JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission once again showed its support for the Clara Barton House and Garden renovation by announcing a new $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation grant for the project Tuesday.
PHMC previously put $150,000 toward repairing the building that Barton, an internationally known nurse and founder of the American Red Cross, is said to have used when providing care after the 1889 Johnstown Flood that killed more than 2,200 people and caused widespread damage.
The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, businesses, individuals and area partners have combined to contribute an additional $210,000 over the years to renovate the structure, also known as the Ludwig House, located at 662 Main St. in downtown Johnstown.
“I think the grant review panel was very pleased with how successful the first two phases were for leveraging private local dollars to match our state dollars as well,” Karen Arnold, Keystone Historic Preservation grant manager for PHMC, said during a press conference at the house Tuesday afternoon. “And they’re doing the project correctly.”
Work has been done on the exterior, most noticeably constructing a new front porch that looks historically accurate to the late 1800s, along with masonry repointing and window repairs.
The next phase, using the state grant money, will involve interior work, such as plumbing, electric and repairs to the walls and ceilings.
“We are honored to welcome PHMC to Johnstown as we celebrate the remarkable progress that has been made and share our vision for completing the restoration of the Clara Barton House as a destination for education, heritage tourism and community pride,” Clara Barton House and Garden Inc. President Alan Cashaw said.
When completed, the first floor will be a museum dedicated to Barton and Pauline Gordon, who operated the city’s first Black woman-owned business, a mortuary, in the building. The upstairs is expected to have spaces for overnight stays.
Reposted with permission
