Tyler history center reaches funding goal, gets major donation,

YOUNGSTOWN

The Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center has cleared a major milestone in its development and is now open to the public.

The first phase of fundraising for the downtown facility has reached its $5 million goal, it was announced Thursday. Most of that amount — $3.3 million — was used to renovate the former Harry Burt/Ross Radio building in the Tyler History Center and move the archives of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society into a climate-controlled storage area in the basement of the three-story structure. The remaining amount, $1.7 million, was mainly used to establish endowment funds for the perpetual support of the Tyler History Center, and also to cover some campaign-related expenses.

H. William Lawson, executive director of the MVHS, which owns and operates the Tyler History Center, said at a news conference that phase 2 of the fundraising campaign has now begun — and is off to a strong start.

Dr. Maria Fok of Austintown has donated $500,000 toward the campaign, which has a goal of $1.5 million. With Dr. Fok’s gift, the total raised now stands at $582,843.

“It’s great to be able to start a new fundraising phase and be one-third of the way there on the first day,” said Lawson.

The money raised in phase 2 will go toward the installation of a permanent exhibit, the development of educational programs and the establishment of endowments.

Read more about the campaign and how you can become a part of the city's history in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.