PA Museums

Exploring West Overton Village in Westmoreland County

A collage of photos taken at West Overton Village in Westmoreland County, PA. The top left image shows the exterior of the historic West Overton Distilling Co. building, labeled "Old Farm Pure Rye." The top right image features a museum display wall with vintage whiskey advertisements and a glass case filled with various whiskey bottles. The bottom left image highlights a collection of Old Overholt whiskey bottles, including a special presentation box and historical bottles. The bottom right image displays a model of a traditional whiskey still and an informative sign outlining the four basic steps of whiskey production followed by Abraham Overholt. This collage captures the rich heritage and historical significance of whiskey production at West Overton Village.

If you’re looking for information about visiting West Overton Village in Westmoreland County, you’re in the right place!

Historical marker denoting the birthplace of Henry Clay Frick, is a prominent brick building with a large front porch and multiple chimneys. A blue sign in the foreground indicates its historical significance. The house is surrounded by a well-maintained lawn, a white picket fence, and blooming flowers, emphasizing its historic charm. This site is part of West Overton Village, which preserves the heritage of whiskey production in Pennsylvania and houses an extensive collection of related artifacts.

West Overton Village is a historic site and museum that celebrates the colorful heritage of whiskey production in Pennsylvania.

A display at West Overton Village in Westmoreland County, PA, features a model of a traditional whiskey still alongside an informative sign detailing the four basic steps of whiskey production followed by Abraham Overholt. The steps include milling the grain, mashing the grain with hot water and malt, fermenting the mash with yeast, and distilling the mash to collect the distillate. This exhibit, set against a backdrop of rustic brick and wood, offers visitors an educational insight into the historic whiskey production process.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, West Overton Village preserves the distilling complex and many surrounding structures that produced one of the country’s oldest and most renowned rye whiskey brands.

The museum at West Overton Village is home to the largest publicly accessible collection of artifacts related to Pennsylvania’s long history of whiskey production, with more than 450 objects on display.

A display at West Overton Village features an extensive collection of historic whiskey bottles showcased in a glass case. The adjacent wall is adorned with vintage whiskey advertisements from various brands, including Old Overholt and Monongahela Straight Whiskey, creating a visually striking tribute to Pennsylvania's whiskey production heritage. The wooden floor and exposed beams add a rustic charm to the exhibit, emphasizing the historical significance of the artifacts. This display is part of the museum's comprehensive collection, which celebrates the rich history and cultural impact of rye whiskey in Pennsylvania.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

West Overton Village is located at 109 W Overton Rd, Scottdale, PA 15683.

The museum and grounds are open from May to October, Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

An exhibit at West Overton Village features a large wooden whiskey barrel from 1909, marked with "West Overton Distilling Co." The barrel is displayed behind an informative sign titled "Whiskey & Industry," which details the history of whiskey production at West Overton. The text explains the distillery's growth, technological updates, and eventual move to a sister distillery in Broad Ford. The exhibit highlights the significance of this 1909 barrel as the only known surviving barrel from the distillery, emphasizing its historical value. This display is part of the museum's extensive collection celebrating Pennsylvania's rich whiskey-making heritage.

Guided tours are offered on the hour, starting at 10:00 a.m., with the last tour beginning at 3:00 p.m.

A vintage wooden sign advertising Old Overholt pure rye whiskey, displayed at West Overton Village in Westmoreland County, PA. The sign features a painted depiction of the distillery complex and a bottle of Old Overholt whiskey, highlighting its establishment in 1810 and its reputation as a bottled-in-bond whiskey. West Overton Village, a historic site and museum, celebrates the colorful heritage of whiskey production in Pennsylvania. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the village preserves the distilling complex and many surrounding structures that produced one of the country’s oldest and most renowned rye whiskey brands. The museum houses over 450 artifacts related to Pennsylvania’s long history of whiskey production.

As of 2024, admission fees are: $18 for adults | $16 for seniors and military personnel | $12 for children aged 6-17 | free for children 5 and under.

An informational panel at West Overton Village details the history and characteristics of Monongahela Rye, a type of whiskey distilled in southwestern Pennsylvania and named after the Monongahela River. The text explains that there is no industry standard for Monongahela Rye, but it is generally believed to use a mash bill of predominantly rye and a smaller amount of malted barley. Factors influencing its production include the strains of rye, types of stills, regional climate and water quality, aging process, and distillers' expertise. The panel highlights companies like Overholt, Large, Dillinger, Gibson, Sam Thompson, and Guckenheimer for their esteemed reputations in distilling Monongahela Rye.

