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Hollidaysburg council tables plan to locate Slinky museum at Riser House after residents object
Summary
After extended public comment, Hollidaysburg Borough Council voted to table resolution 2026-16, which would have placed a proposed Slinky museum at the Riser House. Residents and heritage groups urged preserving Canal Basin Park's existing interpretive exhibits and called for more public engagement.
Hollidaysburg Borough Council on Monday postponed a decision to place a proposed Slinky museum at the Riser House, citing strong public concern about impacts to the Canal Basin Park exhibits and a need for more information and public outreach.
Mayor (S1) framed the museum as an economic and educational opportunity, saying the Slinky is "undeniably iconic Americana" and that the project could attract families, boost tourism around the borough's bicentennial and potentially lead to broader STEM programming. He said the Slinky's "parent company is working with us" and urged council to consider the opportunity.
Opponents, including local volunteers who run school field trips and heritage groups, told council the Riser House and Canal Basin Park are historically significant and should remain focused on the canal's interpretation. Jane Sheffield (S16), reading a letter from the Allegheny Ridge Corporation, said the Canal Basin Park and Riser House "tell an amazing story about the mainline canal and Hollidaysburg's role in this national transportation history" and reported that DCNR expressed concerns about how interpretive exhibits were being funded and managed.
Jim Snyder (S13), president of the Blair County Genealogical Society, and other speakers warned that relocating canal artifacts or replacing the Riser House exhibits could damage hard-won historical interpretation and local heritage tourism. "We've been told there's a large sum of money involved," one commenter said, urging transparency about the funding and the plan for artifacts.
Council members debated compromise options, including keeping core canal exhibits in place while creating Slinky-related displays in a smaller portion of the property, or placing a petition and sign-in at the Riser House to gauge local support before deciding. Several council members said they wanted more public input and factual detail before altering a site with state and national-level recognition.
Council moved to table resolution 2026-16 to the next meeting; the motion carried by voice vote. Council said staff will advertise opportunities for public comment over the coming month and consider a petition or on-site sign-up to record residents' views.
The issue will return to the council agenda for further consideration after additional outreach and information are collected.
