CONTACT: Sarah Thayer
Curator of Education
(610) 435-1074, Ext.15
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it



Pennsylvania’s First Ever History Expo to Convene at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum

Allentown, PA - The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum will host a major event by convening Pennsylvania’s first ever History Expo on Saturday, March 31, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The announcement was made by Joseph Garrera, Executive Director of the Museum.  “This will be an important initiative in the world of history; attendance at this event is a must for all historical minded organizations and people,” said Garrera.

Visitors to the History Expo will meet representatives from historical organizations prepared to showcase and explain the mission of the organizations they represent.  They will find valuable information about historical preservation, history education, and historical groups operating in Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley region, as well as door prizes and free gifts. 

 

The new 30,000 square foot Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum will host Pennsylvania’s first ever History Expo on Saturday, March 31.

Admission to areas of the Museum where the History Expo will convene is free and open to the public.  Other portions of the Museum containing permanent exhibits and the special National Exhibit titled: Abraham Lincoln and the Promise of America will be open for the low price of $5.00.

“The study of history is a crucial topic of concern for all Americans.  It gives people a sense of purpose and perspective in their own lives.  History tells us what works and what gets us into trouble,” said Garrera.  “We must embrace the study of history; it allows us to become a more complete and tolerant culture.”

The Expo will include free informative lectures designed to assist historical organizations in better achieving their mission.  Topics currently slated include the marketing of historical organizations, membership building, newsletter writing, survival in the new millennium, and grant writing. 

Special programs on genealogy and historical research will be presented by the Museum’s Curator and Director of Library and Archives, Jill Youngken.  Programs will also be presented by Frank Whelan, a leading authority on the history of the Lehigh Valley.  Joseph Garrera, the Museum’s Executive Director, will talk about fundraising, membership development, and marketing for historically minded organizations. “This event will have wide appeal to history buffs, history teachers, and every historical organization in the state,” said Garrera. 

“Edith Walsh, who serves as Administrator of the Pennsylvania History and Museum Grant Program in Harrisburg, will attend and present a seminar on how to successfully apply for state grant funding,” said Garrera.

With more than 50 organizations already enrolled to showcase their work, the Heritage Museum still has limited free space available to accommodate additional organizations on a first come, first serve basis. 

With nearly 3-million documents in its collection, the new 30,000 square foot Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum is a major repository of historical documents and artifacts.  On February 19 it opened one of the largest Abraham Lincoln Exhibits in America.

The Museum is located at 432 W. Walnut Street in Allentown.  Parking is available in the rear of the Museum or on the street.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Curator of Education Sarah Thayer at 610-435-1074, extension 15.

### END ###