About West Overton Village

Under the leadership of Abraham Overholt, what began as a 263-acre family farm in 1803 grew into an industrial village that supported a prosperous whiskey distillery, as well as a grist mill, coal mine, farm, and other businesses.

An informative display at West Overton Village featuring a biography of Abraham Overholt, a prominent distiller. The exhibit includes a sepia-toned portrait of Overholt and text detailing his business acumen, including his investments in new technology, such as upgrading his distillery, adopting steam power, and purchasing advanced farming equipment to increase efficiency and profitability.

By 1870, the community boasted 50 buildings, including a general store, school, and post office, and was home to 250 residents who worked for the Overholts’ various enterprises.

A picturesque view of the West Overton Historical House, the birthplace of Henry Clay Frick, showcases the large brick mansion with a front porch and two chimneys. In the foreground, a charming stone building is surrounded by a vibrant garden filled with blooming flowers and enclosed by a white picket fence. The well-maintained lawn and clear blue sky add to the serene and historical ambiance of the site. This scene is part of West Overton Village, which preserves the rich heritage of whiskey production in Pennsylvania and houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to this history.

Today, West Overton Village preserves 19 of those historic buildings and spans 40 acres.

A historic brick building at West Overton Village, marked with "Overton Stock Farm" on its facade, stands under a bright blue sky. In front of the building, a red wooden wagon with large wheels holds several wooden barrels, evoking the site's rich history in whiskey production. The setting, surrounded by well-preserved structures and green spaces, highlights the village's significance in Pennsylvania's whiskey heritage.

The museum at West Overton Village is housed in one of those 19 historic buildings, the former Overholt distillery and grist mill.

A historic brick building at West Overton Village, labeled "West Overton Distilling Co. Old Farm Pure Rye," stands prominently under a bright blue sky. This building, part of the preserved distilling complex, reflects the rich heritage of rye whiskey production in Pennsylvania. An entrance sign indicates that the distillery is open for tours, inviting visitors to explore the extensive collection of artifacts related to the state's whiskey-making history.

What You’ll See at the Museum

The first floor of the museum focuses on the history of the Overholt family and the various trades and craftspeople whose work supported the whiskey distillery.

An exhibit at West Overton Village dedicated to John Lloyd Shallenberger, a farmer, illustrating the challenges and technological advancements in grain harvesting during the mid-1800s. The display features a large mural of a farmer using a grain cradle in a golden wheat field, with informative panels detailing Shallenberger's life and contributions. The text explains how new inventions improved efficiency in planting and harvesting, highlighting the hard work involved in farming on the Overholt's 260-acre farm. This exhibit emphasizes the importance of agricultural innovations in supporting the whiskey production industry.

Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the intricate process of whiskey production and the community’s role in its success.

An exhibit at West Overton Village highlights the importance of whiskey warehouses and barrels in the aging process. The display features a wooden barrel with an informative sign explaining that many Pennsylvania distilleries aged their whiskey in steam-heated brick warehouses, which helped the whiskey age faster and more consistently. The sign also describes how whiskey straight out of a still is clear, or "white," and gains its amber color and flavors from being stored in charred oak barrels. A historical map of the Hamburger Distillery in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, from 1913 is also included, courtesy of Penn State University Libraries. This exhibit is part of the museum's collection that celebrates Pennsylvania's whiskey production heritage.

Nearly everything required for whiskey production and sales was created on site at West Overton: they cultivated rye in their own fields, milled the grain in their own gristmill, made their own wooden barrels, and managed the waste “mash” from distillation by feeding it to their hogs.

An exhibit at West Overton Village showcasing the craft of coopering, or barrel-making, essential to the whiskey production process. The display includes historical tools and technology used by coopers, a large wooden barrel, and an informative panel about the warehouses at West Overton. A prominent portrait of Daniel F. Niswonger, a skilled cooper, accompanies the exhibit, along with descriptions of his contributions to the trade. The exhibit highlights the evolution of coopering techniques and the significant role these craftsmen played in the whiskey industry.

The second floor of the museum is home to the James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center.

A display of vintage Dillinger Rye Whiskey bottles at West Overton Village, showcasing various styles and labels from the historic Dillinger Distilling Company. The exhibit highlights the rich heritage of Pennsylvania's whiskey production, with intricately designed bottles that reflect the branding and packaging evolution over time. The collection is part of the museum's extensive array of artifacts celebrating the state's long-standing whiskey-making traditions.

