| Back to Current News |
The talented volunteers and activities of the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation and Museum regularly are in the news and make news.
2013
 |
| Lifetime Achievement Award winner John McLaughlin and his wife Nicky |
Oct. 19, 2013 – The Heritage Foundation holds its 46st Annual Charter Day celebration at Old Economy Village in Ambridge, PA, including a short tour of the buildings and grounds, followed by dinner and the evening’s agenda of presentations and recognition of volunteers Bob Frederick, Charlene Murray, the late Alice Gault, the late Bob and Anne Firestone and the late Bill Irion. At the dinner, longtime museum trustee John McLaughlin receives a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his “vision and tireless dedication of time, commitment and support.” As well, the 183 Taylor Avenue home of Dr. and Mrs. William Slemenda receives the prestigious Harry Phillips Award for restoration and beautification of their residence.
Oct. 10-11-12 and Oct. 17-18-19, 2013 – In a first-ever joint fundraising partnership, the Heritage Museum and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County host a six-night “Ghost Station” haunted house at Beaver Station and the log house, continuing their commitment to support children at risk. It’s a mysterious portal between this world and the next. On a dark night, when the moon is bright, you may see apparitions from our rich past — Indians, settlers, soldiers, politicians and artists. When the moon goes behind the clouds, zombies, ghouls and vampires may appear. [ more ]
 |
| The “Ghost Station” is a first-ever joint fundraising event spanning six nights with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County. Details. |
Oct. 5, 2013 – Popular talk show host Rob Pratte of NewsRadio 1020 KDKA-AM interviews Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County board director Allison Terwilliger and Heritage Museum co-chair Mark Miner about the upcoming six-night “Ghost Station” fundraising events at the Beaver Area Heritage Museum. [ listen ]
Oct. 5, 2013 – The Beaver County Genealogy and History Center, a tenant of the Heritage Foundation at Beaver Station, is tapped as an affiliate library of FamilySearch, the world’s largest repository of free genealogical records which manages the famous Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. FamilySearch has billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land and court records of genealogical significance from more than 130 countries, meaning visitors to the Beaver facility will have greater, more convenient access to a wealth of resources, including some 235 rolls of microfilm delivered this week.
Oct. 4, 2013 – During Homecoming Weekend, the Heritage Museum plays host to the 30th reunion party of the Beaver High School Class of 1983, including 75 alumni and guests in attendance. The event includes tours of Beaver Station and the museum’s “Trains, Trains, Trains!” display as well as a DJ playing oldies of the early ’80s and delicious food and cold beverages inside the log house and adjoining tent. The reunion committee includes Chris Poff King, Lisa Livada and Laura Staub.
   |
|
Beaver High School Class of 1983 reunion, left to right: re-connecting again after 30 years; delicious food in the log house; group photo at the museum entrance.
|
Oct. 4, 2013 – The Heritage Foundation hosts the annual Beaver Tales event at the gazebo in Irvine Square, with three storytellers weaving their magic and sharing a sense of wonder and delight with audiences of all ages. This year’s storytellers include Bobby Norfolk, Susi Wolf and Cathy Jo Janssen.
Oct. 4, 2013 – At the free Senior Expo at Community College of Beaver County, hosted by Pennsylvania State Senator Elder Vogel Jr., the Heritage Museum has an information table and recruits several new volunteers. In addition, representatives from a number of state and local agencies are on hand to provide useful information for seniors on healthcare, government services, and more. There also are door prizes, refreshments, and health screenings all free of charge.
 |
| Some of the Big Brothers Big Sisters touring the museum and enjoying pizza and soda at the log house |
Sept. 24, 2013 – The Heritage Museum hosts a special tour for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County, providing an opportunity for 15 pairs of littles and bigs to enjoy time together and experience the Steelers Train, cooking johnnycake in the fireplace and much more. It’s the first of many events planned with BBBS to serve the educational needs of children at risk and provide them with strong and enduring, professionally supported one to one relationships that change their lives for the better.
