Every Wednesday we offer a suggestion of something to do in the Grove City area. For some these may be new ideas. For others, they may be reminders of what we have right here in our own community. This week’s What To Do Wednesday suggestion is History & a Milkshake! Read on for the full plan!
Grove City, PA is a community with a lot of history. While we may not learn about our area in a history textbook, we do have a lot of noteworthy history. Grove City, PA is mentioned in several books! Today’s What To Do Wednesday suggestion of History & a Milkshake will get you one step closer to accessing those books. You will also see history up close and personal.
Did you know that Grove City is home to the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum? The society was incorporated in 1998. It exists to preserve the History, Heritage, and Supporting Artifacts of the Grove City area. Located at 111 College Avenue in downtown Grove City, this is no ordinary building where they are housed. Formerly a hotel, this building has a main floor, a second floor, and a basement. Each level has multiple rooms and exhibits you can tour filled with historical artifacts from the Grove City area. You never know what you may discover while touring. There is even talk of a friendly ghost that resides there….will you feel their presence?
Upon entering the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum, you will notice there is no admission fee. However, donations are gladly accepted and help to offset costs. Feel like signing a guest book? This helps them discover all of the places people visit from. Want to buy Grove City themed items? Or, purchase your very own copy of one of the publications the Historical Society has lovingly produced? You are in luck! These are all available in the gift shop. But don’t get ready to leave yet, you still have an entire museum to discover!
There are historical displays and exhibits on the first floor, second floor, and even in the basement. Themed rooms tell the story of Grove City through historical items donated by the community. These items are from members of the community or their relatives, as well as businesses and organizations of yesteryear. The first floor has six areas to visit. The second floor has 15 different rooms and exhibits. Tour these at your leisure and see everything from sports, to agriculture, to business, and even clothing of past eras. The basement has five different areas to explore. These include a mail wagon, a coal mining display, and a celebration of our rich history in aluminum gift ware.
In addition, the Grove City Area Historical Society can help you with genealogical research and discoveries! They have volunteers dedicated to assisting you with your genealogy searches. You can also take a moment to peruse old copies of Grove City High School yearbooks! Find your class photo or those of friends and family. Just don’t make fun of any hairdos, they were popular at the time!
Before leaving the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum, take a moment to learn more about them. They have a Speaker’s Series, membership opportunities, and fundraisers. Each of these things help them to continue to care for and preserve our history. Without the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum, we wouldn’t have a place that celebrates our history. But, the story doesn’t end once you leave the building. Ask about the offsite display that houses one of the original pieces of our history, the Cunningham Wheel. This story is too good to miss!
Remember, our What To Do Wednesday suggestion was History & a Milkshake!
Now that you are rich with Grove City’s history, you can reflect upon everything you have seen. You can do this while enjoying another part of history that also has a place in the present. Go to nearby McDonald’s and enjoy a delicious milkshake. While we might not have a soda fountain or 50’s diner to accompany your historical voyage, we do have McDonald’s! Ours has been a wonderful part of Grove City for many years. They can serve you up a milkshake that will certainly hit the spot!
Remember, our What To Do Wednesday suggestions do not have to be done only on Wednesdays. Take our suggestions and plan your adventure. Grove City is waiting to be explored by you!
The Grove City Area Historical Society is open Tuesday – Saturday, mid-April to mid-December, from 12-3 PM. Admission is Free. Learn more by visiting https://www.grovecityhistoricalsociety.org/ and follow them on Facebook!