This portion of the museum features a timeline of whiskey production in Pennsylvania, highlighting key moments and innovations in the industry.

An exhibit at West Overton Village showcases a detailed timeline of Pennsylvania's whiskey production history. The display includes various historical artifacts such as vintage whiskey bottles, a metal pitcher, wooden crates labeled with different distillery names, and old advertising signs. Informative panels highlight key events, such as the production of 7.2 million gallons of whiskey by 73 distilleries in 1900, the impact of the 18th Amendment in 1920 that made whiskey production illegal, and the industry's recovery by 1933. This exhibit is part of the museum's extensive collection, illustrating the rich heritage of rye whiskey production in Pennsylvania.

The centerpiece of the second floor is a display of over 250 whiskey bottles from the late 19th to late 20th centuries, representing some of the most successful distilling companies in Pennsylvania history.

An exhibit at West Overton Village features a wall adorned with colorful vintage whiskey advertisements and a display case filled with an extensive collection of historic whiskey bottles. The advertisements highlight various brands, including Old Overholt, Old Farm, and Monongahela Straight Whiskey, showcasing the rich history of whiskey production in Pennsylvania. The display case on the right contains numerous bottles, reflecting the evolution of packaging and branding over the years. Wooden barrels and the rustic wooden floor add to the historical ambiance of the museum, which celebrates Pennsylvania's long-standing whiskey heritage.

This impressive collection offers a visual journey through the evolution of whiskey packaging and branding.

A display at West Overton Village features a collection of vintage whiskey bottles and a ceramic jug from the Greensburg Distilling Co., Greensburg, PA. The exhibit showcases various bottles, including those labeled Gibson's Pure Rye Whiskey, with intricate designs and historical labels. This collection highlights the rich heritage of Pennsylvania's whiskey production and offers a glimpse into the packaging and branding of the past. The display is part of the museum's extensive artifacts celebrating the state's long-standing whiskey-making traditions.

Other Sites to See at West Overton Village

In addition to the museum, visitors can explore several other historic sites within West Overton Village.

A photo taken at West Overton Village in Westmoreland County, PA, showing the small stone house where Henry Clay Frick was born, with a sign above the door indicating its historical significance. In the background, the large brick building of the West Overton Distilling Co., labeled "Old Farm Pure Rye," is visible. West Overton Village is a historic site and museum that celebrates Pennsylvania's whiskey production heritage. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it preserves the distilling complex and many surrounding structures that produced one of the country’s oldest and most renowned rye whiskey brands. The museum houses over 450 artifacts related to Pennsylvania’s long history of whiskey production.

The Overholt Mansion, once the home of the distillery’s founding family, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the era.

A front view of the West Overton Historical House, the birthplace of Henry Clay Frick, features a large brick building with two chimneys and a spacious front porch. The house is set behind a well-maintained lawn with a central pathway leading to the entrance, flanked by a white picket fence. The surrounding greenery and clear blue sky enhance the historical charm of the building. This site is part of West Overton Village, which preserves the history of whiskey production in Pennsylvania and showcases an extensive collection of artifacts.

Because of their Mennonite faith, the mansion is beautiful, but certainly not ostentatious.

A beautifully preserved bedroom at West Overton Village, showcasing period furnishings including an ornate four-poster bed with a patterned quilt, a marble fireplace, an antique clock on the mantel, a grandfather clock, and wooden window shutters. The room exudes 19th-century charm, reflecting the historic ambiance of this renowned whiskey production site in Pennsylvania.

The Henry Clay Frick birthplace at Overholt Village is another notable site.

A bronze plaque at West Overton Village marks the birthplace of Henry Clay Frick, stating "Henry Clay Frick Born Here December 19, 1849." The plaque is affixed to a stone surface, commemorating the historical significance of Frick's birthplace within the village. This marker highlights the connection of the prominent industrialist to West Overton Village, which is celebrated for its rich heritage in whiskey production and its preserved historical structures.

Industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the grandson of Abraham Overholt, was born in the springhouse in front of the mansion in 1849.

A view at West Overton Village showing the small stone springhouse where Henry Clay Frick was born, with its quaint structure featuring a shingled roof and white-trimmed windows and door. In the background, the large brick building labeled "Overton Stock Farm" stands prominently, highlighting the historical significance of the area. The scene is framed by greenery, a white picket fence, and a clear blue sky, reflecting the well-preserved heritage of this historic site known for its whiskey production history in Pennsylvania.

