---

Ground has been broken for renovations to the 8,700 square foot Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Visitor Center in the US with an investment of $5.4 million.

---

As part of the renovation, approximately 7,000 square feet of new space will be added to provide better conditions for the museum's collections. The additional space will have a new handicapped accessible entrance, expanded exhibit galleries and a modern collections storage area. The renovated visitor centre will house galleries and exhibits, museum offices, meeting space for community groups, visitor amenities, a library, and a gift shop.

The new addition will also feature rough-sawn board and batten hemlock siding, and stone cladding. The new entrance will be lowered to the parking lot level and include an elevator to the gallery on the main floor above.

The project also includes a new fire suppression system and a new roof. A new heating, ventilation, air conditioning and humidification system will be a major component of the project.

The renovation and expansion was designed by Larson Design Group, while prime contractors for construction are Caldwell, Heckles & Egan Inc., Lancaster (general contractor); Silvertip Inc., Lewisburg (HVAC); W.C. Eshenaur & Son Inc., Harrisburg (plumbing); and A&MP Electric, Guys Mills (electrical). The renovation is expected to complete in 14 months.

The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is located in 160 wooded acres in Galeton, Potter County, and interprets the colourful heritage of the state's prosperous lumber era when white pine and hemlock were available in abundance. It is one of 25 historic sites and museums along the Pennsylvania Trails of History administered by PHMC. It is operated in partnership with the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates.