JAHA is grounded! HELP!!

When a group of partners built the Germania Brewery in 1907, they wanted a tall building. Land was expensive in Cambria City and a 5-story building allowed them to use gravity in their brewing process. When JAHA purchased the building for its Heritage Discovery Center in 1992, we envisioned the compelling experiences that we could offer at every level – an exhibit on Johnstown’s immigrant steelworkers, the Johnstown Children’s Museum, the Ethnic Social Club and changing exhibit galleries.

I am coming to you to ask your help in rescuing the Frank and Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center from an immediate threat. You see, the only elevator at the facility has suffered a catastrophic failure  -- creating significant challenges with the day-to-day operation of the facility, including everything from special events like catered functions, and moving items needed in exhibitions. But most importantly, we MUST have an operating elevator so that visitors using wheelchairs, parents with strollers, or people with mobility limitations are able to fully access all six floors of the facility. Accessibility is important to meet our mission, and it’s a requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Engineers have determined that the hydraulic elevator’s piston, which is a custom part, has broken, and we must install other elevator components. The project will cost more than $90,000.

As board chair, and the son of Frank and Sylvia Pasquerilla, this facility has both personal and cultural meaning to me. I am taking a lead role in fundraising to keep this wonderful facility fully operational and accessible to our community and visitors. Please join me in supporting this emergency campaign.

The Johnstown Area Heritage Association is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the nationally significant historic heritage of the Greater Johnstown area through its museum facilities, historical collections, and education programs. The Association operates as a clearinghouse and catalyst for community revitalization efforts based on cultural tourism and preservation of the built environment.