Frick later partnered with Andrew Carnegie and became one of the wealthiest and most significant industrialists in American history.

And if you’ve ever had a chance to tour his estate in Pittsburgh, you may agree with me that perhaps Frick was “overcompensating” just a bit for his rather humble beginnings.

The Frick estate mansion in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stands majestically with its elaborate Victorian architecture, featuring steep gables, decorative trim, and an ornate enclosed porch. The creamy beige façade is complemented by the brownstone accents and slate roof, while the surrounding landscape is beginning to show signs of spring with leafless trees and a bright green lawn.

Visitors to West Overton Village can also visit the West Overton Distillery, where they can learn more about the distillation process and sample some of the distillery’s whiskey.

A sign at West Overton Village announces that the distillery is open, offering rye whiskey tastings, cocktails, and bottle sales. The sign stands on a gravel path with dry grass in the background, inviting visitors to experience the rich heritage of whiskey production celebrated at this historic site.

Located in a former livestock barn on the property, the distillery began producing Monongahela rye whiskey in 2020, the first time whiskey was produced on site since Prohibition.

Two bottles of Pennsylvania White Rye whiskey from West Overton Distilling are displayed on a wooden surface at West Overton Village. The bottle on the left, labeled "St. Clair's Spirits," features an image of General Arthur St. Clair and notes its origin in Scottdale, PA. The bottle on the right is labeled "West Overton Distilling" and includes an illustration of the historic distillery. Both bottles are 375 ml and highlight the continuation of the region's rich whiskey-making tradition, celebrated and preserved at the museum in West Overton Village.

By teaching visitors about the history, heritage, and science of rye whiskey, the distillery supports the educational mission of West Overton Village.

A modern copper still used for distilling whiskey at West Overton Village is prominently displayed. The still features a conical top with a thermometer and various pipes and fittings, set against a rustic brick wall backdrop. Surrounding the still are hoses and tools, indicating the active use of the equipment in the whiskey-making process. This contemporary setup is part of the ongoing tradition of rye whiskey production celebrated at West Overton Village, which preserves the historical significance and heritage of Pennsylvania's distilling industry.

Final Thoughts

West Overton Village is a captivating destination for anyone interested in the history of whiskey production in Pennsylvania.

With its extensive collection of historic artifacts, informative exhibits, and beautifully preserved buildings, West Overton Village offers a rich and educational experience.

A parlor room inside the West Overton Historical House features a wooden fireplace mantel with an ornate clock on top, a vintage heating unit, and logs stacked beside it. A piano with sheet music and an antique dress on a mannequin add to the room's historical ambiance. The walls are adorned with a detailed mural depicting a scenic countryside, enhancing the room's period charm. This room is part of the West Overton Village, which preserves the history of whiskey production and showcases numerous artifacts related to Pennsylvania's heritage.

Whether you are a whiskey enthusiast or a history buff, a visit to West Overton Village provides a unique opportunity to explore the colorful history of one of Pennsylvania’s oldest industries.

A display of vintage Guckenheimer rye whiskey bottles at West Overton Village in Westmoreland County, PA. The bottles are showcased in a glass case, highlighting their historical significance. West Overton Village, a historic site and museum, celebrates the colorful heritage of whiskey production in Pennsylvania. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and preserves the distilling complex and surrounding structures that produced one of the country’s oldest and most renowned rye whiskey brands. The museum houses over 450 artifacts related to Pennsylvania’s long history of whiskey production.

For more information, please visit West Overton Village’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

A display of framed vintage advertisements for Old Overholt rye whiskey at West Overton Village in Westmoreland County, PA. The ads highlight the rich history and enduring popularity of Old Overholt, featuring slogans and imagery from different time periods. West Overton Village, a historic site and museum, celebrates the colorful heritage of whiskey production in Pennsylvania. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and preserves the distilling complex and surrounding structures that produced one of the country’s oldest and most renowned rye whiskey brands. The museum houses over 450 artifacts related to Pennsylvania’s long history of whiskey production.

Nearby Attractions

22 Must-See Attractions in Westmoreland County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near West Overton Village.

A collection of four photos depicting attractions in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A large historic cannon displayed outside with the Fort Ligonier museum entrance in the background. Top right: A whimsical, large book-shaped mural with a fairy tale theme, inviting visitors to walk through to a park. Bottom left: A person stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stunning autumn forest vista. Bottom right: A lineup of colorful kayaks and canoes on the grassy shore of a tranquil lake with a dock in the background.

Find even more destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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