But there's a few roadblocks to navigate before loading up the moving trucks and planning the grand opening celebration. First, historical society leadership is hopeful commissioners will react favorably to its recent request for $2,500 to help pay the rent next year.

Historical Society President Margaret Jackson is also cautiously optimistic that discussions for three rooms at 794 Washington Road, the corner of Lebanon Avenue, will be viewed favorably by South Hills Area Council of Governments (SHACOG). She hopes to have a lease to sign sometime in October.

A Mt. Lebanon History Center near the heart of the municipality would be open to the public and help to tell the story of Mt. Lebanon, a community which will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Feb. 6, 2012.

The McCormick family owned a home at the corner of Washington Road and Hazel, which now serves as a parking lot for Southminster Church.

Seats from the Denis theater are located at a historical society member's home. There are some boxes in storage, the contents of which have yet to cataloged. There are rumors of a significant flag and bricks, which could surface should a history center come to fruition.

The society hosts five free programs a year at Mt. Lebanon Public Library, hosts several photograph displays and puts up an annual holiday display there as well. "The library has been a Godsend," Jackson said.

The society continues to collect items from Mt. Lebanon families.

"Since I became president, most of the items have come from people who are moving, or the family of someone who died," says Jackson. "For me, the most touching donation was a late 1980s Mt. Lebanon High School yearbook that came from a woman whose daughter was in her mid-30s when she died. Her mother wanted her yearbook to find a good home.

"The Mt. Lebanon Women's Club and Mt. Lebanon Police Association have approached us about giving us their old documents. I'm hoping that we can interest other local groups to do the same," Jackson said.

A Mt. Lebanon History Center could be open to coincide with Sidewalk Saturday and First Friday events, and possibly at other events which draw people to the Washington Road business district.

The group is in the initial stages of an hour-long video history of Mt. Lebanon that conceivably could be played on a loop while the history center is open.

Most of the collection is paper--documents, old newspaper clippings and photographs. The society has almost a complete set of both Mt. Lebanon magazines and high school yearbooks.

Current or former Mt. Lebanon residents can donate items, or volunteer by calling Jackson at 412-561-0455 or e-mail info@hsmtl.org.

"We are looking for everything!" Jackson says. "Items from long-gone stores and restaurants, high school memorabilia, clothing (such as high school band, football or cheerleading outfits), photographs, old newspapers (or clippings). Books on the South Hills, Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. The items don't necessarily have to deal with Mt. Lebanon, but could show how life was in this area long ago."