Youngstown Heritage Center sets open house Sunday

Staff report

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Youngstown Heritage Center, located in the former Our Lady of Hungary Church, 545 N. Belle Vista Ave., will host an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

There will be guided tours, samples of future displays highlighting the Valley’s ethnic heritage and Youngstown history and more.

The open house will be the official start of the YOHC’s Operations, Restoration and Improvements Capital Campaign. Overseeing the project is 545 Management Inc., a nonprofit organization that has set a goal of $400,000 to improve the property. That includes a new roof, heating system, restoration work and installation of exhibits.

On Nov. 26, 2013, the management group completed a two-year effort to obtain the vacant property from Holy Apostles Parish and Diocese of Youngstown.

The center will house an Ethnicities Hall and a Youngstown History Hall as well as serving as a site for community activities.

Bob Barko Jr. is president of Youngstown Heritage Center/545 Management Group.

The open house will feature refreshments. Donations will be accepted.

Community members interested in learning about the center or assisting with the project may contact Barko at 330-881-5819 or by email to youngstownheritagecenter@gmail.com.

Donations to the capital campaign are being accepted at Youngstown area Huntington Bank branches or may be sent by mail to 545 Management Group Inc., P.O. Box 4513, Youngstown, OH 44515.