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Tioga County Historical Society seeks $2.2M to raise museum collections above flood level
Summary
The Tioga County Historical Society outlined a $2.2 million capital campaign to add two wings and enclose the museum 'well' after flood damage; DRI funding was removed and trustees were told of major pledged gifts that would move the campaign toward 50% of its goal.
Jerry Smith, executive director of the Tioga County Historical Society, presented conceptual drawings and a capital campaign plan calling for roughly $2.2 million to build two two‑story additions and enclose an interior 'well' at the society's 110 Frost Street museum to protect collections from flooding. The presentation described historic flood damage in 2011 and engineering recommendations that the collections be moved above flood levels.
Smith said prior DRI funding of $678,000 was removed and FEMA/disaster funds have been reduced, prompting the new local fundraising effort. He described committed and pledged donations that include about $11,000 and $31,000 gifts already received and reported a verbal pledge that could bring the campaign to roughly 50% of its goal: "In about 4 to 5 weeks, Les Wagner is giving us a check for $1,000,000," Smith said. The society said the work includes movable shelving to lift collections above flood levels and upgrades to HVAC; final construction would follow fundraising and design completion.
Trustees heard estimates for construction timing — roughly 10 months once funds are secured — and asked about preservation constraints tied to SHPO and historic district rules. The society said the additions are designed to blend with the building and that they will follow code and preservation review before construction begins.
