HARRISBURG – The New Brighton Historical Society has received a Keystone Historic Preservation Grant to continue its efforts to restore an historic Beaver County property to its original splendor, said Sen. Elder Vogel (R-47).
“The Irish-Townsend House has had multiple lives as a structure since it was built in 1855, including being a stop in the Underground Railroad and part of a pathway to freedom for slaves fleeing the South,” Vogel said. “The New Brighton Historical Society bought the property in 2020 and is hard at work ensuring that future generations will know the important role this house played in America’s history.”
The $39,083 grant will be used to repair the Irish-Townsend House’s front porch and address prior alterations made to the façade, as well as the unaltered portions that are rotting and pulling away from the house.
The Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program is funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund. Since the grant program’s creation, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has supported 910 preservation projects throughout the state. Grantees ensure they will continue maintenance and preservation of the historic building and ensure public accessibility for at least 15 years after a grant is received.
CONTACT: Heather Burke hburke@pasen.gov