Storm brings tree down on historically significant building in Beaver County

AMBRIDGE, Pa. — A fallen tree damaged a historically significant building in Beaver County.

It happened at the Old Economy Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Ambridge.

According to the village’s social media page, a thunderstorm brought the tree down onto the community kitchen around 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

The kitchen is a “historically accurate rebuild” that houses artifacts and serves as a gathering space for the village’s programs and events, the post says.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is now drafting an emergency declaration to expedite funding to make the site safe and secure.

A tree company is preparing to remove the tree as soon as possible. Once it’s out of the way, the PHMC will assess the damage and stabilize the building. Curators will then remove artifacts displayed inside.

“We are working quickly to protect the site’s history and ensure our programs continue uninterrupted. We will keep you updated on our progress. Thank you for your continued support,” the village’s post says.

Old Economy Village preserves the legacy of the Harmony Society, a religious communal group from the 19th century, according to a release from the PHMC.

The village was established in 1824 and was known for its agricultural and industrial pursuits, as well as its piety. The village now features 17 original buildings and a garden that gives visitors a glimpse into the past.

“PHMC and Old Economy Village leadership are working as quickly as possible to resolve the situation, safeguard our collections, and restore this important community space so that our scheduled events and programming can continue safely,” the PHMC’s release says.

Dennis Lapic, who lives next door, said the destruction is significant.

“How do you tarp that building? The whole roof is caved in. There’s historic iron kettles in there, old wooden tools for cooking, big ol spoons,” Lapic said.

Old Economy Village is tied to the Harmony Society, a religious communal group from the 1700s and 1800s.

Lapic said he warned state officials about the tree after storms in March, claiming it showed signs of damage and decay.

“The state said no, the tree is healthy. And I claimed it wasn’t. They said end of story, act of God. They didn’t investigate,” he said.

He said he even submitted photos showing dead limbs and rot.

“Here we are, 30 days later another storm comes through this time instead of blowing into the public, it blew back into the state property and destroyed a very rare 200-year-old building,” Lapic said.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is now assessing the damage, working on an emergency declaration, and stabilizing the structure.

Lapic believes the damage will be costly.

“That’s a half a million dollar job right there. It was very preventable,” he said.

Once the building is deemed safe, specialists will remove the historic artifacts that were on display inside.

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