beyond these ethnic groups as new data are continually being added to our files.

We are constantly in search of new volunteers and encourage people of all ages to assist in our mission to preserve the heritage of Old Westmoreland County for tomorrow's generation.

We own two buildings of great historic value: a one-room, red brick schoolhouse (Harrold Schoolhouse #8 of the old Sewickley Settlement) built in 1881, and the Old Zion Lutheran church built in 1884. The property on which these two buildings are located is part of the original 158-acre tract of land called "Good Purpose." Early settlers pre-empted this tract for the specific use of church and school.

We are working to preserve these historic buildings and make them available for museum, classroom, and community use.

Old Zion Lutheran Church and
Harrold Schoolhouse #8

The Old Zion church building has become our society's headquarters. It houses the BMHS Offices, the Paul Miller Ruff Library, the Genealogy Research Department, and the Publishing Department.

The Harrold Schoolhouse #8 of the old Sewickley Settlement sits almost directly across the road.

We are currently working with the Hempfield School District and Westmoreland County Community College on the Harrold School restoration project. When restoration is completed, the schoolhouse will serve as an authentic museum and teaching tool for Hempfield schools and other interested parties.

Click here if you would like to learn more about the restoration of these important historical structures.