(File Photo of the Old Economy Village Logo)

AMBRIDGE, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr 15, 2026–Old Economy Village has announced its 2026 calendar of public programs and events, offering visitors a range of opportunities to explore 19th -century life through demonstrations, living history, and seasonal programming.

The 2026 season features several large-scale events scheduled throughout the year, beginning in the spring. On May 2, A Day in the Life: Civil War Living History will feature reenactors portraying both military and civilian experiences of the 1860s, including encampments, drills, and interpretive demonstrations across the site. The program will also include a period fashion show highlighting Civil War-era clothing, and visitors are encouraged to attend in period attire.

On August 22, the Heritage Grape Harvest Festival will highlight the site’s agricultural history with demonstrations related to grape harvesting and traditional practices, along with additional activities for visitors. The event reflects the historical importance of agriculture and communal labor within the Harmonist Society.

On December 5 and 6, Christmas in the Village will feature programming focused on 19th-century holiday traditions. Historic buildings throughout the site will be decorated, with demonstrations and seasonal activities interpreting how the community observed the season.

“In 2026, we’re focused on giving visitors opportunities to experience history in ways that are both engaging and accessible,” said Heather Hicks, Site Administrator at Old Economy Village. “Our programs highlight the craftsmanship, innovation, and shared labor that built communities like Economy and the nation as a whole, inviting visitors to connect with these stories through hands-on, meaningful experiences.”

In addition to these events, Old Economy Village will host an America250 series, which connects the site’s history to the broader context of the United States’ 250th anniversary, as well as Homeschool Days, which provide structured, hands-on educational programming for students and families.

Located in Beaver County, Old Economy Village preserves the history of the Harmonist community and provides year-round access to exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs. The 2026 event schedule is designed to complement ongoing interpretation at the site and encourage repeat visitation across multiple seasons.

A full calendar of events, including dates and program details, is available at www.oldeconomyvillage.org, (click here to visit website).

(File Photo of the Rochester Municipal Building)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Rochester, PA) Several businesses in Rochester are already feeling the effects of the closure of Route 68 between the Rochester Roundabout at Adams Street and Jefferson Street at Virginia Avenue, which happened a little over a week ago. According to PennDOT, this closure will remain in place through mid-November. That was one of the reasons for Philly Pretzel Factory closing permanently this Saturday. Rochester Turners also let a newer business, Nesmith Diner and Catering, to borrow its parking lot for customers during the day. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the New Brighton School District, Posted on Facebook on April 14th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Brighton, PA) Emma Ackerman, a student of the New Brighton School District, recently became a recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution-Fort McIntosh Chapter- DAR Good Citizen’s Award. Those that receive this award are recognized for their good character, dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. 

(File Photo of a Beaver County Transit Authority Bus)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Authorities with the Beaver County Transit Authority say they will install surveillance cameras at the Ambridge Park ‘N Ride bus stop, where racist graffiti was found on two separate occasions.  Each incident was reported by a BCTA rider, Maiya Cobb. Cobb spoke to WTAE yesterday, saying that “all types of swastikas, kill and rape, all n-word, kill all blacks, things of that nature were written on the stop,” as well as the message, “We are here, we are risen.” According to BCTA General Manager Mary Jo Morandini, new surveillance cameras will be installed at the bus stop within a year. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Storm damage was observed in the City of Aliquippa yesterday. The Aliquippa Firefighters were busy cleaning up on the main thoroughfare and ensuring safety across the city after a few incidents occurred. Crews worked to cut a massive tree that fell onto power lines on Main Street. It fell near the Junior and Senior High School. Police also closed Main Street between Carroll Street and Franklin Avenue at that time. There were also several reports of downed trees along Kennedy Boulevard, Morado Road and Kennedy Hill and there were power outages in neighborhoods and along Burton Road. Aliquippa School District also has a two-hour-delay this morning as a result of these incidents.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI/ the Mt. Lebanon Police Department, (Posted on Facebook on April 14th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(McKees Rocks, PA) Police are looking for a missing fifteen-year-old boy. According to The Mt. Lebanon Police Department, he was last seen on Monday in McKees Rocks. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs around 140 pounds and has brown eyes and curly brown hair. Police also confirm that he frequents the Mall at Robinson. Anyone with information on his location is asked to call 911. His picture can be found on our website at beavercountyradio.com. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the City of Aliquippa Police Department)

Noah Haswell, beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) At approximately 1:00 P.M. on Monday, the Aliquippa Police Department was dispatched to the 1300 block of Kennedy Boulevard for a reported burglary at a local business. The investigation revealed that an unidentified Black male unlawfully entered the business and attempted to steal items from inside, specifically copper wiring. The Aliquippa Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect that was involved in this incident. His picture can be found below. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 724-378-8000 and tips can be anonymous. 

(File Photo of Senator John Fetterman)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington D.C.) U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Katie Britt’s (R-AL) Stop the Scroll Act passed the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee today in Washington D.C. by voice vote. The bipartisan bill would create a mental health warning label requirement for users under the age of 18 on social media platforms, ensuring that minors are aware of the potential mental health risks posed by social media usage and are provided access to mental health resources. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The NFL recently announced its artist partnerships and creative activations that spotlight Pittsburgh’s vibrant art, design and
sports culture for the 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light on April 23rd-25th. The league will collaborate with two Pittsburgh artists, Kim Fox and Burton Morris, who
will each create pieces that honor all 32 clubs; design a stunning projection show on the centrally located Wyndham Hotel; and visually welcome fans in NFL Draft creative throughout the region. Kim Fox is a Pittsburgh-based mixed-metal artist. She will create a special art installation for the Player Walkway, which is the path that each prospect will take as they get drafted to their new team and walk onto the Main Stage. Burton Morris, a Pittsburgh native and pop artist, is creating 32 separate pieces that will be displayed as one large installation in the Prospect Green Room built by Lowe’s. Fox’s installation will feature handcrafted mixed-metal interpretations of all 32 NFL team marks, with each piece made from tin and mixed-metals which are in a quiltlike pattern. Over the past few months, she has spent hours creating unique pieces of artwork to bring each of the logos of the clubs to life. In the process, Fox combines reclaimed wood, vintage maps, collected tins and other found materials to manufacture each piece of art. She overlays these materials and patches the pieces together to highlight the uniqueness of each city. Fox is also including hidden symbolism pertinent to each city within her pieces. All 32 of Morris’ 20×20” pieces are customized with his signature “energy lines” to highlight unique team colors for each team, and they are built on a steel frame to honor Pittsburgh’s history. Authentic team helmets are also seamlessly attached to each piece to create dynamic, 3D mixed-media work celebrating all 32 clubs. The NFL is also partnering with The Andy Warhol Museum and its Youth Workforce Program to bring a live Pop Art studio to the NFL Draft Red Carpet presented by Toyota to celebrating pop art’s origins in Pittsburgh and to highlight the league’s larger commitment to art-driven storytelling. NFL prospects will co-create silkscreen self-portraits on the red carpet, printing them on hand-painted backgrounds to transform their images into custom works of art. The final portraits will accompany players down the carpet for photos and interviews to give media and fans a firsthand look at Warhol’s iconic silkscreen process in action. The pieces will also be available for prospects to take with them as they enter their journey into the NFL.