New meeting house expands Bradford House’s educational offerings
Courtesy of the Bradford House Historical Association
A “meet the author” event held in the Meeting House July 6.
Courtesy of the Bradford House Historical Association
Rev. Corbly’s bible is the newest addition to the museum.
Courtesy of the Bradford House Historical Association
Executive Director Tracie Liberatore said, “Previously, this panel and history books always stated that in 1782 as his family was being attacked, Rev. Corbly returned to his house to retrieve his Bible. But the Descendant Association informed us that was wrong – the Reverend was holding his Bible at the time of the attack on his family. So, we corrected our panel and have changed our story.”
Courtesy of the Bradford House Historical Association
Brad Hundt/Observer-Reporter
Bob Spisak of South Park juggles on stilts behind the Bradford House in downtown Washington during the 2023 Whiskey Rebellion Festival.
Jon Andreassi/Observer-Reporter
Dave Budinger and Laney Seirsdale, senior docents at the Bradford House, in the museum’s garden.
Jon Andreassi/Observer-Reporter
Dave Budinger and Laney Seirsdale, senior docents at the Bradford House, in the museum’s garden.
Courtesy of Bradford House Historical Association
The Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitor Center is located across the street from the Bradford House in Washington.
Courtesy of Bradford House Historical Association
The Bradford House at 175 S. Main St.
Where did people gather in the 18th century for town business, church services and social functions? The town “meeting house.”
The Bradford House Historical Association added its own Meeting House earlier this year in February, an addition that gives the promoter of colonial history an area for meetings, school and tour groups to gather, learn and exchange ideas.
“We do represent the 18th century, and the ‘meeting house’ is where everything got done back then, so that’s what we called it,” said Bradford House Historical Association Executive Director Tracie Liberatore.
The Bradford House Historical Association’s mission is to educate as it preserves and promotes the history of the Whiskey Rebellion and the 18th-century life and times of David Bradford. The association operates the Bradford House Museum (a National Historic Landmark) and the Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitors Center. Both sites tell the same story but are presented differently. The Visitor’s Center is handicap accessible and offers self-guided tours. Docents lead the Bradford House tour in traditional 18th century attire.
Admission to both facilities remains free, made possible through grants and donations.
The Meeting House idea came about as the association pursued museum accreditation. “We are looking long term,” said Liberatore, “and looking toward museum accreditation. An assessment process made us look at all aspects, from free admission to who we are serving and what we are offering the community. When the board looked at this assessment, what we were missing was a ‘sit down’ space. We have two benches at the visitor’s center where we have checkers, but we have a lot of groups that come here, including children and seniors, so we were looking for additional space.” The Meeting House is at 182 S. Main Street, next door to the Visitor’s Center, in what was formerly a storefront.
“Our intention was to use it for community events, school groups and board meetings. We just signed the lease in February, and we have used it so much,” said Liberatore. With this new space, she said the Hands-On History workshop can be offered to older children in addition to younger ones.
The Whiskey Rebellion occurred in July 1794 and was commemorated this year on July 7 and 8. The participants in the rebellion were opposed to an excise tax on whiskey instituted by Congress in 1791. Mobs formed when officials came to the area to collect the tax. David Bradford, owner of the Bradford House, attorney, businessman and Deputy Attorney General of Washington County, fled from his home when he was sought for arrest. He was later pardoned. The Bradford House Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from April through November, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except holidays). Tours can be scheduled by calling 724-222-3604.
A new and significant addition to the Visitor’s Center in 2022 is Rev. John Corbly’s Bible. He and his family lived near Garad’s Fort, part of Washington County until 1796, and today part of Greene County. On May 10, 1782, while walking to church, the family was attacked by Native Americans. The reverend’s wife and three of his children were killed in the attack. Two of his daughters survived after being severely injured. The Rev. Corbly went on to establish more than 30 Baptist churches. His Bible, catechism and dictionary are on long-term loan from the Corbly descendants and displayed at the Visitor’s Center. The Bible, which Rev. Corbly had with him during the attack, is over 300 years old. Before being displayed, the Bible was stored in a descendant’s home. The Corbly Association website offers the Rev. Corbly’s firsthand account of the attack and information about his descendants atjohncorblydescendants.org. During the Whiskey Rebellion, Rev. Corbly was arrested, imprisoned and later exonerated.
More than 1,400 people toured the Bradford House last year, and slightly fewer came through the Visitor’s Center. “We can fill your day, morning or afternoon, depending on how much time you have to spend here,” Liberatore said.
The Bradford House is located at 175 S. Main Street, Washington, and the Whiskey Rebellion Visitor’s Center address is 184 S. Main Street. The Meeting House is located at 182 S. Main Street. Visit bradfordhouse.org for tour information and times.