Funding
- Lumber Heritage Region: $5,000
- Total Project Cost: $10,591 (additional funding from PA DCNR, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, and Centre County Board of Commissioners)
Type of Project
Heritage tourism initiative involving the update of a passport program booklet, driving map, and interpretive signage to promote exploration and appreciation of Centre County’s historical, cultural, and natural resources.
Project Details
The Centre County Explorers project, spearheaded by the Centre County Historical Society (CCHS), is a heritage tourism initiative designed to showcase the historical, cultural, and natural resources of Centre County. The program revolves around a passport booklet and driving map, encouraging participants of all ages to explore various sites of interest throughout the county.
The 2022 Lumber Heritage Grant enabled CCHS to conduct a thorough review and update of the Centre County Explorers passport program. This included extensive redesign and content updates for the booklet and map, ensuring they accurately reflect the rich history and attractions of the region. Additionally, three new interpretive signs were created to tell the story of Centre Furnace and the iron industry’s impact on Pennsylvania’s forest resources.
One of the primary challenges faced by CCHS was the outdated nature of the existing materials. The passport booklet and driving map had not been revised in several years, and the interpretive signage at Centre Furnace Mansion had aged significantly. This made it difficult for visitors to fully appreciate and understand the historical significance of the sites.
The solution involved engaging various stakeholders, including passport sites, in-house writers, researchers, and outside advisors such as the PA Lumber Museum. The collaborative effort resulted in updated and enriched content for the passport booklet and new interpretive signs. To boost awareness and engagement, CCHS also organized a Centre County Explorers Day, featuring demonstrations, site tours, and activities that highlighted the county’s historical sites.
The updated materials and new signs have been well-received by the public. The passport booklets and maps have been widely distributed, with over 1,500 booklets and 1,000 maps given out within a short period. The new interpretive signs, featuring a frameless design and highly visible white backgrounds, have also garnered positive feedback for their clarity and durability.
Looking forward, CCHS plans to continue promoting the Centre County Explorers program and organizing events that encourage exploration and appreciation of the county’s heritage. The updated materials and signage will play a crucial role in these efforts, helping to educate and engage both residents and visitors.
In conclusion, the Centre County Explorers project is a successful initiative that underscores the importance of preserving and promoting local history. By updating the passport program and interpretive signage, CCHS has created valuable resources that enhance public awareness and appreciation of Centre County’s historical and cultural heritage.
