McCandless hosting free program about historic Old Economy Village settlement

Tony LaRussa | Monday, August 5, 2019 5:04 p.m.

TRIBUNE-REVIEW PHOTO

The stately brick buildings of Old Economy Village in Ambridge, Beaver County, have been preserved for visitors to learn what life was like in the 19th century religious community. McCandless is hosting a free program Aug. 8, 2019 about the Harmonist Society.

A representative from the Old Economy Village historic settlement in Beaver County will conduct a free program in McCandless on Thursday about the last of three settlements established by the Harmony Society in the United States.

David Miller will lead the discussion about the Harmonists, a 19th century communal religious group that sought to create a utopia inhabited by German Lutheran separatists.

The Harmonists were followers of the mystical teachings of George Rapp and awaited the second coming of the Messiah.

The village’s stately brick buildings and quaint wooden homes have been preserved and a glimpse into daily life in the community is provided by volunteers who don period costumes while they perform daily chores.

Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Old Economy Village was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1966.

Old Economy Village preserves and presents the life, thought, and material culture of the Harmony Society,

The Aug. 8 program starts at 7 p.m. in the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage Center, located off Grubbs Road between town hall and the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority building.