Project Details
Lumber Heritage Mural Revitalizes Renovo! “This 12 by 32-foot mural turns history into community pride, anchoring
Renovo’s vital place in the Pennsylvania Lumber Heritage Region’s story for generations to come.”
– President Mary George Rhone, The Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park
The Project
The Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park brought history to life with a vibrant new outdoor heritage mural in Renovo. Local artists Steve Getz and Carol Cillo designed the artwork, depicting the region’s rich timbering history and early log drives. Community volunteers, local organizations, Brownie’s Signs, Smith Excavating, and The Service Garage helped bring the vision to reality.
Key funding came from the Lumber Heritage Region, Winner Solar, and Renovo PRR. This project turns a prominent business exterior into an engaging open-air classroom with interactive QR code signage. It revitalizes the streetscape, sparks local pride, and attracts heritage tourism to support local businesses for years to come.
Lasting Impact
The Lumber Heritage Mural project successfully fulfilled its original scope of work by completing a large-scale 12 ft. by 32 ft., detailed outdoor mural and accompanying 4 ft. by 6 ft. interpretive panel in Renovo that highlights the rich timbering history of North Central Pennsylvania. Designed as both a visual landmark and an educational tool, the project brings regional heritage directly into the public sphere.
- Community Benefits: The mural revitalizes a prominent public space (the Service Garage at 6th St. and Huron Avenue), fostering civic pride and strengthening community identity by connecting residents and visitors to the region’s shared history. Local volunteers, community members, and historic organizations were consulted throughout the planning and execution phases.
- Educational Outcomes: The artwork incorporates historical imagery—including early timber rafting and the Great Log Drives, serving as an accessible open-air classroom. Interpretive signage and accompanying materials tie the mural’s visual elements directly to online information via a QR code that is linked to the Heritage Park website.
- Public Impact: Situated in a high-visibility location, the mural enhances Huron Avenue beautification and serves as an engaging focal point for heritage tourism. It encourages pedestrian foot traffic, supports local business visits, and raises public awareness about the Lumber Heritage Region’s cultural assets.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Built to endure, the project utilized high-grade, weather-resistant vinyl covered aluminum panels and a UV/anti-graffiti protective seal to ensure minimal maintenance needs over time.
Funding & Partnerships
This mini-grant was financed in part by the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Heritage Area Funds, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
