Rhoades and Argall Announce State Grant for Tamaqua Historical Society

TAMAQUA – Sen. James J. Rhoades (R-29) and Rep. David Argall (R-124) today announced the Tamaqua Historical Society in Schuylkill County will receive $36,000 in state heritage area grant money.

"The Tamaqua Historical Society makes great contributions to preserving the rich history of Schuylkill County," Rhoades said. "I know that this funding will be put to good use and go a long way toward helping in their efforts."

"These funds will help preserve our region's history while also encouraging visitors to learn about the rich heritage of our community," Argall said. "This is an important investment that will preserve our history while brightening our future."

"We've been working with the heritage area to promote local history, " said Eileen Barron, Treasurer of the Tamaqua Historical Society. "It's important to preserve our history and keep the museum open so people can learn about their past."

"Without this funding, the future of the building and the artifacts was in jeopardy," added Dale Freudenberger, President of the Tamaqua Historical Society, "This funding will be combined with local contributions and will help us seek additional funds to meet the physical challenges at the museum. We're investing in the museum today so it will be around for future generations to enjoy. These funds will add years of longevity to the museum's life-span."

Heritage area grants can be used for feasibility studies, planning projects, acquisition of land, construction, marketing plans, historic preservation, or enhancements to an existing attraction.

There are 12 designated state heritage areas in the program: Delaware and Lehigh Canal National Heritage Corridor, which stretches from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol; Lancaster-York Heritage Region, covering Lancaster and York counties; the Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area between Altoona, Johnstown and Windber; the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor along U.S. Route 30 from Westmoreland through Adams counties; the Oil Heritage Region in Venango and Crawford counties; and, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Susquehanna counties.

Also, there is the National Road Heritage Corridor from the Maryland to Ohio borders on U.S. Route 40; the Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor that follows the Schuylkill River from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia; the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania; the Endless Mountains Heritage Region in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties; the Lumber Heritage Region, a 15-county area in north central and northwest Pennsylvania; and the Route 6 Heritage Corridor, a 400-mile corridor stretching through 11 northern counties.

More information about the Heritage Parks Program is available at www.dcnr.state.pa.us (choose Heritage Parks).