Executive Director’s Message
Written by Larry Tise in the From the Executive Director category and the Summer 1986 issue Topics in this article:One of the most exciting developments for the Friends of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission was the recent pledge of one hundred and ten thousand dollars from Mellon Bank to purchase a new tractor trailer for the agency’s Mobile Museum! One of the Commission’s most popular – and far-reaching programs – the Mobile Museum carries our rich heritage to all parts of the Commonwealth. The new vehicle’s first traveling exhibit will commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution.
The current Mobile Museum, in operation since 1967, has logged more than one hundred thousand miles and has been visited by more than fifty thousand people each year. “Pennsylvania Lost, Pennsylvania Found,” the present historic preservation exhibit, will continue through December of this year.
Several years ago it became apparent that the Mobile Museum was wearing and the tractor trailer would have to be replaced if the program was to continue. The newly organized Friends undertook the replacement of the Mobile Museum as its first major fundraising project. And it has been the Friends’ most successful venture to date.
Mellon Bank, with more than three hundred offices throughout Pennsylvania, was approached. Much to everyone’s delight, the institution not only agreed to assist in the effort, but decided to fund the entire cost of purchasing and outfitting the new vehicle. In true community spirit, Charles H. Fletcher, senior vice president and head of the bank’s community affairs division, said: “Mellon Bank Corporation is pleased to support this traveling museum, which carries important exhibits not only to metropolitan areas, but to small towns and areas where museums are not easily accessible.”
A wonderful and much-needed educational tool, the Mobile Museum has enabled curators, historians and educators to truly share the great history of this Commonwealth with the people of Pennsylvania. The museum, staffed by an educator of The State Museum, offers a first-hand look at the Commonwealth’s significant people and events. Originally scheduled to meet the needs of school groups, the museum has become extremely popular with both Pennsylvania residents and visitors. In fact, it has served as the centerpiece at many community events, including fairs and festivals, dedications, house and walking tours, historic marker unveilings and anniversary celebrations.
Thanks to the generosity of Mellon Bank – which has reiterated the Commonwealth’s tourism campaign slogan, “You’ve got a friend in Pennsylvania” – the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, through the Mobile Museum, can continue educating and enlightening the vast audience scattered throughout our sixty-seven counties. While being a genuine “friend” to history, Mellon Bank has also helped the Commission in its much publicized role of “Making Sure Our Past Has a Future.”
Thank you, Mel1on Bank. Thank you, friend.
Larry E. Tise
Executive Director
