Executive Director

---

My interest in Colerain Forges Mansion began about 2014 when I had started my

research on William McDermett. I made my first trip to the Colerain Forges Mansion area in Spruce Creek about 2018. My wife and I had driven through the area and passed the mansion. As all things written in the area’s history, my belief was the mansion had once housed McDermett and his family.

In 2020, I decided it was time to try to see if I could find more information about Colerain by visiting the mansion. I had reached out to Dorthey Gurney, the owner at the time, and was able to talk with her on the phone for a brief time, hoping to be able to come visit. The next day I was contacted by Michele Rosenblum. I had a conversation with her that may have lasted for over an hour about all the different things that I had studied about Colerain Mansion.

My first visit to the actual property came in January of 2021. I was able to walk the grounds and discuss the history that I knew in hopes that maybe someday it would be something that could be used for the benefit of Colerain. I remember that as my wife and I drove away from Colerain that day, I said to my wife if there's a way I could be involved in this non-profit I would take any opportunity I would be given to help at Colerain.

Over the next couple years, I started to do archeology work, metal detecting, and studying Colerain through document research. I learned that the many things that were written about Colerain were incorrect, and I set forth to studying as well as documenting all the new things that I had come across about Colerain’s history.

The 2026 season at the Colerain Center will begin for me as its new executive director, an honor bestowed upon me that I am beyond grateful for, and I am looking forward to leading this organization forward. I have had a long career as a site manager of a historical living history village, a living historian, an archaeologist, and an iron industry researcher. My goal for this season is to develop a grounds maintenance program that will highlight the archaeology and environment of Colerain Mansion, a gift shop in the Morning Room, and the start of an education/visitor center by repurposing the garage. Finally, one of my many goals for Colerain is to have a working blacksmith shop on site. As with any idea, it takes help from volunteers. My door is open for members’ input and help. If anyone wants to meet with me and get to know me, please reach out at dave@coleraincenter.org. 

Together, let's make 2026 a great year for the Colerain Center.

Dave Petit Bio:

Dave grew up in Scotland, Pennsylvania. From a young age, Dave has had a deep interest in history. By the age of 13, he was building historical furniture with antique tools he was collecting. He had also started a 30 year career in American Civil War reenacting.

Upon graduating high school and completing three years of vocational training in diesel mechanics, he decided to go into the military service. Dave followed his father's footsteps by joining the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marines he served as a motor transport operator with various units overseas and in the United States. He achieved the rank of corporal and was decorated with the Navy Achievement medal for his service while deployed to the Persian Gulf War. Dave completed his enlistment in the Marines with a Honorable Discharge, came home and embarked on a new career.

Dave went to work as a carpenter building homes and remodeling with a local contractor. He had worked in this aspect of woodworking for about five years when he felt it was time to pursue his real passion of furniture making. He worked in a few cabinet and furniture shops in which he was elevated to lead man and shop supervisor. After several years of working for others, he decided to start his own business. While in business for himself he built kitchens, libraries, architectural features and historical furniture. During this time he achieved the Early American Life Artist Directory award for three consecutive years.

After 30 years of Civil War reenacting, Dave decided for a change in living history interpretation. He joined the W.S. Hancock Society, which focused on early 19th century life in rural Pennsylvania. David’s interpretation with this organization was as a furniture maker. This change of interest to this period of American history led him to want to do historical interpretation as a profession. He took the position of village blacksmith at Old Bedford Village, in which he had to teach himself the craft. He also did research to learn about the iron and steel industry of the 18th and early 19th century. He worked as a hands-on teacher for tin piercing during the hands-on programs for school children. Along with being a historical blacksmith and hands-on teacher, Dave worked as the site manager. Performing his duties allowed him to use all his past experiences to help preserve Old Bedford Village’s buildings.

Dave’s research and studying of the early iron industry has led him to be involved in advocational archaeology. Professionally trained, including at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, he has worked on several archaeology sites in Bedford and Huntingdon counties, with the primary focus being the Colerain Forges Mansion property in Spruce Creek. 

While at the village, Dave was involved in the local Bedford County Historical Society. He has volunteered as a board member in which he has served as a trustee and vice president, assisted with historical research, and built furniture for displays.

Dave and his wife Heather live in the Dutch Corner area of Bedford County.