Aug. 18, 2013 – Heritage Museum volunteers Charlene Murray and Mark Miner are guests on Rob Pratte’s hour-long show on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA-AM, talking about the new Pittsburgh Steelers model railroad exhibit at the museum, and plans for the $2.3 million Beaver Station renovation. [ listen to parts 01 – 02 – 03 – 04 (MP3) ]
July 26, 2013 – The summer 2013 edition of The Bridge magazine, published by the Commissioners of Beaver County, contains a full-page article about the 200-year-old log house and campus at the Heritage Museum as a center for educating students and adults alike about the rich history right in their own backyard.
July 17, 2013 – New signage now stands along Third Street to advise motorists and pedestrians about the construction and fundraising currently underway at Beaver Station which ultimately will create a new multi-use cultural and event center enhancing our community. Those interested in making an online donation may do so via the PayPal link on the Beaver Station website.
 |
|
Sullivan
|
July 11, 2013 – Beaver Area Heritage Museum Co-Chair Stacey Sullivan makes a presentation about the museum’s “Trains!” exhibit and Beaver Station at the Beaver Valley After Five Christian Women’s Club, held at the Beau Co Bistro in Beaver.
July 2013 – Using the David Scott Collection of Civil War letters in the Beaver Area Heritage Museum Collections, Duquesne University master’s student Aaron O’Data authors “Failure for the Wicked.” Says Aaron, “The assignment was to write a paper using primary sources ranging from the end of the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. I chose to use the Scott papers from the museum because I knew that they would provide a wealth of information. They were organized and assembled in such a way as to make my research next to effortless. Furthermore, museum staff (specifically Nan Oliver and Ken Weyand) provided much needed assistance and context during my research. I chose this topic because felt that David’s religious convictions were a powerful element in his life and it should be an area to explore in order to understand him and his experience in the Civil War. I enjoyed writing this paper as I tried to weave together Civil War history with American religious history. This proved to be an incredibly fun and rewarding topic.”
July 7, 2013 – The Heritage Foundation presents the annual Concert in the Park at Beaver’s gazebo for about 600 spectators under warm summer skies. The concert is underwritten by the Beaver Festival Committee and supported by the Beaver County Times. The program, performed by the 60-member Beaver County Wind Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Ted Nevin, features a series of popular medleys of patriotic and Hollywood selections. Longtime Heritage Foundation official Robert Smith serves as master of ceremonies.
   |
|
Annual Concert in the Park during Fourth of July festivities
|
June 13, 2013 – “Beaver’s 1897 Train Station Ready to Start New Life” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [ link ]
June 5, 2013 – In a guest column in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, headlined “Dad Was a Veteran of Both a World War and Solid Local Life,” author Fran Tunno of Los Angeles writes of escorting her father to Beaver’s 2012 Memorial Day Parade and says Beaver is “a perfect town with just the right number of grassy parks and historic monuments.” [ link ]
   |
|
College Square Elementary student field trip at the museum’s log house
|
May 29-30, 2013 – For two mornings, the Heritage Museum and log house hosts a field trip for first graders from College Square Elementary of the Beaver Area School District, part of the museum’s mission to educate young students that history is right in their backyard. View a summary of the event, including a gallery of drawings by the students of their favorite part of the field trip. Learn more about the museum’s educational outreach to local schools.
May 27, 2013 – Beaver’s annual Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, features members of the Tuskegee Airmen organization, World War II Battle of the Bulge veterans and the Revolutionary War-era Fort McIntosh Garrison and Civil War-era 163rd Pennsylvania Regiment re-enactment groups. At the memorial program at Beaver Cemetery, keynote speaker and Beaver County District Attorney Anthony Berosh gives remarks, and Beaver Area High School senior Nicholas Knapesky recites the Gettysburg Address.
    |
|
Above, Memorial Day honorees include veterans representing the Tuskegee Airmen, Battle of the Bulge, Vietnam War and Beaver firefighters. Below, women pioneer re-enactors and the annual ceremony of remembrance at Beaver Cemetery.
|
  |
 |
 |
|
Author Ken Turner
|
Civil War in Pennsylvania
|
May 21, 2013 – Historian, author and business owner Kenneth Turner of Ellwood City speaks about his book The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History, published by the Heinz History Center as part of Pennsylvania Civil War 150, a statewide coalition of historical organizations commemorating the sesquicentennial. (The book contains a very rare image of Beaver’s Col. Richard Roberts, killed at Gettysburg.) His co-authors are Michael Kraus, curator of collections of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Oakland, and David Neville, a military historian specializing in the Civil War and publisher of Military Imagesmagazine. Turner also is a researcher for the Time-Life, an appraiser for militaria for Channel 2-KDKA TV’s Pittsburgh’s Hidden Treasures.
