The Beaver Area Heritage Foundation invites you to a transformational evening — and a once-in-a-generation project.
On Wednesday, August 14, 2025, we’ll gather at Beaver Station Cultural and Event Center for our From Silver to Gold Gala, catered by Eric’s Gourmet. The evening will honor three pillars of our region — Norman Mitry, Samuel Spanos, and Rob Pratte — with our Enduring Legacy Awards, recognizing their generous support and lasting impact.
But this year’s Gala is about more than celebration — it’s about momentum.
🚂 The Caboose Campaign: All Aboard for the Next Chapter
In addition to our 2025 “Museum Refresh,” we’re proud to announce the arrival of a vintage CSX caboose, generously donated in-kind by CSX. This caboose will anchor a new rail history collection dedicated to the Beaver Valley — a long-overdue expansion that brings our region’s rail legacy to life.
Once installed alongside the Beaver Area Heritage Museum, this restored caboose will:
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Replace the original rail spur
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Feature professional rail displays inside the Museum and Beaver Station
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Be accessible via a newly constructed, all-weather connection
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Serve as a destination for local families, history buffs, rail enthusiasts, and school groups
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Position our museum to take part in the upcoming America 250 celebration with a compelling exhibit on the 1785 Treaty of Fort McIntosh
We estimate this project will cost $300,000 — and we’re already full steam ahead.
Gala Details
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Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2025
Location: Beaver Station Cultural and Event Center
Catering: Eric’s Gourmet
Tickets: $140 each | $1,120 table of 8
Fundraising Auction, Led by Sherman Hostetter
So far, packages include:
12-night stay at Sam Spanos’ private home on the island of Rhodes, Greece
Romantic dinner for two inside the 1802 Log House
Catered dinner for 6–8 inside the museum
Non-Saturday rental of Beaver Station
We welcome additional auction items — luxury box tickets, hotel stays, airfare, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Can’t attend? You can still support this exciting expansion through our secure donation page:
Donate Now
Watch & Learn More
Let’s build something lasting together. Whether you attend the Gala, donate, or simply share our story — your support fuels our mission to educate, inspire, and preserve. Thank you for being part of the journey.
Questions or contributions?
Mark Miner, Board Chairman
mark@markminer.com
412.370.5302
For the Museum Trustees: Bruce Bell, Robert Belle-Isle, Cheri Davidson, Tom Dowlin, Roberta Good (ex officio), Jeff Hamilton, Ed McLaughlin (ex officio), Margi Medva, Beth Spence, Dennis Weyand, Stacey Ivol (director) and for the Construction Committee: David O’Leary, Chuck Copeland, Edward DeMailo.