Local museums and historical societies to receive funding: Rep. Flick

Harrisburg, Pa. – Preserving local history sometimes requires more than curating and promoting a new display or program. Sometimes it's as simple as fixing the roof so water doesn't damage the contents inside.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has awarded funding to local museums and historical societies in Lycoming and Union counties for various projects to sustain operations.

One of those projects supported, in part, from funding, is the Thomas T. Taber Museum's recent roof repair.

"We had major water leakage into the community room," said the museum's Executive Director Gary Parks. The original building, located at 858 West Fourth Street in Williamsport, was built in the 1960s.

Costs of the roof repair came in at $129,000. "We dipped into our endowment," Parks said, and the Lycoming County Historical Society will continue to repay that endowment via grants and private donations.

The importance of historical societies and museums has recently been reinforced by increased visitor traffic. "We've been blessed with bus tours!" said Parks. The Taber Museum welcomed 10 tour busses in September, and is expecting 14 so far already in October. Visitor traffic has been rebounding since the pandemic, including an increase in school tours and overall visitors.

Parks said they recently welcomed a family from Italy, another from Sweden, as well as 100 nuns and students from Fraternite Notre Dame of Scranton.

PHMC’s Cultural and Historical Grant Program funding provides general operating support to Pennsylvania museums and historical societies not directly supported by other state programs, according to Rep. Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming/Union).

“Our community is enriched with history,” said Flick. “I am thrilled to see this crucial funding awarded to these museums and historical societies as they continue to showcase how contributions were made to today’s community.”

Following is a list of local organizations that received grants and the amount of the awards:

Lewisburg Children’s Museum - $6,700. Lycoming County Historical Society - $8,000. Union County Historical Society - $8,000. World of Little League Museum – Little League Baseball and Softball - $5,200.

Grants were awarded using a formula based on a percentage of each organization’s annual operating budget, Flick said.

Parks noted that the grant for the Lycoming County Historical Society will pay down the withdrawal on the endowment for roof repairs, but it won't recover the entire $120,000. They do welcome donations to ensure the long-term viability of their mission. If you're interested, you can donate here .