BROOKVILLE, Pa. – The Jefferson County Historical Society is now in the middle of the Capital Campaign for renovations and repairs to its “New Archives, Collections & Community Resource Center” in Brookville.
(Pictured above: Wayne-Kocher building a bookcase platform in the new Archives Facility.)
JCHS is seeking business sponsors as well as individual and family patrons. Significant donations will be permanently recognized at the New Archives.
So WHY did JCHS need this building for its new archives? Why move the collections from the Jefferson St. Archives Buildings? Because JCHS is completely out of space.
In addition, the existing archives buildings are not easily accessed. There is no driveway and access is via gargantuan stone quarry steps and then climbing not to code stairs to the main entrance. The current buildings are also not staff or visitor-friendly, as there is no space for cleaning and conserving items and no space for a visitor research room.
When completed, JCHS will have adequate spaces for offices, a “Community Resource Center” for research, spaces for archive (documents/photos, etc.) and larger items (collections), and a courthouse records room. It will also have a preservation/conservation space where donated items can be processed.
In addition, the extensive grounds will still be available to the public. JCHS plans to stage community events such as concerts, mini-craft shows, outside theatre/reenactments, all sorts of events to appeal to all ages. JCHS also plans events geared toward school students, scout troops and other groups.
To date, JCHS has received $10,500 in financial contributions from some Brookville businesses and from businesses outside of the area, as well as from individuals, both resident and non-resident “natives.” JCHS thanks them all and look forward to more supporting donations from Brookville businesses, as well as from businesses and residents of the entire county.
(Pictured above: Moving the tax records to New Archives.)
Repairs and renovations to the 1st floor are 75% complete. A 1st floor restroom is being made ADA accessible. New windows and doors, new HVAC installed, new electrical wiring, new interior steps, framing, drywall repairs, concrete repairs have all been done and the interior freshly painted. New exterior siding and insulation will begin this month, along with gutters and drainpipes, fascia and soffit repairs. The office area, ADA restroom and interior stairs need to be completed. Beverage Air is designing and manufacturing a stainless steel countertop for the archive processing/conservation area.
The 2nd floor will be a fall-winter project for the Decker Professional Service construction crew.
The 1st floor is now ready for JCHS to begin moving items from the current two collections buildings. If you can spare a few hours of your time to help move, contact kburkett-jchc@windstream.net for the moving schedule.
Businesses, individuals, and families interested in contributing to this campaign are invited to donate at the History Center or mail a donation specifying “Capital Campaign.” You don’t have to be a JCHS Member to donate. Donations by individuals can be made online at jchconline.org, by mail, in person or by credit card over the phone.
Businesses and individuals making significant financial donations will be permanently recognized at the New Archives Facility by JCHC. Go to jchconline.org to see a complete list of supporters to date.
As Jefferson County’s designated Historical Society, it is JCHS’s responsibility to hold and preserve the history of the county for present and future generations. YOUR history.
For more information, please contact JCHS at 814-849-0077. JCHS is located at 172-176 Main Street, in Brookville.
Mailing Address: JCHC, P.O. Box 51, Brookville, PA 15825.
(Pictured above: County Records Storage New Archives 1st Floor.)
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