May 19, 2013 – “Foundation Closes on Train Station” – Beaver County Times [ link ]
May 17, 2013 – Beaver Borough Officials reach a closing agreement with the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation for the purchase of “Beaver Station” — the former railroad passenger station property on East End Avenue, according to Michael Deelo, President of Beaver Borough Council. [ more ]
 |
|
Rotary greeters Harry Kunselman and Alicia Field
|
May 4-5, 2013 – The Heritage Museum is a proud participant in the weekend’s Beaver County History Celebration on the theme of “The Home Front: After the Civil War.” The event, organized by the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation, promotes more than 15 Beaver County historical sites which will be open to encourage students and adults to experience the vast history of the region. For more information, visit this link.
April 28, 2013 – Members Alicia Field and Harry Kunselman serve as greeters during Rotary Club of Beaver Day at the Heritage Museum, one of four such days this year that Rotarians will greet visitors as part of their commitment to community service. Field is an officer with Hancock County Savings Bank, and Kunselman is a partner with the Strassburger McKenna law firm. This is the local Rotary Club’s third consecutive year of partnership with the museum.
 |
| Museum trustee Chuck Copeland with the tri-color beech dedicated in his name |
April 27, 2013 – In observing its 17th annual Arbor Day Celebration, held in Beaver’s Irvine Park gazebo, Mayor Thomas Hamilton reads an Arbor Day proclamation, and a tri-color beech tree is dedicated in the name of longtime Heritage Museum trustee and Beaver Borough Manager Charles Copeland “for his years of community contributions” and as an “encyclopedia of information about the town of Beaver.” Poetry readings, a student poster contest, prizes and refreshments are part of the celebration event.
April 25, 2013 – “Exhibit Takes Train Lovers on Trip to Past” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – with quotes from volunteers Robert Frederick, John McLaughlin Jr. and Mark Miner [ link ]
April 21, 2013 – “The Great (Miniature) Railroad” – Beaver County Times – montage of photographs of the “Trains, Trains, Trains!” exhibit at the Heritage Museum.
April 13, 2013 – At a special dinner honoring Beaver Area School District students who are members of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), President Carl Neely of the Heritage Foundation presents a special “Citizenship Award” and certificate to Katie Stark in recognition of her community service endeavors.
   |
|
Geneva College history majors help with spring cleanup on the museum grounds
|
April 13, 2013 – Six History Club members from Geneva College assist in a spring cleanup at our museum and log house campus to fulfill a college requirement for performing a service project. The history majors rake, haul, weed, trim, sweep and clean for several hours, followed by pizza, cookies, legal beverages and a warm fire in the log house. Museum volunteers overseeing the work are Jean Lloyd, Bob O’Dell, John McLaughlin, Judy Reiners and Midge Sefton.
 |
 |
|
Carver-Stuck
|
Terlizzi
|
April 10, 2013 – Margie Carver-Stuck, who retired after three decades with the Beaver Area School District as a fourth grade science and language arts teacher, has been elected to the board of trustees of the Heritage Museum. A longtime resident of Beaver, she will lead the museum’s educational outreach to local public and private school districts.
April 9, 2013 – Millie Terlizzi, a 39-year employee of Heritage Valley Health System, has joined the Heritage Museum as director of volunteers. She retired as director of Volunteer/Auxiliary and Employee Activities in 2010, and had broad-brush administrative experience while at the Medical Center. Her work there included positions in human resources, and public relations (during the original merger of the three hospitals into the Medical Center), and she began her career in accounts receivable. She also has board of directors governance experience, having served on the boards of the United Way of Beaver County and the Beaver County Tourist Promotion Agency.
 |
|
Beaver Station chair David O’Leary
|
March 28, 2013 – On John Nuzzo’s morning radio talk show on stations WBVP-WMBA, sponsored by Huntington Bank, Beaver Station chair David O’Leary and Heritage Museum chair Mark Miner talk about all things Beaver Station and the museum’s new “Trains” display, and field a call about a historic district property in Aliquippa, PA..
