This spring, Ligonier Valley Historical Society and Penguin Court, a Preserve of Brandywine Conservancy, both located in Laughlintown, will host a native plant sale. These organizations are passionate about conserving and preserving the history and legacy of the Laurel Highlands. What better way to keep Pennsylvania beautiful than through an appreciation of her native flowers? These flowers paint the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands. Planted strategically in gardens, these flowers will progressively bloom throughout Pennsylvania's spring and summer seasons.

Pre-orders begin April 1, and will run through April 24. All pre-orders MUST be pre- paid.

Supplies are limited, and will sell out quickly!

Any combination of these native plants will be sure to make your garden stand out!

1. Columbine - Aquilegia canadensis

2. Butterfly Weed - Asclepias tuberosa

3. Common Milkweed - Asclepias syriaca

4. Swamp Milkweed - Asclepias incarnata

5. Cardinal Flower - Lobelia cardinalis

6. Great Blue Lobelia - Lobelia siphilitica

7. Purple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea

8. Wild Bergamot / Bee Balm - Monarda fistulosa

9. Slender Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

10. Oxeye Sunflower - Heliopsis helianthoides

11. Wild senna - Senna hebecarpa

12. Aromatic Aster - Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

13. Showy Aster - Aster spectabilis

The Native Plant Sale will take place May 9, from 8:00am to 1:00pm, at Compass Inn Museum.

Pre-orders may be picked up at Compass Inn Museum:

Friday, May 8, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Saturday, May 9, from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Sunday, May 10, from 11:00am to 4:00pm

Call Ligonier Valley Historical Society at 724-238-6818 or email tgrohall@compassinn.org to receive your pre-order catalog!

Spring is around the corner and so is the Ligonier Valley Historical Society's 29th annual "Tastes of the Town". Enjoy a tasting of mouth-watering appetizers, entrees, desserts, and pastries from some of the area's finest restaurants, bakeries, and delis.

Tickets are $40 for Historical Society members and $45 for non-members.

They are available for purchase at:

Betsy's of Ligonier

Post and Rail Men's Shop

Ligonier Valley Historical Society in Laughlintown.

The goal of "Tastes" is not only to throw a great party but also to raise money that supports ongoing educational programs at Compass Inn Museum as well as core support for the Society’s mission of "Keeping Our History Alive". Giving back has never tasted so good.

To add to the excitement and fun, there will be a basket raffle, Mystery Money Envelops and a special raffle where you can win one of three exciting prizes.

You will not want to miss the chance to vote for your favorite restaurant to win the "Crowd Favorite" (AKA Big Fork) Award. Last year's winner was Foggy Mountain Lodge.

Contact the Historical Society at 724-238-6818 for more information on table reservations and sponsorship packages.

We have worked to develop an engaging field trip for students that is not only aligned to the Pennsylvania State Standards, but also provides an opportunity for students to practice their critical thinking skills in a fun and welcoming environment.

Our field trips engage students with history through interaction with primary sources such as artifacts and buildings while providing real life connections to the past. Costumed docents lead age-appropriate guided tours of our 19th century Inn, blacksmith forge, cookhouse, and barn including a restored stagecoach and Contestoga Wagon. Through tours, students strengthen their visual literacy and critical thinking skills by careful observation of the historic environment. Students' experiences are enriched through multi sensory activities: cooking over an open fire, dipping candles creating a tin punch lantern, or smelling burning coal from our 19th century blacksmith forge. Several activity options include crafts students may take home with them.

For more information or to schedule your field trip today, contact Amanda Seim at 724-238-4983 or aseim@compassinn.org.

Do you love history and like talking to people? Do you enjoy working with kids? Become a volunteer at Ligonier Valley Historical Society's Compass Inn Museum. Compass Inn Museum is currently recruiting volunteers to help out with the 2019 season. Volunteer opportunities for the 2019 season include school tours, regular tours, and working in the gift shop.

For more information, contact Amanda Seim at 724-238-4983 or aseim@compassinn.org.