Home

Early History of Ridgway

Lily of the Valley National Historic District

Community Revitalization Projects

Annual House Tour

Tasting in the Wilds Festival

Links to Additional Resources

How You Can Help Us

Contact Information

Site Map

The Ridgway Heritage Council is a volunteer based non-profit corporation dedicated to downtown revitalization with a focus on historic preservation. Formed in 1997 in response to continued deterioration of our Main Street and the closing of a major anchor store, the group is organized according to Main Street Program principles.

As a Main Street Program participant, we have four standing committees:

1. Organization (management of the organization as a non-profit corporation)

2. Promotion (promoting Downtown's assets)

3. Economic Restructuring (projects that have an economic impact on our area)

4. Design (improvements to the Downtown's physical infrastructure)

Members of the public can volunteer to participate on these committees.

We are excited and energetic about the work we are doing, and are dedicated to retaining and improving the many special qualities of our beautiful and friendly hometown!

The Heritage Council has many accomplishments to its credit, including a highly successful Historic Facade Program, an Annual Historic Tour of Homes, creation of the "Lily of the Valley" National Historic Register District, establishment of community gardens, and a historic homeowners plaque program. Projects currently underway include a complete downtown streetscape renovation incorporating new Victorian benches and historic street lighting (in cooperation with Ridgway Borough), the continued renovation of our welcome center, and the development of one of key downtown historic buildings, which is currently vacant.

In recognition of our outstanding community development efforts since 1997, we were awarded the following honors:

• The Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence

• A Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission Historic Preservation Award

• A Pennsylvania Downtown Center “Townie” Award for downtown redevelopment

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Ridgway Heritage Council is to pursue economic development and downtown revitalization utilizing historic preservation as a tool, in a way that:

• Utilizes and takes advantage of our regions rich natural resources, architectural assets, and history to provide economic development

• Creates an appealing shopping environment by enhancing and restoring our historic buildings and Victorian architecture

• Attracts new industries, retail businesses, and professionals, and improves opportunities for existing businesses

• Includes ideas and input from all sectors of our population

• Improves the quality of life for all Ridgway residents

Our Board of Directors

We have 19 directors serving three-year terms, with six seats elected each year. Officers are elected annually.