Resources / LHR Year in Review
2022 was a year of growth and reflection for the Lumber Heritage Region (LHR). With new partnerships, successful projects, and the sad loss of two important figures, we navigated both progress and challenges. Here’s a comprehensive overview of our key accomplishments and initiatives.
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We mourned the loss of Thad Meckley and Thomas Taber III, both instrumental in the development and preservation of our heritage. Thad, a dedicated volunteer and LHR champion, and Tom, a renowned historian and author of the Lumber Series Books, will be deeply missed.
Significant Increase in Partnerships
In 2022, we welcomed numerous new partners, enhancing our network and outreach capabilities. Notable new partners include the Knoxville Public Library & Historical Museum, McKean County Historical Society, and Pennsylvania Grain Processing.
Increased Financial Contributions
We saw a rise in financial contributions, helping us fund various projects and initiatives throughout the year.
Wayfinding and Lumber Heritage Trail
The first phase of the Lumber Heritage Trail was completed with new signage at key locations. We continued to promote the trail and its significance to the region’s heritage.
Diversity Study and Community Engagement
Our Diversity Study continued to gain recognition, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity in the Forest Products Industry. We developed new interpretive initiatives and educational content to share these stories.
Thomas Taber Book Series Reprint
We continued the challenging task of converting Tom Taber’s 1970s work into a digital format for reprint. This project aims to preserve and disseminate the valuable historical content for future generations.
Boom Heritage Presentations
We launched the Boom Heritage Presentation series, covering topics like the Drake Well and Lumber Museum, women in the industries, and conservation efforts.
Educational and Outreach Activities
We participated in numerous events, from school presentations and career days to county fairs and heritage festivals. These activities helped us engage with the community and promote our mission.
Newsletter and Social Media
Our newsletter saw increased engagement, with stories highlighting our 15 counties, partner updates, and fun facts. Social media platforms continued to grow, effectively promoting our initiatives and engaging a broader audience.
Management Action Plan Update
We have begun updating our Management Action Plan with the help of Mackin and Associates. This project will involve input from partners, board members, stakeholders, and government leaders to shape our future direction.
Stories and Themes Mobile App
We are developing a mobile app to offer a live history experience of the Lumber Heritage Trail. This project will involve securing speakers and creating compelling narratives to enhance visitor engagement.
Mini Grant Program
Our mini grant program is underway, with projects focusing on forest health, dark sky programming, interpretive panels, and trail kiosks. Awardees include the PA Forest Products Association, Cameron County, and DuBois Historical Society.
Ongoing and Upcoming Projects
We continue to place interpretive panels, promote forest product careers, sustain healthy forests, and build new partnerships. Upcoming projects include the restoration of a fire tower at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum and display cases to educate visitors about the LHR.
2022 was a year of growth and progress for the LHR, setting a strong foundation for continued success in 2023. We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team, supportive partners, and engaged community for their contributions to our achievements.
LHR Year in Review
In 2023, the Lumber Heritage Region celebrated major achievements, including the reprint of the Thomas Taber III book series, the development of a comprehensive marketing plan, and the expansion of our diversity study, setting the stage for continued success in 2024. Read more
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