Central PA News

Three organizations in Centre and Mifflin County have been awarded Cultural and Historical Support Grants by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, according to state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin).

The Centre County Historical Society, located at 1001 E. College Ave. in State College, includes the Centre Furnace Mansion and Gardens. It also owns the historic Boogersburg School, a one-room schoolhouse at 1021 Fox Hill Road in Patton Township. The Mifflin County Historical Society is housed in the historic courthouse at 1 W. Market St. in Lewistown. Both societies received $8,000 grants.

Discovery Space, a science center featuring interactive exhibits and hands-on programs located at 1224 N. Atherton St. in State College, was awarded a grant of $28,800.

“The Centre and Mifflin County historical societies do a tremendous job of maintaining our local history, and Discovery Space of Central PA is a one-of-a-kind science institution for the public to enjoy,” said Benninghoff. “I congratulate all three recipients of these competitive grants and hope their surrounding communities continue to support them and their missions.”

Grants are awarded based on a percentage of the organization’s annual operating budget with a maximum grant of $44,945 and a minimum grant of $4,000. The program aims to provide general operating support to Pennsylvania museums and official county historical societies that are not directly supported by other state agency operating programs, have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services), and employ at least one full-time professional staff person (or approved equivalent).

Questions about this or any state government issue should be directed to Benninghoff’s Bellefonte district office at 814-355-1300 or his Reedsville district office at 717-667-1175.

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