The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon will celebrate its eleventh anniversary -- and the town's roots --with the opening of a new History Center in the downtown.

The grand opening is set for 6 p.m. June 5, during one of Mt. Lebanon's popular First Friday programs. Located in the lower level of the parking authority building at 200 Lebanon Ave., the center has three rooms and is equipped with a computer for visitor research. Mt. Lebanon library and the municipal building are within walking distance.

For its first exhibit, the center will present "What We Wore," featuring clothing from late 1800s to the 1960s juxtaposed with photographs from those years.

"The clothing is a mixture of items that have been donated and items that are on loan. Some belong to residents, others represent what we would have worn. But, every picture in the exhibit was taken in Mt. Lebanon," said M.A. Jackson, president of the town's Historical Society.

To be in character for the opening, Ms. Jackson will wear an outfit representing a dress from 1912, the year Mt. Lebanon was founded.

The society plans to have two exhibits per year. 'What They Wore' was the simplest exhibit to put together because people donated clothing, such as a black flapper dress, circa 1920s wedding dress, a cheerleader outfit from the 1960s, a school vest from 1945 and a circa 1900s Gibson girl-type blouse.

The society has been collecting and storing items for the last decade.

"Everything was carefully preserved in a safe environment," Ms. Jackson said. As the number of items increased, including photographs, maps, magazines and yearbooks, the group saw the need for a building.

"The only way we could move forward was to have a physical location. Another reason that I felt we should be established in this space is because Mt. Lebanon turns 100 in 2012 and we'll be planning a big anniversary party. Hopefully, people will come and see what we have and bring more items," she said.

She noted that there will be an empty display case at the opening with a sign asking, "Can you help us fill this?"

Future exhibits may include displays reflecting the town's families and architecture. All exhibits are free and open to the public during history center hours, which have yet to be determined. The center will be staffed by volunteers and Ms. Jackson expects the center will be open one day and evening per week, as well as for special events such as Mt. Lebanon's Light Up Night in November.

The historical society was organized after Mt. Lebanon Library, which collected photographs and other items donated by residents, no longer had room. A small group of people came together to form the group.

"The library has been wonderful to us," Ms. Jackson said. "We hold five free programs a year there as well as our board meetings.

In addition, the Heinz History Center has been instrumental in getting the Mt. Lebanon history center up and running.

"We signed up for a program through Heinz History center for $50 a year and they have bent over backwards to help us with the cataloging process, preservation, even getting building insurance," Ms. Jackson said.

The cataloging won't be finished by the time the center opens, but when it is, the software package the center uses will allow information seekers to type in the subject. For example, type in "Mt. Lebanon Golf Course" and you will receive a list of what the center has about it and where it's located in the collections.

"We hope that when people are cleaning out their houses, they will think of the museum," Ms. Jackson said.

Growing up in Mt. Lebanon, she didn't care much for history during high school, but she has a fond appreciation for it now.

"I love looking at old pictures and when you look at them you know the people went through similar issues. They were the ones who came before us and created the community we live in now. Whether you've lived here for a week or for 50 years, I think it's important to know about your past."

The Historical Society is a nonprofit organization supported mainly by memberships. In the past, they received some funding from a state grant and from the municipality. Yearly memberships are $20 for individuals, $35 for families and $15 for seniors.

For more, call 412-561-1941, or visit www.hsmtl.org.