March 23, 2013 – Heritage Museum officials Edwards McLaughlin and Mark Miner are interviewed live on the air by host Rob Pratte on Pittsburgh’s KDKA NewsRadio 1020 about the new “Trains, Trains, Trains!” exhibit. [ listen ]
Feb. 27, 2013 -“Old Beaver House Could Be Near Its End” – Beaver County Times – quoting Mildred “Midge” Sefton and local attorney Harold Reed Jr. [ link ]
Feb. 19, 2013 – “Heritage Foundation All Aboard Train Station Purchase” – Beaver County Times – quoting Carl Neely and Robert Smith and Beaver Borough councilman Michael Deelo. [ link ]
2012
 |
|
63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers
|
Dec. 2, 2012 – From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., the log house at the Heritage Museum — decorated in a Civil War theme of the 1860s — will be open for the Saints Peter and Paul Church’s Annual Christmas House Tour. Re-enactors from the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry will return home on furlough for the holidays, and their ladies will demonstrate hearth cooking in preparation for the Christmas feast. Enjoy a cup of hot mulled cider heated over the open fire and enjoy the sights and smells of Christmas traditions of the 19th century.
Nov. 24, 2012 – Local author Keith Shovlin will launch his new book, the novella Life’s Penance, at the Heritage Museum. He is releasing this new title as an eBook and as the first story of the Millennial Row series. [ more ]
 |
|
Enthusiastic members and friends at the Nov. 18 Beaver Station open house
|
Nov. 18, 2012 – Several hundred members and friends, along with representatives of Sewickley’s Sweetwater Center for the Arts and the Beaver County Genealogy and Local History Center, attend an open house at Beaver Station.
Nov. 10, 2012 – Between now and Dec. 2, when the Heritage Museum closes for the year, a small model railroad display will be on display, featuring five concentric tracks with moving miniature trains. This is a perfect venue for families with children and will be a lead-in for the 2013 exhibit featuring a broader variety of miniature railroad layouts with strong safety message for youngsters. The museum will re-open next year on Palm Sunday, March 23, 2013.
 |
|
Our Book by Beaver native Priit Vesilind
|
November 2012 – The Heritage Museum and several of its volunteers are mentioned in the acknowledgements section of a new book written and published by retired National Geographic editor Priit Vesilind. Entitled Our Book: Growing Up in Beaver, Class of 1960, it is the definitive account of adolescent life in a small Western Pennsylvania hometown community during the era of the 1950s, and is based on original research that the author conducted in the museum’s permanent collections and archives.
 |
| Robert Smith, right, receives a lifetime achievement award from Carl Neely |
Oct. 27, 2012 – At the Heritage Foundation’s annual “Charter Day” dinner, Robert “Bob” Smith receives a lifetime achievement award from president Carl Neely for his many contributions over many decades — creation of the award-winning museum; Streetscape; clock tower; Beaver Town book; Beaver Station renovation; registry of Beaver as the National Historic District; re-dedication of the Fort McIntosh site with Gen. William Westmoreland in 1978; and much, much more.
Oct. 27, 2012 – The Heritage Foundation bestows its prestigious Harry S. Phillips Award to John and Kim Pizzella for restoration and beautification of their residence at 652 Bank Street, and to David Sebastian for renovation of his commercial property at 688 Third Street, currently occupied by Photography by James. The award, named in memory of the Heritage Foundation’s founder, is “presented to individuals and organizations in the Beaver Area who have met stringent criteria for excellence in historic restoration and beautification.”
  |
|
Winners of the Harry S. Phillips Awards — 652 Bank Street and 688 Third Street
|
Oct. 23, 2012 – Beaver County Times – “Benefactor Helps Foundation Save Historic Home’s Features” – mentioning museum trustees Mildred Sefton (with quotes) and Charles Copeland [ link ] as well as a related video clip [ link ].
