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Sharon Historical Society Tours Invite Visitors to Explore Local History Starting May 7

Sharon Historical Society Tours Invite Visitors to Explore Local History Starting May 7

Visitors looking to experience Sharon’s history beyond the pages of a book will have several opportunities to do so through upcoming tours hosted by the Sharon Historical Society. 

Explore the landmarks of the Shenango Valley of Mercer County, from Buhl Mansion to Oakwood Cemetery to downtown Sharon—and uncover the people and stories that shaped our community.

Tour the Historic Buhl Mansion

The Sharon Historical Society, in partnership with Buhl Mansion Boutique Hotel & Spa, will host guided spring history tours of the Frank H. Buhl Mansion. These hour-long tours give guests the chance to explore the mansion, the surrounding grounds, the carriage house, and the Victorian greenhouse while learning about Frank H. Buhl, the mansion’s 1891 construction, and its connection to the region’s industrial heritage.

Tours will be led by author and historian Taylor Galaska.

  • Dates: Thursday, May 7, Thursday, May 14, Sunday, May 17, and Thursday, May 21, 2026
  • Time: 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Carriage House at Buhl Mansion Boutique Hotel & Spa, 422 East State Street, Sharon, PA 16146
  • Cost: $20 per person
  • Reservations: Required in advance online or by phone at 724-301-7942

Walk Through History at Oakwood Cemetery

The Sharon Historical Society and Oakwood Cemetery Association will present guided Oakwood Cemetery tours centered on the theme “The Best of the Best.” The program begins with a welcome and orientation at the Veteran’s Bandstand before guests are guided in small groups to selected stops throughout the cemetery.

The tour highlights community leaders, cultural figures, veterans, and other notable individuals connected to the Shenango Valley. Each attendee will receive a free commemorative booklet with tour locations and additional historical information.

  • Dates: Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Oakwood Cemetery, 600 North Oakland Avenue, Sharon, PA 16146
  • Cost: Free and open to all
  • Reservations: No reservations needed
  • Note: The tour includes about 1.5 miles of walking on rolling, uneven terrain and may last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Discover Downtown Sharon on a Guided History Walk

The Sharon Historical Society and the Sharon Beautification Commission will also offer free Downtown Sharon History Walks. These guided walking tours explore the central business district and share stories about Sharon’s development, historic buildings, and unique places that are not always open to the public.

Possible stops include the Protected Home Circle Building (now Gilbert’s Risk Solutions), a hidden underground tunnel, historic Penn State Shenango campus buildings, private spaces at the Masonic Lodge Building (now The Corinthian), and the historic Columbia Theatre.

  • Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
  • Tour Times: 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
  • Location: Downtown Sharon, starting point to be announced closer to the event date
  • Cost: Free and open to all, donations appreciated
  • Note: The walk covers approximately 1.5 miles on flat, sometimes uneven terrain. Steps and walking are required.

Plan Your Visit to Mercer County, PA

These upcoming tours offer an inviting way to connect with Sharon’s past while exploring some of the city’s historic spaces in person. Guests are encouraged to review event details in advance, especially for tours that require reservations.

For full tour information and reservation details, visit the Sharon Historical Society events page.

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