Historical Society’s exclusive event is set for October 5, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Sharon Historical Society is proud to announce the return of a unique, behind-the-scenes, self-guided tour of several historic mansions (plus a few historic buildings) on the city’s East Hill. This will be an “explore at your own pace” event where attendees can enjoy the history of these grand old homes and buildings and their promising futures. Truly a photographer’s dream, this special event will be an opportunity to step inside the first floor of these historic homes and buildings and meet the owners. A few are businesses, others are private properties that aren’t open to the public regularly.
Stops will include the Wallis mansion (290 East State Street), the McDowell mansion (264 East State Street), the Whitla mansion (381 East State Street), the Willson mansion (555 East State Street), the old Buhl Armory/Girls Buhl Club (49 South Sharpsville Avenue), and the Forker Apartments (357 East State Street). A special souvenir handout detailing the tour stops and other interesting facts about the East Hill will be provided to participants. The Sharon Historical Society will also have memberships and publications available for purchase in their gift shop
“We are happy to offer this event for an ‘encore’ presentation after the success we had in the spring. This time, we have partnered with Jim Landino and Jen Krezeczowski of JCL Development to open two of their revitalized historic buildings that are now gorgeous apartments!,” said Taylor Galaska, Society President and Marketing Director. “If you came in the spring, you will see a few different buildings. If you didn’t make it in the spring, you will get to see some beautiful old mansions and historic buildings we all have a connection to.”
Mike Kotyk, Society Treasurer, said, “All the proceeds of this event will go directly to fulfilling our mission: to promote, to preserve, and to educate the public about the rich history we have here. We are proud to offer this event that brings people from a 30-mile radius to the city of Sharon for the day.”
The self-guided tour, which takes place Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., will involve walking on a steep grade and/or rolling, uneven terrain. Participants will be on their feet for the entire event so appropriate shoes and attire for the weather should be worn. These tours require a $10 ticket to be purchased at the event starting point. No reservations or tickets are required, however, we are offering pre-sale tickets to help with crowd control. You can purchase them online at: sharonhistoricalsociety.com/shop/october-2024-east-hill-mansions-tour-ticket
The event starting point and registration will be on the grounds of the Sharon Historical Society’s new headquarters, the Wallis Mansion History Center, at 290 East State Street, Sharon, PA 16146 on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. and will run until at least 4:00 p.m. Cash, check, or credit/debit cards will be accepted at registration for the $10 tour price.
Parking can be found in the lot at the Stevenson Funeral Home, the F. H. Buhl Club, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Daffin’s Candies, and other public parking lots and spots nearby.
The Sharon Historical Society was founded as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization in 2013. A dedicated group of local history aficionados banded together to promote and preserve our history while educating the public. The Society offers several free or economically-priced events annually for its members and the general public. In 2023, the organization celebrated its 10th anniversary with special events throughout the year. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Society’s Wallis Mansion History Center, the organization’s new headquarters and museum, set to open in the near future.
More information about the Sharon Historical Society can be found here: SharonHistoricalSociety.com

For additional information contact:
Taylor Galaska
President and Marketing Director
Sharon Historical Society
Phone: (724) 301-7942
Email: taylorgalaska@gmail.com