Old Economy Village
Old Economy Village
4.5
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Old Economy Village is a gemstone site of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Old Economy Village interprets the history of the Harmony Society, a highly successful nineteenth century religious communal society, and preserves and interprets the unique material culture of the Society during its period of residence in Beaver County, Pennsylvania for citizens of and visitors to the Commonwealth. Old Economy Village was the heart of the Harmony Society's home from 1824 until the commune was dissolved in 1905. Old Economy Village is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in partnership with the Friends of Old Economy Village. It is part of Ambridge's Old Economy National Historic District and is among the region's most important historic sites
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  • Bob S
    Cincinnati, Ohio2,583 contributions
    A great resource for History Buffs
    If you have any interest in history this is a great place to learn about some early German immigrants who built Old Economy back in the early 1800's. Somewhat similar to the Shakers, it was a religious sect whose members believed the second coming of Christ was at hand. Like the Shakers, they adopted a vow of celibacy which was one of several factors contributing to their eventual demise. But they left behind some impressive buildings and artifacts that are now a National Historic Landmark. Located in the town of Ambridge, Pennsylvania it's an interesting look back at early Pennsylvania history.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 8, 2023
  • madenuzzio
    Ambridge, Pennsylvania17 contributions
    Wonderful for an event or tour
    I have been coming here for more than a decade as a neighbor, visitor and wedding vendor. It's wonderful to see a place so lovingly preserved by a dedicated team of volunteers and staff. The gardens are gorgeous, particularly in the spring and summer. It's a calm place to walk around, learn about a unique community and get a glimpse at a time not so long past. It's an outstanding place to hold an event, especially a wedding. There are few spots for an outdoor ceremony that rival it in Beaver County.
    Visited June 2019
    Written January 26, 2020
  • 59galtraveler
    Palmyra, Wisconsin408 contributions
    PraiseWorthy
    This village/museum is an interesting piece of history and the freedom this group sought to live their lives practicing their beliefs is so American. It is a wonderful history lesson, enterprising, hardworking, faith driven people creating all that they did is awesome. Be sure to watch the film before your tour and yes take the tour! The dressed in period clothing woman, Elaine had a good knowledge of the workings of this place. I want to go back to the church across the street and get a tour by the pastor. Such a progressive society and enlightened regarding education and natural science. Loved the Wine cellar, communal kitchen, music room and the houses. I'm bringing all my guests to PA here!
    Visited October 2013
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
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無名
Japan8,169 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
I didn't see a museum when I came. If I would have, I might have stopped. I came on a Saturday, and everything was closed even the visitor's center - maybe because it's a COVID year. Yeah next one's too. I picked up a map and it showed where every historical place was located in town, but they were just old buildings that could have been in any old town. Glad I just decided to drive by them and not walk the town. I saw only one information panel and a mapboard the whole time. I picked up a map and went around but there was nothing to see. Just the old buildings most not even restored. I guess you got to really dig deep to get any information cuz the map didn't provide any. I don't know, I don't want to be rude or anything, but maybe it's just better to let this history fade away. Don't see any reason to keep it alive. Kept playing that song "Making Love out of Nothing at All" by Air Supply in my mind over and over while I was driving around. They tried to make something out of nothing here.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ReginaReadsPA
NY34 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
We had some visitors to our area, north of Pittsburgh, and were looking for someplace different to go. We have experienced most all of the "must sees" in the area with friends from out of town. Browsing through some tour books, I suggested a trip to Old Economy Village. It was an excellent choice.

We arrived in Ambridge and had no difficulty finding the Visitor's Center. We had about a half hour before the next tour so we meandered through the gift shop and then proceeded to the exhibits. The incredible thing about Old Economy Village and the Harmonists is that when they dissolved, they just left everything, lock, stock, and barrel. The museum features original artifacts, tools, and many photos of Father Rapp and his family as well as a history of the migrations of the group. Well laid out, and clearly explained.

