Mini-Grants / Cameron County, Grants & Projects / Projects

The Little Museum in Sterling Run

The Little Museum in Sterling Run Featured Image

Funding

  • Lumber Heritage Region: $2,500
  • Cameron County Historical Society: $5,395 (from memberships and visitor donations)

Type of Project

Installation of a new, strategically placed sign to increase visibility and accessibility for The Little Museum in Sterling Run, enhancing its role as a cultural and historical landmark.

Project Details

The Little Museum in Sterling Run is a cherished institution within the Lumber Heritage Region of Cameron County. Situated along the scenic Bucktail Trail, PA Route 120, about 9 miles south of Emporium, the museum has been a repository of local history and heritage for decades. However, its visibility to travelers was hampered by an outdated, deteriorating sign that had been in place for 43 years. The need for a new, more visible sign became evident to ensure that visitors could easily locate and appreciate this cultural landmark.

The project to replace the old sign was driven by the Cameron County Historical Society, which recognized the importance of enhancing the museum’s visibility and accessibility to the traveling public. The existing sign’s poor condition and its placement did not adequately serve the museum’s needs, as it was difficult for motorists to notice while driving along the highway. Travelers approaching from the east had limited time to see the sign due to a steep downhill grade, while those coming from the west faced a challenging curve and intersection, further obscuring the sign.

The solution was to design and install a new sign that would be more prominent and strategically placed for optimal visibility. The new sign not only needed to be visually appealing but also informative, clearly displaying the museum’s name, days, and hours of operation. This upgrade aimed to attract more visitors by making the museum easier to find and encouraging spontaneous visits from passersby.

The design and installation process involved careful consideration of the sign’s placement to ensure maximum visibility from both directions of travel. The new sign was positioned to provide ample time for motorists to notice and read it, even at higher speeds. The installation process included not just erecting the sign but also landscaping around it to enhance its appearance and draw attention to it.

The impact of the new sign was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Visitors and locals alike provided enthusiastic feedback, noting the significant improvement in the museum’s visibility and overall presentation. The clear and attractive sign successfully drew in more visitors, contributing to a rise in foot traffic and greater community engagement with the museum’s exhibits and programs.

The museum itself, housed in a historic building, offers a fascinating glimpse into the local history of Cameron County and the broader Lumber Heritage Region. It features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from the region’s lumbering past, displays on local wildlife, and collections of memorabilia from the area’s cultural history. By improving the sign, the project helped ensure that more people could discover and appreciate these valuable historical resources.

In conclusion, the new sign for The Little Museum in Sterling Run is more than just a marker; it represents a commitment to preserving and promoting local heritage. By enhancing the museum’s visibility, the project has successfully increased visitor numbers and community interest, ensuring that the rich history of Cameron County continues to be celebrated and shared with future generations.

Cultivating Growth and Preserving Heritage Through Partnership

By empowering local organizations and communities through our mini-grant program, we foster collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, ultimately strengthening the economic and cultural fabric of the region. We believe that by working together, we can create a sustainable future that honors our rich lumber heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and development. If you represent an eligible organization and have a project that aligns with our goals, we encourage you to apply for our mini-grant program and join us in our mission to build a thriving, sustainable region that celebrates its lumber heritage while embracing innovation and progress.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

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News & Updates

Lumber Heritage Region Receives DCNR Grant to Develop Warren County’s First 18-Hole Disc Golf Course

Lumber Heritage Region Receives DCNR Grant to Develop Warren County’s First 18-Hole Disc Golf Course Warren, PA – The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) has been awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to design and build an 18-hole disc golf course on the Hatch Run Property in Warren, PA. LHR is partnering with the Warren County Visitor Bureau and the Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) to bring this exciting recreational project to life. This will be the first and only 18-hole disc golf course in Warren County, offering a unique combination of outdoor recreation, historic interpretation, and conservation education. The Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area, managed by the Warren County Conservation District, is a 350-acre property dedicated to environmental education, outdoor recreation, and sustainable land management practices. The area features scenic trails, diverse wildlife habitats, and forested landscapes, making it an ideal location for a disc golf course that emphasizes both recreation and environmental awareness. The course will be designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, preserving the property’s rich biodiversity while providing an engaging space for disc golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. This project aims to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the region while promoting environmental stewardship and local history. The course will feature interpretive signage highlighting Warren County’s rich lumber heritage, forestry conservation efforts, and the ecological significance of the Hatch Run property. “We are thrilled to bring this exciting project to Warren County with the support of DCNR and our dedicated partners,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the LHR. “Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport that appeals to all ages and skill levels, and this course will not only provide a fantastic recreational outlet but also help connect players with the history and natural beauty of the region.” In addition to benefiting local residents, this project will be a significant asset to Warren County’s tourism efforts. As disc golf continues to grow in popularity, the new course will attract players from surrounding areas, boosting visitor traffic, local businesses, and outdoor tourism. The Warren County Visitors Bureau recognizes this as an opportunity to diversify the county’s outdoor recreation offerings and further position the region as a premier destination for nature-based tourism. “As Warren County’s destination marketing organization, our job is promoting our assets to bring people to the area. When Holly approached us asking if there was a dream project we would like to pursue, a disc golf course was the automatic answer. Warren County is known for a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, our number one tourist draw, but nowhere in the county is a disc golf course, one of the nation’s most rapidly growing sports. The location at HRCD is perfect with its proximity to restaurants, stores, and other amenities while still providing a remote forest experience. This will be a great economic asset as dedicated disc golfers travel far and wide to try new courses and will need a place to eat, sleep, and shop. It will also give locals easy access to a new adventure. Every step of the process has been exciting, and we look forward to seeing Warren County’s newest amenity come to fruition and become a favorite for locals and tourists alike.” – Casey Ferry, executive director of the Warren County Visitors Bureau. LHR, in collaboration with the Warren County Visitors Bureau and WCCD, will ensure the course is designed to enhance the outdoor experience while maintaining the integrity of the Hatch Run property. The inclusion of interpretive elements will provide players with a deeper appreciation for Pennsylvania’s lumber industry, forest conservation, and sustainable land management practices. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction set to begin in the coming months. Once completed, the course will be open to the public, providing free access to both beginners and seasoned disc golfers. For more information on the project or ways to get involved, please contact Holly Komonczi. About the Lumber Heritage Region The Lumber Heritage Region is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of Pennsylvania’s lumber industry through community engagement, education, and sustainable recreation initiatives. About the Warren County Visitors Bureau The Warren County Visitors Bureau promotes tourism and outdoor recreation in Warren County, highlighting its natural beauty, history, and unique attractions to visitors from near and far. About the Warren County Conservation District The Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) works to conserve and protect the county’s natural resources through education, stewardship, and sustainable land management practices. Media Contact: Holly Komonczi Executive Director Lumber Heritage Area hkomonczi@lumberheritage.org Casey Ferry Executive Director Warren County Visitors Bureau director@wcvb.net

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