A group of dedicated volunteers is helping to keep history alive in the heart of Cambria County–and now they’ve started a fund at the Community Foundation to assist their efforts.
Since 2000, the Nant-y-Glo Tri-Area Museum and Historical Society has been focused on preserving the history and genealogy of Nanty Glo Borough, Blacklick Township, Jackson Township, Vintondale, and surrounding communities. Their most significant project to date is the creation of the Liberty Museum.
“We are working on a beautiful stone structure that originates back to when our town was formed,” says Suzette Shay, NGTAMHS treasurer. “We are turning the Liberty Theater into a museum for the education of our community, as well as our youth, and to encourage the study and appreciation of history.”
The Liberty Museum also will help benefit the revitalization of Main Street Nanty-Glo. Once completed, visitors will be able to view items, including the largest collection of Barbie dolls on the East Coast and artifacts related to historical figures from the area, like World War II flying ace Boyd “Buzz” Wagner.
“Last year, we raised enough funds to put a new roof on the building, and this year with our fundraising efforts we hope to put in a new HVAC system,” says Shay. “Once this is done, we will need new doors and windows.” The group needs to raise $48,500 to complete these improvements. If you’d like to help, you can make a donation to the Nant-Y-Glo Tri-Area Museum and Historical Society Fund on our website.
“A large portion of the inside work is done or is well on its way to completion,” said Shay. “Our goal is to get the museum open to the public as soon as possible.”
NGTAMHS is always holding events and fundraisers. On July 6, from 12-4 p.m. there will be a Family Fund Day at the museum featuring hotdogs and unlimited games for just $3 a person. That evening from 5-7 p.m., there will be a junior ghost hunt and tickets are $25 a person. To keep up-to-date on all of their fundraising events and museum improvements, follow the Nant-y-Glo Tri-Area Museum and Historical Society on Facebook.
