The Westmoreland County Historical Society has gotten a major boost for a major project.

This week, it got a $250,000 grant from the Allegheny Foundation for its Campaign for Hanna's Town project, for construction to enhance that Revolutionary War-period site north of Greensburg.

It is the largest private donation made to the $7.5 million campaign, which will go toward building a 22,000-square-foot History Education Center, plus development of the Hanna's Town Exhibit Gallery, and endowment and bridge funds to enhance and maintain the site.

Hanna's Town was the first seat of Westmoreland County, which originally encompassed all of southwestern Pennsylvania.

More than 1 million artifacts recovered from the early days there will be studied and on display at the History Education Center.

Lisa Hays, executive director of the historical society, said: "I am thrilled to receive this significant support from the Allegheny Foundation, which has a special interest in historic preservation, civic development and education."

For more information on the historical society and/or The Campaign for Hanna's Town, call 724-836-1800, Ext. 13.