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WCHS Renovation Project Finished
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8/2/2002 2:32:00 PM
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TUNKHANNOCK - Wyoming County Historical Society, the only such organization in Wyoming County, recently finished a major renovation project to its headquarters, the former Sand Hill School on Bridge and Harrison Streets. The project was funded by Endless Mountains Heritage Region's (EMHR), which provides grants to non-profit organizations for a variety of projects.
EMHR represents the finest example of cooperation between local organizations and state agencies to bring tax dollars back into communities," explained Project Coordinator Mark Mitchell.
Mitchell knows the impact EMHR is having on the region firsthand. A board member for about four years, he is currently the organization's vice president and serves on a number of committees, spending "a minimum" of 100 hours a year on act ivies relating to EMHR. He indicated his investment of time and personal commitment to EMHR is not unusual, most board members are just as dedicated.
"Personally my reward is the satisfaction of giving something back to Northeastern Pennsylvania, an area that's been so good to me," Mitchell said. He is a retired banking executive who resides with his wife in Tunkhannock.
Repairs to the Society's headquarters will insure long term protection of exhibits and an extensive collection of genealogical materials, Mitchell said. He added that the genealogical library collection is considered one of the finest in the region.
The historical society was established over two decades ago and has been very active in the local community and the region. Museum exhibits paint a picture of the region's past on the ground floor, while upstairs the genealogy library, an open stack research facility, includes a microfilm collection of census data and archives of regional historical data. The building also provides space for the Tunkhannock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Tunkhannock Post of the American Legion.
"EMHR acted as a conduit between DCNR and our local historical society," Mitchell said.
Anyone who wants to see the beneficial local effect of EMHR on the Endless Mountains Region "need only walk around in Tunkhannock," Mitchell asserted. Renovations to the Dietrich Theater and Sand Hill School have done a great deal to improve the community's appearance and engage both residents and visitors in the region's rich history through an increasing number and variety of events. He indicated another project is pending with the Endless Mountains Council on the Arts gallery on the outskirts of town.
The Society's recent renovation project fits well within funding criteria for EMHR's grant program, which awarded it $22,000 in 2001. The award was met with local matching funds raised by the Society through memberships and book sales. Renovations included roof and window repairs, restoration of a cupola, replacement of rotting windowsills and storm window installation.
All repairs were accomplished with careful regard to the original architecture and appearance of the stately historic building. Sand Hill School was constructed over 150 years ago, with additions in 1870 and 1895. Sickler Construction of Meshoppen, a fine example of how EMHR funds are funneled into local economies, made the recent renovations.
"We live in a beautiful region of Pennsylvania," Mitchell said. "EMHR is dedicated to preserving the local character of the region, not just for residents, but for tourists and visitors."
EMHR, a state heritage park formed in 1998, is organized around an agricultural theme. The organization, which receives grant funding through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), has backed 35 projects in the Endless Mountains Region. The heritage park encompasses Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. EMHR strives to enhance visitor experiences in the region, maintain the rural lifestyle of residents, and nurture projects that will have a positive economic impact on the region.
Mitchell said he hopes to see EMHR continue its mission, but expects to see it grow, having even more impact throughout the region through "partnering with DCNR and local organizations to enhance the Endless Mountains Region."
Last year, during EMHR's fourth annual granting cycle, 14 regional projects totaling $224,000 were funded. This year 20 non-profit organizations applied for funds. Projects range from historic preservation and improving museum exhibits to feasibility studies aimed at improving organizational development. Awards for the current grant round will be announced late this summer.
The Wyoming Historical Society offers tours for school students and senior citizen groups, genealogical seminars and a bi-annual "Heirloom Discovery Afternoon" when participants can bring items in for evaluation. Museum displays illustrate the past industrial history of the area and Native American artifacts unearthed during construction of the recently opened route 6 bypass.
The museum is open each Wednesday, and the first and third Saturday each month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open Tuesdays for the summer season from May through September. Special tours may be arranged. For more information call 570-836-5303, or visit the museum on the web at www.rootsweb.com/pa.wyomin/
Endless Mountains Heritage Region can be explored on the web at www.emhr.org; reached via email at emhr@epix.net; or at 570-265-1528.
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