HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MOUNT LEBANON CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE. . .
BUILDING OUR FUTURE
LET’S FINISH THE JOB!
MISSION STATEMENT
The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon serves and educates the community by collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing its history in ways designed to inspire our present and guide our future.
CALL TO ACTION
Since 2015, the Society has spent approximately $875,000 on the acquisition of the building from the Municipality, and the restoration and renovation of the space; turning it into a History Center the community can be proud of.
We have raised approximately $975,000 from pledges and donations from generous individuals, local organizations, foundations, a state and county grant and the profits we realize from sales of Mt. Lebanon Historic District Medallions. No Municipal tax dollars have been used for this work.
Our work on the History Center is not complete. We estimate we still need approximately $550,000 additional dollars to finish the job. The remaining major work to be completed as funds allow includes completing the renovation of the roof-top deck on the building; renovating the ground floor to be used as a public meeting space, including a caterer’s kitchen; painting the entire building and installing a new front sidewalk to be handicapped compliant without needing handrails.
All donations, no matter the amount, towards our Capital Campaign are greatly appreciated. Many wonderful naming rights opportunities are still available beginning at the $10,000 level. Please let us know if you wish to explore helping us create a premier History Center for our wonderful community.
HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE?
Contact us at info@lebohistory.org if you are interested in supporting.
WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR
Because of the financial support from our donors, we have created an outstanding space for people to gather and learn about the community’s history, to socialize and enjoy reacquainting them with past classmates and neighbors and learn about their home’s histories.
Since the September 2018 reopening of the History Center on Washington Road, we have created and hosted 10 exhibitions covering a wide range of topics including celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department; the eighteen houses of worship in our community and the histories of many barrier breaking women with ties to our community.Only because of our improved exhibit space, we were selected to host the Heinz History Center’s traveling exhibition, We Can Do It WWII, bringing a unique exhibition to our community and the South Hills.
We have used our upgraded and expanded exhibition space to host lectures on topics such as the transition at the Frick Pittsburgh’s award winning Gilded, Not Golden interpretation of Henry Clay Frick and the Frick house; the Great Castle Shannon Bank Robbery that took place in 1917 and the history of Prohibition in Mt. Lebanon.
The Society, in conjunction with the Mt. Lebanon School District, conducts a walking tour for every 2nd grader in the district where they learn about the architecture of the buildings along Washington Road and the history of the community.
We host walking tours of various Mt. Lebanon communities such as Virginia Manor and Mission Hills throughout the summer.
WHAT'S LEFT
- Landscaping to front of building, including adding soil to direct water away from building walls (Possible water infusion source)
- New French drains/waterproofing of ground floor wall facing Washington Road (Needed if Gutters and Downspouts do not stop water infusion)
- Complete the Washington Road Deck/Overlook (generates rental income from outside groups)
- Complete the restoration of the ground floor as a public meeting space. This includes a caterer’s kitchen, two restrooms, HVAC system & garage patching and painting (generates rental income from outside groups)
- New Garage Door
- Painting the exterior of the building
- Reinstall the fountain or something like the fountain in the atrium
- New Front sidewalk – this removes the ugly one we have now with handrails and uses a longer “s-curve” to the front door that meets handicapped requirements without the need of a railing. This curved sidewalk would be closer to what was there originally.
- Restoration of decorative wall art in dining and living rooms
- Restoration of mural in atrium
RENOVATION PLANS
History
The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon started as an idea in 1998 and has evolved into a valuable community resource.What began with occasional lectures, a display case or two in the Mt. Lebanon Library and the storage of an old object or two, not offers rotating exhibitions, regular education programs, ongoing research and community-wide events. In 2009, the Society established its first History Center in the basement of its current building at 794 Washington Road. In 2014 the Society entered into an agreement with the Municipality to acquire, renovate and restore this entire building to create a model local historical society in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.
Let’s Finish the Job
Since establishing our first History Center in 2009, to the reopening of our new expanded space in 2018, the Society has demonstrated that we have the experience, where-with-all and volunteer resources (we are a 100% volunteer-run organization with no paid staff) to operate a premier local history center that brings much value to the community.
…But we still need your financial support to complete the vision that was started. Now is your opportunity to be a vital part of completing this vision.
Thank You!
Capital Campaign Committee
Matthew Kluck, Chair
Marilyn Barbarita
Ann Bateman
Kelly Fraasch
Dan Gigler
David Redding
Temp Smith
Jim Wojcik
Angela Bruni, Intern
Karen Petrucelli, Campaign Consultant
Other Contributing Members
Matthew Clark
Gwyn Cready
Julie Agar
Todd DePastino
Wally Workmaster
Jim Stuber
Lee Heckman
Joe Polk
Lisa White
Ben Joos
Jody Colby
Board of Directors
Alyssa Jones, President
Dave Frankowski, Vice President
Beth Romig, Treasurer
Jenny Wood, Secretary
Cynthia Bognar
Jon Delano
Ellie DePastino
Jeff Lonsinger
Joe Senko
Michelle Schocker
Katherine (Katy) Wahl
Alexa Silverman
Jim Wojcik
501(c)(3) STATUS
The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The official registration and financial information of The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.