Funding
- Lumber Heritage Region: $5,000
- Total Project Cost: $10,032.44 (additional funding from Penn State Extension Office and Penn State Master Gardeners)
Type of Project
Promotion of the historic Poor Farm property through interpretive signage and conservation demonstrations, enhancing public understanding of Smethport’s agricultural history and providing educational and recreational opportunities.
Project Details
The Poor Farm Promotion project in Smethport, McKean County, aimed to promote the historic Poor Farm property for public use. The farm, an important part of Smethport’s community and socioeconomic history, is now being leveraged to provide educational and recreational opportunities for visitors.
The project focused on creating interpretive and educational signage and organizing demonstrations to showcase the property’s historical significance and conservation practices. The Poor Farm property, owned by McKean County, offers a unique glimpse into the region’s past, providing visitors with an understanding of the area’s agricultural history and the social dynamics of the time.
The interpretive signage installed on the property highlights various aspects of the Poor Farm’s history, including its role in the community and the lives of those who lived and worked there. The signs also connect visitors to the neighboring trail network, encouraging them to explore the surrounding area.
In addition to the signage, the project included conservation demonstrations that illustrate sustainable agricultural practices and land stewardship. These demonstrations serve as educational moments for visitors, bridging active and passive recreation while promoting responsible use of natural resources.
The project has successfully increased public interest in the Poor Farm property, with more visitors exploring the site and participating in the educational activities. Volunteers staff the property throughout the summer season, assisting travelers and answering questions about the site’s history and conservation practices.
By promoting the Poor Farm property, this project has preserved an important piece of Smethport’s heritage while providing valuable educational and recreational opportunities for the community and visitors alike.