September 2012 – The Fall 2012 edition of the Brighton Township Newsletter contains a colorful article, “Heritage Foundation Launches Capital Campaign to Preserve and Repurpose Beaver Station,” as well as an article about our friends with the Brighton Township Historical Society. [ link ]
Sept. 21, 2012 – The widely acclaimed “Beaver Tales” storytelling event returns to the Beaver Area with four all-new storytellers to weave their magic and share a sense of wonder and delight with audiences of all ages. This year’s tellers: Oba William King, Tom Stamp, Dovie Thomason and Suzi Whaples. [ more ]
Sept. 11, 2012 – Beaver County Times – “Train Station Sale Nearing Completion” – [ link ]
July 5, 2012 – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – “Century-Old Train Station Among Projects Getting Help from Grants” – quoting Robert Rice – [ link ]
July 3, 2012 – In partnership with the Beaver Cemetery & Mausoleum, the Heritage Foundation launches a new webpage honoring all of the 356 Civil War veterans buried in Beaver, including several men killed during the conflict. [ more ]
 |
| Talking about the museum live on KDKA Radio, l-r: Rob Pratte, Robbie Pratte, Ted Arneault and museum chairman Mark Miner. |
July 1, 2012 – Rob Pratte of NewsRadio 1020 KDKA interviews Heritage Museum chairman Mark Miner and Heinz History Center CEO Andy Masich about the Civil War battle of Gettysburg during “Black and Gold Sunday” — live for two hours from Kuhn’s Market in Hopewell Township in Aliquippa — along with Ted Arneault, former CEO of Mountaineer Casino and Race Track and Frank Dawson of the Lou Holtz Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame in East Liverpool, Ohio. [ click to listen to the audio ]
July 1, 2012 – Often compared to a “Norman Rockwell painting,” the Heritage Foundation hosts its annual free patriotic concert in the park on Sunday, July 1, 2012, as part of the Fourth of July celebration. This year’s evening performance is a festive “double header.” [ more ]
June 29, 2012 – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – “Reviving a Historic Railroad Station in Beaver” – quoting David O’Leary and Mark Miner, and mentioning Charles Copeland – [ link ]
 |
|
Beaver Station, which the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation plans to renovate and preserve as a cultural center
|
June 21, 2012 – Beaver County Times – “Keystone Historic Preservation Grants Awarded Locally” – [ link ]
June 20, 2012 – The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) awards $500,000 in Keystone Historic Preservation grants to help historical and heritage organizations, museums and local governments in 15 counties. Among these is a $25,000 grant to the Heritage Foundation to be used to replace the slae roof of the historic railroad passenger station, a key part of the group’s $2.3 million project to convert the facility into a landmark cultural and events center. [ link ]
 |
| Left to right: Beaver Rotarians Diana Neel, Bill Elliott and Bill Wilson |
June 10, 2012 – For the second time this year, Rotary Club of Beaver volunteers serve as special greeters on “Beaver Rotary Day” at the Heritage Museum as part of its ongoing commitment to local community service. Participating on behalf of the local Rotary Club are Alicia Field, Diana Neel, Bill Elliott and Bill Wilson. Rotary also will serve as greeters later this year on Sunday, Aug. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 14.
 |
|
Rebekah Johnston
|
June 9, 2012 – Rebekah Johnston, who recently received her master’s degree in landscape architecture at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, based on extensive research she conducted at the Heritage Museum, presents her topic, “Beaver and Its Central Public Squares,” at the Beaver Area Memorial Library. [ details ]
May 28, 2012 – The annual Memorial Day Parade is held in Beaver, sponsored by the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation. Active and retired military veterans participate, including members of the Tuskegee Airmen organization, Syria Mosque Drum & Bugle Corps and a flyover by the 911th TAC Airlift Group.. A decorated bicycle contest is sponsored by Snitger’s Bike Shop.The popular Memorial Program follows in Beaver Cemetery, featuring guest speaker Dr. William H. Silver, Senior Pastor, Bridgewater Presbyterian Church.
