Historical Society, Oil Museum, and Palmer Opera House Benefit from ACAF Grants.

(Sept. 2024)

The Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) made the following grants at its September meeting.

The Pioneer Oil Museum received a grant to help purchase museum quality display lighting. The Museum is currently working on an expansion of its Hahn & Schaffner site, which will connect it to its familiar Main Street building, creating more display space and an even greater visitor experience.  This grant was made from the Joseph Bucher Fund, established with ACAF through the estate of long-time Bolivar Oilman Joseph Bucher in 2022.

The Allegany County Historical Society (ACHS) is in the process of digitizing historical documents, books, maps, and other materials relating to the history of Allegany County and its people. ACAF is assisting with a grant to purchase an overhead book scanner and digital camera with wide angle lense and track system. Digitization will allow for preservation of these items and make it easier to share them with educators, researchers, and historians. This grant was made from ACAF’s Bob Christian Fund, which supports efforts involving local history.

Friends of Cuba Architecture received an ACAF grant for the purchase of a new light board/monitor in support of an ongoing lighting improvement project in its Palmer Opera House space. The upgraded lighting will enhance all Opera House events and be especially helpful for its growing programs in dance, music, and theater. This support came from ACAF’s Carter-Windus Family Fund.

The ACAF Grant Committee meets in person quarterly, in September, December, March, and June. Applications for emergency needs can be reviewed in between these dates via email.  The next grant application deadline is December 11.

To learn more about the Allegany County Area Foundation, contact Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@acafny.org