Hunt for history

Families invited to walk, eat and tally landmarks in Harmony, Zelienople

It’d be hard to find two neighboring small towns more pleasant for a day trip than Harmony and Zelienople in Butler County. Two of their many charms, the Harmony Museum and Zelienople Historical Society, have cooked up a creative way to encourage people to visit during the coronavirus pandemic: a scavenger hunt.

The “Hunt for History Scavenger Hunt” for families and groups runs from Thursday through Sept. 8. Booklets sell for $20 and cover up to four people, who can walk to 10 destinations in the two towns. Participants receive discounts at more than a dozen eateries, and if they complete the hunt, they’re entered in a drawing for a grand prize basket.

For hunters who really are into history, there are 10 additional places to find.

“And it can all be done while social distancing,” says Harmony Museum President Rodney Gasch. “I hope this gives Pittsburghers a fun reason to head north.”

Participating businesses include the Harmony Inn, Bottlebrush Gallery, Harmonie Laden, Wunderbar Coffee & Crepes, Lost Dog Records, Lagerhaus Bakery, Linden Tree Antiques, Union Brothers Brewing, Kaufman Tavern, Della Terra, Burg’ hers, Good fello’s, ShuBrew, the new General Shu’s, Vocelli Pizza and Spring & Main Cafe.

Booklets can be purchased through Sept. 4 at the Harmony Museum Shop (222 Mercer St., 16037) and Zelienople Historical Society (243 S. Main St., 16063) and online at harmonymuseum.org. There is a $1 charge to mail the booklet. Learn more at harmonymuseum.org or zeliehistory.org.

Harmony Museum Since 1810, a series of hotels and taverns have stood at the corner of West New Castle Street and Perry Highway in Zelienople. The current building, now called the Kaufman Tavern, is almost 120 years old.

Harmony Museum Scavenger hunters will need to look up to find Zelienople's town clock, which has been telling time for almost 100 years.