A.D.White Research Society

06/19/2026

Sharing a great profile the Washington Observer-Reporter did of Jade Milvet's parents, Mike and Terry Milvet and Cross Creek’s Original Bait and Tackle Shop.

Jade is one of our volunteer Board Members and is the force behind our events, such as the History Fair; this year's event will be Nov 7 - Save the Date!

She is also an Interpreter and Tour Guide at Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village!

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a daily monthlong series about the people who live in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Mike Milvet might know Cross County Park Lake better than any living person. “I hunted and fished all my life. I’ve walk...

06/17/2026

It's A.D. White Wednesday!

Here is Issue 2, from May of 2000, containing a variety of Society updates, facts and speculation about the William McElroy family, reminiscences from students who attended the Turney School, excerpts from baptismal records and obituaries. and a mention of a shooting match in 1856!

06/10/2026

You've heard of Throwback Thursday? Well, today, we're starting AD White Wednesday!
Here is the very first edition of The Quill, the newsletter of the A.D. White Research Society! While some things have changed since our founding in 1998, what remains the same is our passion for and dedication to our mission of stewardship of the works of A.D White and other local historians and sharing them with the community!

06/03/2026

We need your help in rebuilding American History!

The reconstruction of the West Augusta Courthouse, the first courthouse west of the Allegheny Mountains, is in its final stretch before our June 14 dedication. This project is part of US250PA, and it has become one of the most meaningful ways our community is honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary.

We’re close. Really close. And this is the moment when extra hands make all the difference.

Whether you’re someone who can lift heavy timbers or someone who prefers low‑impact finishing work, there is truly something for everyone. Every hour helps. Every set of hands matters.

We’re on site this Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am to 7pm.
If you’ve been thinking about jumping in, now is the time. Come be part of something lasting. Something your kids and grandkids will point to and say, “We helped rebuild that.”

Let’s finish strong.
Let’s finish together.
Rebuilding American History.

Call of text 724-206-8709 if you are interested in volunteering. Or message out Facebook.

Courthouse reconstruction is located on Sylvan Drive of of Franklin Farms Road near the Dam. Turn on Grandview Drive from Franklin Farms and then right on Sylvan

06/03/2026

30 years ago today, Independence Township granted us an occupancy permit and that day we opened our doors to the public in conjunction with an early-summer history fair.

Our then President William N. Poellot, Jr. proposed that June 3, 2006, was the day the A.D. White Society "ended its preoccupation with acquiring a home and started the business of functioning as a
center for genealogy and history."

It was that day that well over a hundred people signed the register sheet and inspected our quarters at the Avella Train Station for the first time. For six hours the line continued as visitors enthusiastically asked questions and A.D. members elaborated on the workings of the Society. Time and time again we heard words similar to, "This is the best thing to happen to Avella in years!"

You can read the entire issue of The Quill here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16sGu8vTwl-9-dItclPlyZ0b5e_R6SmmN/view?usp=sharing

For the past two years we have been working to revitalize the organization and carry on our mission! If you're interested in working with us, ping us at info@adwhiteresearchsociety,org!

05/21/2026

The American Legion opens at 11!

05/20/2026

Stop in the Avella Train Station while you're in town!

05/11/2026

in 2008, Meadowcroft introduced the protective enclosure surrounding the Rockshelter, transforming how visitors experience this remarkable site.

The structure offers an up-close view of the archaeological site, while safeguarding it for ongoing research and future generations.

Plan your visit today to experience one of North America’s oldest and most extraordinary archaeological sites.

11/22/2025

We here at the A. D. White Research Center have been busy sorting and organizing the history of Avella Area families like yours, and we realized that this upcoming holiday season presents a plethora of opportunities to capture your family’s stories. You know, all those “I wish I’d written that down” moments!
In anticipation of conversations that will happen while you’re catching up and getting reacquainted with family members, we’ve put together some tips to get the stories flowing!

Here are some conversation-starter questions:
• What are your earliest childhood memories?
• Who was your childhood best friend?
• How did you celebrate your birthday?
• What is your favorite family recipe or dish?

When the story has already begun, here are some questions you can ask to keep it going:
• Where did this happen?
• Who was with you?
• Was it planned or spontaneous?
• Did anyone get hurt?
• Would you do it again?
• Did you get in trouble for it?

Some other tips:
• Put the voice recorder app on your phone home screen for easy access when the stories start! Later, you can use a Talk- to-Text application to get a transcript you can edit later.
• Show people photos and note the details in pencil on the back, capturing what you can of who is in the picture, what is the occasion, where was it taken, when was it taken. For group photos, specify names are Left or Right or whatever is appropriate so faces and named can be matched up.
• Ask others what details they can add to the info you have.
• Take pictures of items and mementos such as tickets, receipts, locks of hair, memorabilia, souvenirs of trips, etc. This can help you tie items that may be loose in boxes to the stories behind them.

We hope you capture some valuable memories and would love to hear them!