Bizzarro, Harkins, Merski announce $26K+ for Erie Co. historical organizations
Funding will support general operations of grant recipients
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro December 11, 2023 | 4:05 PM
ERIE, Dec. 11 – Two Erie County historical organizations have been awarded grants through the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced Monday.
The Hagen History Center (formerly known as the Historical Society of Erie County) received $16,676 in funding, while the expERIEnce Children’s Museum received $10,235 through the Cultural and Historical Support Grant program. The money will be used to support the general operations of both organizations.
“These grants help guarantee events and one-of-a-kind exhibits – like Frank Lloyd Wright’s former San Francisco office – remain in our community and continue to be points of interest in our hometown,” Bizzarro said. “I’m pleased to see the state has continued to support the important work being done at the Hagen History Center and expERIEnce Children’s Museum.”
The goal of this grant program is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs.
“These grant dollars simultaneously invest in honoring Erie’s past and fortifying our future. The Hagen History Center strives to teach Erie residents the rich, abundant history of our region and the expERIEnce Children’s Museum ensures the next generation has a solidified foundation by providing them with a state-of-the-art facility to learn and grow,” said Harkins.
“Both the Hagen History Center and expERIEnce Children’s Museum are regional assets that draw people to the area and support our quality of life,” said Merski. “These competitive grants highlight Erie’s ability to speak with one voice on measures that enhance everyone’s shared living experience in Erie.”
In total, the PHMC awarded nearly $2 million to 158 eligible museums across Pennsylvania. To learn more about PHMC and its grant programs, click here.