The Ellwood City Area Historical Society has been preserving Ellwood City’s history since 1988, but many of the artifacts contained in the Society’s museum have been lovingly cared for by generations of residents long before the Society opened its doors.
Originally, on February 20, 1933, a meeting was called to discuss the possibilities of forming and compiling the history of Ellwood City. About forty representatives of the pioneer families at that time attended. The beginning of the Ellwood City Historical Association.
As a result of this meeting Burgess Judd C. Turner was named President, Jonathan A. Evans Vice President and Mrs. Kathryn Charles was named Secretary. A committee was formed by President Turner that consisted of Alex Main, V.V. Johnston, Mrs. F.E. Poister, Attorney J. W. Humphrey and Dr. C.N. Iseman.
The committee immediately held periodic meetings and prepared the outline for the collection and preservation of the area’s history. Various individuals were contacted to become members and were asked to assist and become responsible in furthering the efforts of the Association.
Work continued and two W.P.A. projects were sponsored by the Board of Trustees of the Public Library, with considerable data gathered by the volunteer workers of the Historical Association.
In 1942, the History Association published the book, A HISTORY of Ellwood City 1892 – 1942. Dr. A. E. Whitaker did an outstanding job in compiling, editing and composing this history book.
Sometime after, probably due to the World War II, the History Association dissolved.
Years later, in 1987, six prominent citizens of the Ellwood City area “associated themselves together for the purpose of organizing the Ellwood City Area Historical Society.” They relit the idea of promoting the history of Ellwood City. The group met several times throughout the year, and officially, on January 11, 1988, the present Ellwood City Area Historical Society was formed.
Andy Kindle was sworn in as President, Ken Brady First Vice President, Frank Condell Second Vice President, Nancy Brady Secretary and Ken Liebendorfer as treasurer. Directors named were Judy Kindle, Dennis Wallace and Jamie Condell. Henry Bazzichi was called to be historian and Nancy Wallace as librarian.
Over the years, the Historical Society’s active membership has grown and has always retained its devotion to preserving the past. The Society has been in their current location at 310 Fifth Street since 1999. The building that houses the Historical Society has its own history. Ralph C. Stiefel constructed the building in 1908, and leased it to the U.S. Post Office. Later, in 1914 it became the Ellwood City Public Library. In 1920 J.I. Porter purchased the building to use as a mortuary until the 1960’s when Porter’s daughter in law converted it into a flower shop.
The main floor has a wide range of items displaying the business, industrial, religious, educational, sport and social aspects of the history of the Ellwood City Area. This is a rich testament of the early families, communities, industries, schools, churches and social life that has roots in Area. Thousands of additional artifacts are cataloged and stored in the basement of this building with corresponding computer records. There are more items shown in the meeting room, which is used for meetings and research.
Guest speakers from across the country, reenactors who have demonstrated old time equipment and traveling displays from larger historical societies and museums have utilized these facilities. The Society is also involved in local education, offering special tours to students and other organizations. Annually, the History Center awards two scholarships to deserving graduating student from Lincoln High and Riverside High Schools.
The History Center now has the local Ellwood City published newspapers, The Citizen 1894-1920, The Evening Ledger 1920-1921, and the Ellwood City Ledger 1921-2015 on a digitized formant.
Thus, the Ellwood City Area Historical Society utilizes the present to preserve the past.
The officers, board of directors, volunteers, and members of the Society remain committed to the organization’s mission. The Ellwood City Area Historical Society operates 100% all volunteer.