Jeanne Tyler gifts $700,000 to new Mahoning Valley History Center

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Jeanne D. Tyler, a longtime supporter of local civic, health-care and educational institutions, has donated $700,000 as the lead gift of the financial campaign for the new Mahoning Valley History Center.

The center, to be located at 325 W. Federal St. in the historic Harry Burt/Ross Radio property in the city’s central business district, will be named The Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center.

Tyler, a member of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s board, said she is committed to the revitalization of the downtown, and praised the society’s choice for the history center’s site.

“Creating a new history center to tell the Mahoning Valley’s story is exciting in its own right,” she said. “Restoring a historic landmark building to do it is an extraordinary bonus.”

The three-story building is where Burt created the Good Humor Bar, the nation’s first ice cream on a stick. In 2006, the site was honored by Parade magazine for being one of the places that helped shape America’s history and culture.

Other organizations benefiting from Tyler’s volunteer efforts and philanthropy include Youngstown State University, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Visiting Nurse Association, Planned Parenthood, Stambaugh Auditorium, the historical society, and the Junior League of Youngstown.

Carol Potter, history center campaign chairwoman, said the society’s collections and educational programs have been greatly enhanced by numerous contributions of historical artifacts and records related to Tyler’s family history, and by her financial support of special projects and facilities improvements.

Tyler was born in Lakewood, Ohio, the daughter of the late Cyril Paul Deibel and Marion Struthers Thomas Deibel.

Both sides of her family were closely connected to the history and business development of the Mahoning Valley going back more than 200 years, Potter said.

The Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center will provide the Valley with its first comprehensive, local history museum, she said.

Additionally, the center’s ballroom and open spaces will be a community destination the public can use to celebrate events that create family history, such as weddings, graduations, reunions, and dances, Potter said.

“This is an additional anchor that will draw thousands of people downtown,” said Mayor Jay Williams.

The campaign for The Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center has raised $4.4 million of its $6 million goal, Potter said.

Of the goal, $4 million is earmarked for capital improvements to renovate and adapt the site to a history center; and $2 million in endowments will be used to fund future center programming and operations, Potter added.

People who wish to donate to the fundraising campaign can contact the historical society at 330-743-2589.