List of Active Projects

All projects undertaken by the Alliance's Heritage Development Department are either explicitly described in the Oil Region National Heritage Area Management Plan, or are consistent with that December, 2006 plan. Each project focuses on one or more of the following program objectives: cultural preservation; education/interpretation; recreation and open space; promotion; intergovernmental cooperation; and economic development/community revitalization.

Most of the active projects handled in the Alliance's Heritage Development Department are funded in part by the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources via the Pa. Heritage Area Program, and/or in part by the National Park Service via the National Heritage Area Partnerships Program.

Nearly every project also includes local private sector funding as match to the public grants. Project requirements depend on the specific funding sources involved.

For project status reports, or to offer assistance on specific projects, please contact the assigned project manager directly.

Marilyn Black

Vice-President for Heritage Development
Projects Assigned to Marilyn Black
(814) 677-3152, Ext. 105
mblack@oilregion.org

• Implementing Management Plan for the Oil Region National Heritage Area
• Grantsmanship for multiple projects
• Oil Region Visitor Center in Oil City
• Oil Region Visitor Center in Franklin
• Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail Alliance
• Building preservation consultation services
• Historic Districts within the Oil Region National Heritage Area
• Interaction with National Park Service, HeritagePA, and Alliance of National Heritage Areas

Kimberly Harris

Project Manager

Projects Assigned to Kimberly Harris
(814) 677-3152 Ext.120
kharris@oilregion.org

• Book Reprinting and Distribution
• Bike Trail Construction
• Bike Trail Engineering
• Regional Historic House Plaques
• Murray’s Scenic View
• Queen City Trail Development
• Kennerdell Scenic Overlook

Michael Henderson

Project Manager

 Projects Assigned to Michael Henderson
(814) 677-3152, Ext.121
mhenderson@oilregion.org

• I-80 Signage, including full-size replica Oil Derrick
• Regional Directional Signage
• Allegheny Overlook in Oil City
• Bike Racks
• Tarbell House in Titusville
• Neilltown Church Building in Neilltown
• Natural Gas Artifact Collection

Melissa Mann

Senior Project Manager

Projects Assigned to Melissa Mann
(814) 677-3152 ext.103
mmann@oilregion.org

• Educational Activities and Materials for Oil/Gas History
• Traveling Photo Exhibit
• Interpretive Signage along Trails, Trailheads, and Historic Sites
• Teacher’s Workshops about oil/gas history
• Maintaining www.oil150.com website
• Furnishings and Exhibits at Coal Oil Johnny House
• Nomination and Installation of Historical Markers
• Natural Gas History Symposium, and related advisory group