Forest County Historical Museum Enhancement

Project Details

The Forest County Historical Museum, located in Tionesta, Forest County, is a private, all-volunteer historical society and museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the region. This project, initiated by the Lumber Heritage Region (LHR), aimed to further enhance the museum for visitors by creating additional display space that reflects the history of the lumbering era.

The project involved several key improvements to the museum:

1. Replica Lumber Camp Building: A new building was constructed to replicate a lumber camp, providing visitors with an immersive experience of what life was like during the lumbering era. This building serves as an additional display space, allowing the museum to showcase more artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s lumber heritage.
2. Interior Enhancements: The interior of the building was enhanced with knotty-pine walls and insulation, using products sourced from within the Lumber Heritage region. These improvements not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the building but also provided better environmental control for the preservation of artifacts.
3. Artifact Display: Funding allowed for the purchase of materials to display artifacts in a visually appealing and secure manner. The displays were designed to protect the artifacts from theft or damage while making them accessible and engaging for visitors.
4. Electrical Improvements: The project included the installation of electrical infrastructure to supply electricity to the building. This allowed for the placement of a video monitor that plays a video representing the history of lumbering in Forest County. The video adds an educational and dynamic element to the museum, enriching the visitor experience.

The Forest County Historical Museum is staffed by volunteers throughout the summer season, providing assistance and information to travelers. The enhancements funded by this project have significantly improved the museum’s capacity to educate and engage visitors, ensuring that the history of Forest County’s lumbering era is preserved and celebrated.