Brown, Bernstine Announce State Funding for Local Historical Societies

September 11, 2026

LAWRENCE/BUTLER COUNTIES - Reps. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced state funding totaling $19,000 for historical organizations in Lawrence and Butler counties through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program.

“The Lawrence County Historical Society plays an important role in preserving the stories, records and artifacts that tell the history of our communities,” said Brown. “This funding will help the society continue that work and ensure these valuable pieces of our past remain available for residents and future generations.”

“Preserving our history takes the resources to properly care for them,” said Bernstine. “I’m pleased to see this funding support both the Butler and Lawrence County historical societies and the important work they do to protect our local heritage.”

The Lawrence County Historical Society will receive a $9,500 grant. The funding will help offset operating expenses, including utilities, needed to maintain proper temperature and humidity levels for the society’s extensive collection of historical records and artifacts. The funding also will help provide a comfortable working environment for volunteers.

The society collects, preserves and displays artifacts related to the county’s heritage. It maintains a 1905 historical home and museum, an office building and extensive collections of books; family histories; cemetery records; and business, school and church histories. The society also hosts historical and community events throughout the year.

The Butler County Historical Society will receive a $9,500 grant. The funding will support the repair and maintenance of the society’s three early 19th-century properties, as well as the purchase of supplies and equipment for collections management and salary expenses for its collections manager.

The society collects, catalogs, archives and preserves objects, documents and images relating to Butler County’s history and heritage. Through tours, events, field trips and educational programs, the society makes its collections and historic buildings accessible to residents and visitors.

The Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program provides general operating support to museums and official county historical societies across Pennsylvania.



8th Legislative District
Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com