Lawrence County has been the home of many notorious crimes, especially unsolved ones. The Lawrence County Historical Society is proud to announce its new exhibit, “Crime”. This exhibit, put together by a group of interns at the society, focuses on three different groupings of crimes as well as the current crime statistics, hoping to open discussion on what our community has done and is doing to combat crime.

The first focus is on the Torso Murders, which occurred primarily in West Pittsburg, and the Swamp Murders. The connections of these deaths with Cleveland, Ohio once stumped famous investigator Eliot Ness. Information surrounding these unidentified bodies is now being uncovered and put on display for the public to see.

Following these murders are the infamous Black Hand, which surrounded the Hillsville community with their activities. With the murders of the game warden Seeley Houk, and William Duff, these murders began to shed light on a mafia-like organization that existed within the county. On display will be testimonials of those involved in the Pinkerton Detective Agency-led trials of 1907.

Within the early part of the 1930s, times were fluid, and many lived for the thrill. That was so for the Bonnie and Clyde-like couple of Irene Schroeder and Glenn Dague as they robbed stores within the area and killed police officer Brady Paul. It was not until the two were apprehended in a shootout in Arizona that they were brought back to New Castle and sentenced to death by electrocution, making Schroeder the first female to be executed in this way in Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately, as we enter into the 21st century, crime is still evident within our community. Through the work of our District Attorneys and other leaders within our county, we are now battling evolved forms of crimes.

The exhibit will be unveiled to the public from August 22-September 2, 2017 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Entry is $5.00 per person and will be good for the entirety of the unveiling, including lectures. Those under 18 will be admitted free. The interns will host lectures on the Saturdays (August 26th and September 2nd) at 1:00 p.m. first focusing on the Torso/Swamp Murders and the Black Hand, while the second will focus on Irene Schroeder and the current statistics. Please call the Society (724.658.4022) or purchase your tickets online at lchs-crime.eventbrite.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.