Friendship Hill Association

08/12/2026

On this day...

August 12, 1849, Abraham Alfonse Albert de Gallatin dies in Astoria, New York at the age of 88. Gallatin is remembered as the fourth Secretary of the Treasury, finding the funding for the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the National Road. He helped lower the national debt and served in local, state, national and international positions.

During the first meeting of the New York Historical Society following Gallatin’s death, the president of that organization, Luther Bradish says of Gallatin:

“The name of Mr. Gallatin is emphatically a name of history. Few men have lived in any age whose biographies have been so intimately connected with the history of the country. Living in one of the most interesting periods of the world, a period of great events, of the discussion of great principles and the settlement of great interests, almost the whole of his long and active life was passed in public service amidst the events and in those discussions...He has well been called, “Citizen of the World.”

Gallatin is buried at Trinity Church yard in lower town Manhattan next Hannah, his beloved wife of almost 56 years on August 15th. He and Hannah are in the Nicholson family plot. Friendship Hill National Historic Site preserves the home built by Gallatin to share his legacy. Visit www.nps.gov/frhi for more information.



Photos credits: https://www.archives.gov/nhprc/projects/catalog/albert-gallatin

08/03/2026

The annual Whiskey Rebellion-Festifall at Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Point Marion, Pennsylvania, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 5–6, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM. The free event features 18th-century weapons demonstrations, food trucks, local artisans, live music, and guest speakers focusing on Albert Gallatin and the 1791–1794 Whiskey Conflict.

Below listed are the current participants for this year's Some additional may be added later.

The proposed location assignments on the Mansion porch and front lawn are attached.

Bill of Fare: Food Vendors in Amphitheater near picnic tables THE BBQ BUGGY/Waynesburg-Steve Lavish: Ribs, brisket & more; Mom Murucas: Drinks & ice creme, salads

Shopkeepers & Tradesmen & Crafts

Katie Baldwin – period clothing and music [Mansion]

Cheryl Peers & Debra Booher – quilting

Tim Bible: frames, mirrors, and other barnwood items

Michelle Douyon – soy candles, wax melts, fragrance sprays

Doug Plance – Farm implements; history and use of rye grain

Greene County Dulcimer Players - Kathy Miller [Mansion]

Mike Lubich – Blacksmith

Girl Scouts – Alycia Jerrett leader Hannah’s Head Garlands

Pete Pasqua – wood carving

Oliver Miller Homestead: Whiskey Rebellion in Washington Co.

Sons of America Revolution - Arthur St. Clair chapter

Sons of American Revolution - Washington PA chapter

Taylor Miller – silhouettes [Mansion]

Alice Harris – potted herbs, teas, sachets, potpourri

Brian Cunning - Gorge Washington

Ron Duquette - Albert Gallatin

Brady Crytzer - Author, educator

6 pounder cannon - National Park Service

07/31/2026

Thank you to our Rangers!

On World Ranger Day, we celebrate the dedication, courage, and commitment of rangers who protect and care for national parks and protected areas around the world. Rangers serve in countless roles, from law enforcement and search and rescue to conservation, fire management, interpretation, and education, helping safeguard the places, stories, and communities entrusted to their care.

The day also recognizes the power of collaboration among rangers worldwide, including efforts by the National Park Service to share knowledge, exchange expertise, and advance innovative approaches to protecting our natural and cultural heritage.

Today, we honor the rangers who answer the call to serve and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting these special places for generations to come.

Image: A close-up of a classic park ranger flat hat bathed in sunset light, resting on a rocky surface at Acadia National Park.

07/24/2026

The Whiskey Rebellion documentary will be airing on WQED on the following dates:

📅 Sunday, August 2 at 6:30 PM
📅 Tuesday, August 4 at 4:00 PM
📅 Thursday, August 6 at 11:00 PM

If you haven't had the chance to see it yet, be sure to tune in and experience the story of one of America's most significant early rebellions. Don't forget to share with your fellow history lovers!

07/04/2026

07/01/2026

⚠️ Visitors, please be aware that a black bear with three cubs has been spotted in the park. This is an exciting sight, but also a reminder to use extra caution while enjoying the trails. Black bears have an acute sense of smell, but relatively poor vision.

Please remember:
• Give bears plenty of space. Never approach a bear or cubs.
• Keep pets leashed and close to you at all times.
• Stay alert, make noise while hiking, and avoid surprising wildlife.
• If you see the bear family, slowly back away and leave the area.
• If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response.
• If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell “Hey Bear” until it leaves.

JULY AT A GLANCE:
By July, cubs born this year have grown to the size of a raccoon or a small dog with big ears. Yearling bears now on their own can be the size of medium dogs. Bears of both sexes mark trees and adult bears mate. Cubs smell their mother's breath to learn what's good to eat. Bears' great memories help them return to proven food sources.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Cub and a Yearling:

Yearling bears are about 18 months old in July and out on their own for the first time. Sometimes people mistake these young bears for abandoned cubs and think they need help. In July, cubs of the year are about the size of a raccoon or a small dog; yearlings are usually quite a bit bigger, closer to medium-sized dogs.

Thank you for helping us keep both wildlife and visitors safe!

06/29/2026

Please DO NOT touch, pick up, or feed the deer at Friendship Hill National Historic Site.

Handling or feeding deer human food can cause serious harm. One of the greatest risks is rumen acidosis, a potentially fatal digestive condition that can lead to rapid and sporadic deaths among wild ruminants such as deer, elk, and moose.

Feeding deer is also a federal violation under 36 CFR 2.2(a)(2). A person convicted of violating this regulation may be fined, imprisoned for up to six months, or both, and may also be required to pay all court costs associated with the proceedings.

If you witness someone feeding or handling deer, please helPennsylvania Game Commissioneporting the activity to park staff at 724-329-2501 or to the PennsNational Park Serviceon at 1-833-PGC-WILD.

The best thing you can do for all wildlife while visiting any National Park Service site is to observe them from a safe distance and leave them undisturbed. Let's keep wildlife wild by respecting these guidelines.

Thank you for helping us protect Friendship Hill's wildlife and preserve a safe, healthy environment for future generations to enjoy.

06/29/2026

ATTENTION VISITORS

On June 29, 2026, we are continuing the process of habitat restoration at Friendship Hill National Historic Site. Our meadows will be getting the second treatment in this process. Please look for these signs to identify the three meadows being sprayed. You may notice changes to familiar fields while visiting this park.

The recommendation is to avoid walking directly through the meadows for four hours after the treatment. There are buffer zones along the road and trails where herbicide will not be applied, so those are fine to walk.

The National Park Service is rebuilding and improving native grasslands across parks in the eastern United States in
partnership with the Southeastern Grasslands Institute.

Thank you for your patience as we care for these landscapes and support the species that depend on them. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to stop at the Visitor Center when the house is open, or call the Fort Necessity National Battlefield any day at 724-329-5805.

05/27/2026

On this day...

May 26th, 1832, the sale agreement between Gallatin and a fellow Swiss immigrant Albin Mellier for Friendship Hill is finalized. Mellier will offer Gallatin $3,500 for the house, all outbuildings and any furniture left in the house as of the end of March. Gallatin reluctantly agrees to this price as he would rather retire and live his remaining days here but agrees to leave at the urging of his family.