Cranberry Township History

Contact the Historical Society
Ph: 724-720-6465 
Please leave a voice message, and a society volunteer will return your call.


How did Cranberry get its name?

Cranberry Township was originally established in 1804 and named for the wild cranberries which at that time grew along the banks of Brush Creek – the Township’s major water source. The berries attracted deer, and the deer attracted native American hunters, although there is no evidence of permanent Indian settlements within the Township’s boundaries. However drought and farming combined to eliminate the Township’s namesake fruit by the 1880s. But deer are still abundant.

Founded in 1989, the Cranberry Township Historical Society,  is a non-profit organization dedicated to identifying, preserving, and promoting public awareness of historical sites, landmarks, place names, and traditions. Find out about upcoming events, special programs and more!  This information is taken excerpted from the book Cranberry Township: A History of Our Community, published in 1989 by the Cranberry Historical Society. 

Experience a One-Room Classroom at the Sample Schoolhouse

SampleSchoolOutside RESZD.jpgStep back in time, to the schooldays of 1874 with a visit inside the Sample School. Visitors may sit at the desks and listen as the Docent explains how school was conducted in the early days of the Township.

The School is located on the front lawn of the Cranberry Township Municipal Center on Rochester Road. This original one-room school is one of six schools that served Cranberry Township.

The Cranberry Township Historical Society provides docents at Sample School during our regular season hours. The school is also open at no charge during special events, such as Santa's First Stop and the Summer Friday Lunchtime Concerts in the Gazebo.

The school house is open to visitors in May, June, July, August, and September

Wednesdays:  12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Admission is free. A Docent is available to answer questions.

Special group tours or individuals are available for $1 per head, with a minimum $10 donation.  Tours are scheduled at a mutually convenient time with the Docent.
Contact the Historical Society
Ph: 724-720-6465 
Please leave a voice message, and a society volunteer will return your call.

Photo Opportunities at the School

The school may be used as a backdrop for your wedding photos. We request a donation of $50 for a wedding session. You supply the wedding party and a photographer. The school is not air conditioned or heated, and most of the windows do not open. We cannot host weddings, wedding receptions or other parties inside the schoolhouse. 

Contact the Historical Society
Ph: 724-720-6465
Please leave a voice message, and a society volunteer will return your call.