Old Economy Village

Old Economy Village, located in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, is a historical site that preserves the legacy of the Harmonist Society. This religious-communistic group, led by George Rapp, first settled in Harmony, Pennsylvania, in 1805. They later migrated to Indiana, establishing New Harmony, before returning to Pennsylvania in 1825 to found the village of Economy.

The Harmonists, also known as Rappites, practiced celibacy, which contributed to their community's eventual decline. In 1901, the American Bridge Company purchased much of the land, leading to the establishment of the modern borough of Ambridge. Many of the original Harmonist buildings were later acquired and restored by the state of Pennsylvania, forming the historical Old Economy Village, which serves as a reminder of the original settlers.12