May 23, 2012 – Beaver County Times – “Foundation Hopes to Announce Train Station Project Specs Soon” – quoting train station study group members David O’Leary, Robert Rice and Robert Smith. [ link ]
May 5-6, 2012 – The Beaver Area Heritage Museum will join 15 other local museums and cultural institutions participating in annual “Beaver County History Weekend,” on the theme of the county’s role in the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, and including a geocaching scavenger hunt event, all coordinated by the Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation. The weekend will feature open tours of participating historical sites, demonstrations and displays of Civil War artifacts, Civil War weaponry and naval vessels, an overview of wartime rail transportation, tours of homes used as safe houses, stories of celebrated abolitionists, the Harmonists’ view of the war, and much more. [ Details ]
May 3, 2012 – Beaver County Times – “Group Plans to Make Beaver Train Station a Cultural, Events Center” – quoting David O’Leary, chair of the Train Station Committee, and Dan Deceder, Beaver Borough councilman. [ link ]
May 2, 2012 – Borough of Beaver Newsletter – “Beaver Station – A Multi-Use Cultural and Event Center” – about how the Heritage Foundation is taking the lead in proposing future uses for the former railroad station and Beaver County 911 Center, at the request of Beaver Borough Council. [ link ]
 |
| Beaver Rotary Club volunteer greeters, left to right: Jill Dehart, Bill Wilson, Diana Neel and Bryan Dehart |
April 15, 2012 – Members of the Rotary Club of Beaver serve as museum greeters as more than 125 people flock to view the “Civil War in Pennsylvania” exhibit — the first of four Sundays duing the year that the Rotary Club will provide volunteers at the museum, fulfilling an important hands-on community service role with the opportunity to be visible to all-new audiences.
April 12, 2012 – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – “Museum in Beaver Gains Interns” – Feature story quoting Mildred Sefton, director of the museum’s collections and Jeff Cole of Geneva College – [ Link ]
April 6, 2012 – The Heritage Museum and “Civil War in Pennsylvania” display are mentioned frequently during an interview between Rob Pratte of NewsRadio 1020 KDKA (Pittsburgh’s largest AM station) and Andy Masich, CEO of the Senator John Heinz History Center and chairman of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
 |
| Heinz History Center CEO Andy Masich speaks to 70 museum volunteers and friends at the April 5 “Civil War in Pennsylvania” reception |
 |
|
Andy Masich
|
April 5, 2012 – VIP guests Andy Masich and Sandra Smith of the Senator John Heinz History Center, and Rob Griffin and Jack Bechdel of local corporate sponsor Eaton Corporation, join with 70 volunteers, corporate supporters and donors at a reception launching the “Civil War in Pennsylvania” exhibit, sponsored by Peoples Natural Gasand Institute for Museum and Library Services, in partnership with Pennsylvania Civil War 150. [ Photo album ]
March 26, 2012 – Beaver County Times – “Traveling Civil War Exhibit to Stop in Beaver.” [ Link ]
March 24, 2012 – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – “History Center’s Civil War Exhibit to Hit the Road.” Feature article about the Heinz History Center’s “Civil War in Pennsylvania” exhibit opening at the Heritage Museum on March 31, 2012. Mentions museum chair Mark Miner. [ Link ]
March 24, 2012 – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – “History Center Hosts War Exhibit.” Story about the Heinz History Center’s traveling “Civil War in Pennsylvania” exhibit which opens at the Heritage Museum on March 31, 2012. Quotes museum chair Mark Miner. [ Link ]
March 23, 2012 – 90.5 Essential Public Radio – “Traveling Civil War Exhibit Debuts in Pittsburgh Before Hitting the Road.” [ Links to story and podcast ]
March 22, 2012 – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – “Pennsylvania Civil War 150, First Stop: Beaver Area Heritage Museum.” [ Link ]
Feb. 26, 2012 – Rob Pratte of NewsRadio 1020 KDKA (Pittsburgh’s largest AM station) interviews Heritage Museum chairman Mark Miner about plans for preserving and renovating the former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad station building in Beaver.
