One of Western Pennsylvania's leading cultural centers, the Merrick is home to a stunning collection of French, German, English, and American paintings from the 18th and 19th Century.
New Brighton
New Brighton is a historic borough, founded in 1838, on the east bank of the Beaver River. Initially settled by English and Western European merchants, the town thrived due to its strong industrial foundation, powered by the Pennsylvania Canal and later the railroad.
Manufacturing flourished, with mills, foundries, and glassworks shaping New Brighton's economy. Over time, the borough adapted to modern transportation, evolving from trolleys to buses while preserving its small-town charm.
Education has long been a cornerstone of New Brighton, with early private academies earning the town a reputation for academic excellence. Public schools expanded, culminating in the construction of a modern educational complex in the 1970s.
New Brighton also has a proud military history, serving as a key transfer point for Civil War soldiers and housing Revolutionary War veterans in Grove Cemetery.
Despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, New Brighton remained resilient, embracing both its heritage and progress. Landmarks, such as its renovated armory, now a municipal complex, reflect its commitment to balancing history with modernization. Today, New Brighton remains a vibrant and evolving community.
