Historical society receives $500K gift for Tyler History Center

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning Valley Historical Society today received a gift of $500,000 from Dr. Maria M. L. Fok for the creation of the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, 325 W. Federal St., downtown.

Dr. Fok made a commitment for the gift in September, after touring the Tyler center. The money will be used to underwrite the main exhibition area in honor of her late husband. This space will be known as the Drs. Thomas and Maria Fok Exhibit Gallery.

The announcement of the fulfillment of the pledge was made this morning by Atty. J. David Sabine, fundraising campaign chairman for the Tyler center, who formally accepted the gift.

Dr. Fok’s campaign pledge from Dr. Fok was announced Nov. 6, when MVHS kicked off Phase 2 of the fundraising campaign. The goal of Phase 2 is to raise $1.5 million for Tyler center exhibits, education programs and endowments. Gifts and pledges currently stand at $858,643 or 57 percent of the goal.