Johnstown Area Heritage Association

Johnstown Area Heritage Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a city with a rich history dating back to the American Industrial Revolution. The association is located in the heart of Downtown Johnstown, near the Conemaugh River, and is close to other notable attractions such as the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and the Cambria Iron Company. The organization works closely with other local institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, to achieve its goals. The association's efforts are also supported by state and national organizations, such as the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

● History

The Johnstown Area Heritage Association was established in the 1970s, with the goal of preserving the city's history and promoting tourism in the area. The association's early efforts were focused on restoring historic buildings, such as the Cambria Iron Company's Blacksmith Shop, and creating exhibits that showcased the city's industrial heritage, including its role in the production of steel and railroad equipment. The association has also worked to preserve the history of the Johnstown Flood, a devastating disaster that occurred in 1889 and was one of the worst floods in United States history, with support from organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The flood had a significant impact on the city and its people, including notable figures such as Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick, who were involved in the city's industrial development.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association is to preserve and promote the history and heritage of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and to provide educational and cultural programs for the community. The association's objectives include restoring and maintaining historic buildings, such as the Grandview Cemetery and the Point Stadium, and creating exhibits that showcase the city's history and industry, including its connections to notable companies such as U.S. Steel and Conrail. The association also works to promote tourism in the area, in partnership with organizations such as the Greater Johnstown Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Pennsylvania Tourism Office. The association's efforts are guided by a board of directors, which includes representatives from local organizations such as the Johnstown Chamber of Commerce and the Cambria County Historical Society.

● Exhibits_and_Collections

The Johnstown Area Heritage Association has a number of exhibits and collections that showcase the city's history and industry, including the Johnstown Flood Museum, which tells the story of the 1889 flood and its impact on the city, with artifacts and exhibits related to the South Fork Dam and the Conemaugh Valley. The association also has exhibits on the city's steel industry, including its role in the production of railroad equipment and the history of companies such as Bethlehem Steel and Republic Steel. The association's collections include artifacts and documents related to the city's history, including items from the Cambria Iron Company and the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, as well as photographs and other materials from the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration.

● Education_and_Programs

The Johnstown Area Heritage Association offers a number of educational and cultural programs for the community, including guided tours of historic sites such as the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and the Cambria Iron Company's Blacksmith Shop. The association also offers programs for school groups and scouting organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA, and partners with local organizations such as the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and the Cambria County Library to provide cultural programming. The association's programs are designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of the city's history and heritage, and to support the development of historical literacy and cultural competence.

● Preservation_Efforts

The Johnstown Area Heritage Association is involved in a number of preservation efforts, including the restoration of historic buildings and the preservation of historic sites such as the Grandview Cemetery and the Point Stadium. The association works with local, state, and national organizations, such as the National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, to identify and preserve historic sites and to develop historic preservation plans. The association's preservation efforts are guided by a commitment to historic preservation ethics and a recognition of the importance of preserving the city's history and heritage for future generations, including the role of notable figures such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Frederick Law Olmsted in shaping the city's architecture and landscape. The association's work is also supported by organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the World Monuments Fund.

Category:Heritage organizations in the United States