old economy village

This 6 acre site in the historic district of Ambridge is all that remains of over 3,000 acres of the original village of Economy, built by the Harmony Society beginning in 1824. Old Economy contains several surviving & restored buildings. We took a tour (about 2-hours) that begins at the 16th Street Visitor's Center. We visited many of the original buildings containing original furniture and equipment. Our tour guide did an excellent job and (thanks to her 30 years of experience) answered all of our questions.

traveled to old economy with EAIA. Very nice presentation and knowledgeable docents who went above and beyond to make our visit a pleasure.

We took the guided tour of this 19th century village and learned a lot about the history of the Harmony Society along the way. The volunteer tour guides did an excellent job. There is a nice visitor center and gift shop as well.

If you have been to Williamsburg or Deerfield Village, this is a place you will enjoy. Not as large or well known, but a little gem. The Harmonite society is gone, but their historic homes and way of life remains in the village. Spend a quiet afternoon walking the grounds, the garden, the homes.

The village was a small part of the original settlement but had lots left to depict the every day life of the people that lived there in its hay day. There were excellent volunteers but could use some better funding as there is lots that could be done to bring the site up to a very thorough historic setting. It is still worth the visit.

We looked this up on TripAdvisor and was surprised with the history. We went on a Saturday at 1 and was not crowded at all. The garden was just blooming and my husband loved the wine cellar part of the tour. I loved some of the hands on activities that were directed towards children and adults. We will definitely be going again.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I remember going to Old Economy Village as a child, on an elementary field trip, and making homemade butter and seeing woman dressed in big gowns and bonnets. It had been nearly two decades since that trip, so I decided to stop in on one of the "free days" they had been offering. It was such a neat place! The tour started with a video that was maybe thirty min long and was a quick summary of the history of the village. It was very informative and interesting. We then went on a self guided tour of the grounds and curiously looked thru every building. We especially loved the wine room which was an underground cellar you would never expect to see! I'm not even a wine drinker but the history of that room alone, as told by the volunteer staff was so interesting!Almost everyone you see on the grounds of old economy village are volunteers and are quite knowledgeable, friendly and eager to give you a glimpse into the past. It is a neat place and is exceptionally beautiful in the gardens in the summer. It's a must-see if you're in the area!

Locals and visitors alike: go to Old Economy. Bonus: if you have a Pittsburgh "Enjoy" coupon book you can save $10 with a 2-for-1 coupon. You'll learn much fascinating, important history. Back in the 1800s there were several religious sects (not cults) and the Harmonists were probably one of the most successful, both in spiritual and material aspects. They were the right people at the right time and the right place; being so close to Pittsburgh during the Industrial Revolution no doubt was a huge part of their monetary success, which enabled them to become closer to the Divine. Here was a mixture of the sacred and profane that apparently worked. My boyfriend and I had a private tour (we were there when it first opened) and our guide, Eileen, was fantastic--kudos to her for wanting to wear her authentic outfit, although it was hot that day. She shared so much interesting history; she didn't rush us and was able to answer all my questions quite satisfactorily. Give yourself at least 2 1/2 hours, you don't want to rush this attraction. The gardens, though not very big, weren't small either; they are a good place to rest after the tour and let all your new knowledge sink in. It's one thing to read about history in a book, or see a DVD; it's quite another to physically walk in the same places where many of the people you'll learn about actually spent their lives. During the tour if you need a restroom, there's very nice ones in the garden area. Although there is a lot of walking, the tour guide's discussion breaks it up, so don't be dissuaded. Ask your guide about the labyrinth (an ancient walking meditation) ; that's the one thing I was hoping to do (the site in Indiana has a gorgeous one) but it was removed some time ago. But you can buy a labyrinth mirror in the souvenir store and there is a small notation about it right at the entrance of the small but worthwhile museum.

My family and I have lived in Western Pennsylvania for nearly 10 years and had never visited Old Economy Village. Soon after we arrived on a Saturday afternoon in April, we watched the orientation video. It provided an informative history of the Harmonists and set the stage well for our tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly, and allowed our small group to take its time in each area. We were disappointed that the Rapp house was not open because of renovations, but still saw a lot. After the tour, we were able to wander the property at our leisure. The visitor's center is quite nice. It has a small exhibit area, restrooms, and gift ship. Parking is plentiful. Don't miss the ugly little building in the garden. There's a nice surprise inside!

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.

I had an outdoor wedding here in the gardens. It was a lovely setting, and economical for this type of event at the time I was married. I had absolutely no complaints.