Feb. 24, 2012 – Geneva College and the Heritage Museum have signed a formal agreement creating an internship for history majors to receive credit hours for volunteering their work in the award-winning museum’s archival collections. [ More ]
Feb. 20, 2012 – In the first partnership of its kind, the Heritage Museum has teamed with Pittsburgh’s Heinz History Center — an affiliate of the Smithsonian — to showcase the “Civil War in Pennsylvania” exhibit in Beaver. The exhibit will run locally from March 31 through Labor Day commemorating the 150th anniversary of the war. From March 31 to April 22, the display will feature three life-size historic figures, plus Dog Jack, along with modular panels describing Pennsylvania’s contributions to the war. Also included will be curriculum materials that meet Pennsylvania and U.S. social studies standards, and other hands-on educational objects, such as replicas of historic items, for students to 
explore. From April 28 through Labor Day, the museum will display artifacts and exhibits from its own Civil War collections. Eaton Corporation is the local corporate sponsor of the display, which is presented by Peoples Natural Gas and supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
2011
 |
| Volunteer greeters Alicia Field and Bill Elliott from the Rotary Club of Beaver |
Nov. 23, 2011 – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – “Old Photos Tell Story of Beaver County’s Past” – Feature story about the museum’s 2011 summer/fall display, “Beaver Valley Album.” Mentions Heritage Museum volunteers Arthur Cornell, Adam Fitz, John McLaughlin, Mark Miner, Robert O’Dell and Mildred Sefton, as well as exhibit curators Kevin and Barb Cooke of Graule Studios. Link.
Nov. 20, 2011 – The Heritage Museum proudly hosts Beaver Rotary Club Day, with local Rotarians Alicia Field, Bill Elliott and Bill Wilson volunteering as greeters on a Sunday afternoon. This novel partnership between the museum and Beaver Rotary not only provides needed volunteer manpower for the museum but also gives the Rotary Club an opportunity to fulfill a hands-on community service role and to be visible to all-new audiences. The museum extends its gratitude to Beaver Rotary for embracing this opportunity and looks forward to working together next year.
 |
| Tom Bryan and the Bryan family pose with the museum’s Miner at right |
Nov. 10, 2011 – Representing the Beaver Area Heritage Museum, board of trustees chair Mark Miner accepts a $500 check from the Beaver County Foundation’s Charles “Chick” O’Data, as a donation from the Foundation’s 2011 Ben Franklin Award winner Thomas J. Bryan III, owner of Tri-State River Products. The annual award honors local companies that best capture Franklin’s pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit. The funds are a dividend from an original $5,000 investment by Franklin in 1790 to be held in trust for the citizens of Pennsylvania. In 1991, the funds matured at a value of more than $2 million and were distributed to community foundations throughout the commonwealth.
Sept. 17, 2011 – The Heritage Museum hosts its first Antiques Town show on Saturday morning between 9 a.m. and noon, at the community room of the Beaver Borough building on Third Street. Members of the community brought their antiques, rarities and don’t-know-what’s to be expertly appraised by Sherm Hostetter of Hostetter Auctions. The entry fee of $15 benefits the museum. [ Poster ]
Sept. 16, 2011 – The widely acclaimed “Beaver Tales” storytelling event will return to the Beaver Area with four all-new storytellers to share a sense of wonder for audiences of all ages. The big event, “Ghost Tales and More,” will be held at the Gazebo in Beaver and will get underway at 7 p.m. Be sure to bring blankets and/or comfortable lawn chairs. The storytellers’ books and CDs will be available for purchase. All events are free. [ More details.]
Sept. 2, 2011 – The Heritage Foundation hosts the second annual “Septemberfest” — marking the start to the Labor Day weekend with a reception on the grounds of the Heritage Museum, starting at 6 p.m. The reception features guided tours of the “Beaver Valley Album” exhibit of antique local photography, and a disc jockey playing favorite music from the past and present. Tours also are conducted at the adjacent, vacant former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad passenger station, which also formerly housed the Beaver County 9-1-1 emergency response center. A light meal with festive beverages is served for this stand-up and mingle affair. Dress is casual — or consider wearing your favorite costume from the past. Suggested donations are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. [ More details ]
 |
| KDKA Radio host Rob Pratte, left, with museum leaders Edwards McLaughlin and Stacey Sullivan, in a Father’s Day interview. |
June 19, 2011 – Museum officials Edwards McLaughlin, Mark Miner and Stacey Sullivan are featured for a full hour on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA-AM’s “Weekend Magazine with Rob Pratte,” describing myriad activities and plans for the museum and acknowledging a host of key volunteers. On his Facebook page, Pratte writes that the museum is a “great place to take your kids. Teach them the wonders of history.”