Sandy, our tour guide, met us there and showed us to a small room where we viewed an introductory movie, about 15 minutes. Then it was off to explore what remains of the Harmony days. The tour lasted about 2 1/4 hours and gave us such a clear picture of what life was like in the times of Rapp and his followers. Sandy was a great tour guide, full of information, anecdotal asides, and a passion for the area. She had worked in some capacity at the village since the 1970s when she was a teenage docent.

It was unfortunate we could not enter the Rapp house as it is undergoing reconstruction and renovation. We did get into the Carriage home, the beautiful gardens, the mechanics shop, the wine cellar, granary, Baker house, and the tool shop, to name a few. We came away with an understanding of the settlement and an appreciation of the people who lived there.

The tour involves extensive, but flat walking. Some of the sidewalks are uneven, and there are cobblestones to traverse. It would be difficult for someone in a wheel chair or walker.

It is a shame Old Economy Village is missed by visitors to the Pittsburgh area. The foundation struggles to preserve this piece of history and it will be too bad if they cannot continue to get grant or government monies to help out. In the meantime, they will rely on visitors to the settlement and the admission that is paid for the tours.
Written June 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mary320
Pennsylvania69 contributions
May 2013 • Family
Go to the visitor center first to view exhibits and brief film about Father Rapp and his followers, then take the tour-about 2 hours. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. The guides are friendly and extremely knowledgeable.
We'd been there 20 years earlier & was well worth the return visit. Would love to go to a special event there.
Written May 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PennHillsTraveller
Penn Hills, PA37 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
This is a very interesting place for those who study American history. Not so much a cool place for kids. A German Lutheran Commune around 1750-1850, fairly successful.
Written June 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

psptraveler
Palm Springs, CA17 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Religious sects flourished in the early years of the U.S. This one was built by the Harmonist Society, a German Christian group that was sure the return of Christ was nigh. The Harmonists were very industrious, largely self-sufficient, and destined not to last because they believed in celebacy. The various buildings are well preserved and offer a glimpse into what life was like in Western Pennsylvania 200 years ago. Great for history buffs, schoolkids, and families.
Written May 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Judy S
Arden, NC169 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
A leisurely visit through one of the first communal village founded in PA with religious freedom. The community provided all food, housing, education and medical care free of charge. They grew their own crops, made clothing from cotton, silk and merino wool, cobbled shoes, made wine, whiskey, beer, smithing, printing press and post office. Later getting involved with railroad systems of the area. The volunteer guides where well informed and friendly.
Written April 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Millionmiles2013
Leetsdale, PA48 contributions
Sep 2013 • Solo
Hidden within a town that has fallen on hard times following the collapse of the steel industry there lies an historical landmark on par with Williamsburg, if not much smaller. The quality of the displays and the preservation of the structures if first rate. The window this village provides into the lives of the Economists, their culture and lifestyle, is compelling. Go see it and support their iefforts.
Written December 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bjoy4131
Columbia, SC73 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
I went here on a whim because Kennywood was closed. I love living history museums and this one is no exception. It was quiet the day I went and my companion and I had our own private tour. The guide was in period clothing and was knowledgable about the place and the people that lived there. She answered all of our questions and gave us time to peruse each building. This place has an interesting history and many things to see. There was even fruit in the garden that we were allowed to eat. The gift shop had nice souvenirs too.
Written October 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marigatta
Fairfield, CT84 contributions
Nov 2012 • Family
I visited Old Economy Village with friends and family and the young boys were delighted with most of the village grounds, but they were a bit too young to appreciate the full historical accuracy and representation of the era. A must see for adults who enjoy reliving the past and learning about religious sects and their economics during the 1800's.
Written October 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nick W
Los Angeles, CA6 contributions
Mar 2012 • Business
I really enjoyed visiting this place. The staff was so friendly and the neighborhood is super cool.
Written April 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Old Economy Village - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Old Economy Village is open:
  • Fri - Sun 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM



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