The Woodville Experience Capital Campaign

Join the effort in bringing the legacy of our past into the future!

ABOUT WOODVILLE:

The Woodville Experience is designed to educate, inspire, and bring early American history to life.

Over the past 235+ years, Woodville, home of John and Presley Neville, stood against the elements, rebel attacks, reconstruction, and unfortunately, neglect. During its early years, the grounds were a much welcomed rest stop and sanctuary for weary travelers and dignitaries. Most famously, it was a focal point for The Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s.

Today, Woodville is a National Historic Landmark, known for its rich history as the oldest standing residential property in western Pennsylvania. It was first constructed by Brigadier General John Neville in 1775, and its subsequent ties to the Whiskey Rebellion are a great part of what draws visitors. With your support, we envision being able to share countless more slices of history and important perspectives regarding early American life in the Pittsburgh region through the reconstruction project.


EXPERIENCING WOODVILLE:

Walking the grounds of Woodville, one can get a sense of the rich history that comes to life upon stepping foot on the property. In order to secure this extraordinary piece of history for generations to come, attract more visitors and members, and provide additional educational
programs, NHA has launched “The Woodville Experience” Capital Campaign in order to fund the necessary enhancements
to the site and our offerings.

With its focus on education about early American history, The Woodville Experience will include the Neville House, the Still House, and the Neville family gravestones. Its central feature will be the addition of a circa 1800 Belgian style bank barn, as well as an interpretive cabin depicting life at Woodville, a sheltered whiskey still, and a reclaimed 18th century field well.

We at Neville House Associates would like to request your support for our 2021 capital campaign to raise $300,000 - the site's largest and most significant fundraising undertaking to date. Today, Neville House Associates, the official stewards of Woodville, invite you to donate to the largest capital campaign in Woodville’s history. Your tax-deductible contribution will help NHA bring The Woodville Experience to life by funding a broad array of physical improvements to the site.


CREATING THE WOODVILLE EXPERIENCE:

This year, we are primarily focusing on the re-construction of a circa 1800 Belgian-style bank barn similar to one previously located on Woodville’s grounds. The barn, purchased by NHA, will be carefully disassembled, moved from its home in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and reassembled at Woodville. It will be a fully functioning facility suitable for events, concerts, and more.

Throughout the entire process, the authentic integrity of the barn will be preserved. Once completed, the barn will be used for:

• Hosting Woodville’s historical,
educational, and fundraising events
• An exhibition area
• NHA Offices
• Community, school, and civic group meetings
• Public events such as weddings, parties,
and social events offered under NHA’s
rental program

Other future additions to the Woodville Experience will include:

Construction of a late eighteenth-century
interpretive cabin:

• Learn about the men, women, and children who
lived at Woodville and maintained the property
and home, raised livestock, grew crops, tended the
gardens, distilled whiskey, cooked meals, and made
goods to sell at market

Construction of a shelter for a late eighteenth-century
whiskey still:

• Construction of a shelter to house a replica
whiskey still that was utilized on the property
for distilling rye whiskey
• Interpreting the making, transportation,
and selling of the rye whiskey

Neville Family Gravestone relocation for
prominent display

Reclamation of the original late eighteenth-century
field well that was used for watering crops and
personal consumption

In short, we believe that the success of this campaign will ensure Woodville's role as a focal point for local history. We aim for continuous education and community building for decades to come.

While we've already made great progress on the campaign, no donation amount is too small and we deeply appreciate your consideration.
 
The living history at Woodville is such a special treasure and we hope you'll join us in supporting the site so that others may experience its unique story for many, many years to come. Please don't hesitate to reach out for more information or with questions.