June 18, 2011 – The County of Beaver, PA releases the summer 2011 edition of its popular magazine, The Bridge, featuring a front-and-back cover story about “Beaver’s Fort McIntosh” and the ceremony recently held to dedicate the new monument at the fort site. (See entry for May 7, 2011.)
June 17, 2011 – Heritage Museum advisor Edwards McLaughlin appears on KDKA-TV’s Pittsburgh Today Live to promote the museum, Fort McIntosh site, central parks and all the amenities of living and working in Beaver. Christine Tumpson, the editor of Whirl Magazine, says that Beaver is one of the “really fun places for poeple to go just on a day trip or to move to permanently and to show all of the character and charm we have in these adorable, wonderful places. We found it all in Beaver.” [ more — be sure to click on the “Whirl Wednesday” icon ]
May 24, 2011 – This year’s Memorial Day parade in Beaver, sponsored by the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation, will for the first time feature representatives of the Tuskegee Airmen. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 30, 2011, starting at Third and Beaver Streets in Beaver, followed by the traditional ceremony of remembrance at the Beaver Cemetery. [ more ]
May 22, 2011 – Beaver County Times – “Slice of Local History Pops Up” – Front page photograph story about the intention of the Braun family to donate artifacts from the old Keystone Bakery in Bridgewater to the Beaver Area Heritage Museum. [ link ]
May 8, 2011 – Beaver County Times – “Monumental” – Front page photograph story about the dedication of the new historical marker at the site of Fort McIntosh on River Road in Beaver.
 |
| Parade by the Old Guard color guard and fife and drum corps on Market Street in Beaver, followed by the Junior ROTC from Beaver Area High School, and other military re-enactor groups of the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras. |
May 7, 2011 – In only its fourth appearance in Beaver since 1978, the Old Guard (Presidential Honor Guard) from Fort Myer, Washington, D.C., visits Fort McIntosh and helps dedicate the new monument donated to the town by Tom Bryan of Tri State River Products and constructed by Boehmer Concrete and Masonry Company. At the conclusion of the event is a fireworks display by Zambelli Fireworks. Robert Smith serves as master of ceremonies.
May 7-8, 2011 – The Beaver Area Heritage Foundation partners with the Beaver County History and Landmarks Foundation in a celebration of “Beaver County History Day,” as proclaimed by the County Commissioners, involving 18 historic sites in the area open that day for all to enjoy our shared heritage.
March 27, 2011 – Beaver County Times – “Museum Obtains Decades of Old Newspapers” – Front page feature, continued on an inside full page story, about the museum’s acquisition of Times newspapers providing “a comprehensive record of 46 years of day-to-day life in Beaver County, from April 1934 through December 1979,” picturing and quoting trustee Charles Copeland, and quoting trustees Mildred Sefton and Mark Miner. [ Link ]
March 14, 2011 – Beaver County Times – “Local History Has a Home in Beaver” – In his weekly column, historian Gino Piroli writes: “I especially envy one group, the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation, because it has had success in keeping alive the history of the town.” Unlike other local museums, he says, the Heritage Foundation “has a permanent home near the former Beaver train station and offers programs throughout the year as well as exhibits and documents on different subjects related to the town.” [ Reprint ]
Feb. 10, 2011 – The Heritage Foundation releases the Winter 2011 edition of its popular newsletter, Foundations, featuring the “Bricks, Mortar and Charm” exhibit and eight pages of articles and photographs as well as an extensive list of recent donations to the museum’s permanent collection. Click to access. [ PDF, 1.2MB ]
Click to see all past issues of Foundations back to 2006.