Depreciation Lands Museum

The glow of a coal-fired blacksmith's forge mingles with the soft curl of wood smoke from nearby hearths. A school bell echoes gently across the shaded cemetery beside the 1837 Pine Creek Covenanter Church—this is the living history experience at the Depreciation Lands Museum, located just ten miles north of Pittsburgh in Western Pennsylvania.

Established in 1973 by Hampton Township, the museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the early years of European settlement in the region known as the Depreciation Lands. In 1783, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania set aside 720,000 acres in Western Pennsylvania to compensate Revolutionary War soldiers, as the war had greatly devalued the currency. This land, stretching through what is now the North Hills of Pittsburgh and extending 4.5 miles north of present-day Butler, also included portions of Butler, Beaver, Lawrence, and Armstrong Counties.

The Depreciation Lands Museum's peaceful, wooded grounds offer an authentic glimpse into the late 18th and early 19th centuries. From May through October, visitors can enjoy costumed historical interpreters every Sunday afternoon, bringing daily colonial life to vivid reality.

Featured Historic Structures and Exhibits:

• Pine Creek Covenanter Church (1837) and its serene cemetery
• Armstrong Log House (1803), representing early settler dwellings
• Replica 1885 Schoolhouse, complete with bell tower
• Working blacksmith shop and beehive bake oven
• Smokehouse, herb garden, and an 18th-century-style Tavern gathering space
• The Barn, which houses a Conestoga wagon, interpretive exhibits, a workshop, and The Mercantile, a charming shop offering handmade and period-inspired goods

The cemetery and picnic-friendly grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering a quiet retreat for reflection and exploration.

Throughout the year, dedicated volunteers host a variety of family-friendly programs, seasonal events, and educational experiences. Whether you're a school group, scout troop, family, or adult group, special activities and custom visits can be arranged.