The Jaqueline J. Melander Society was formed in 2015 to recognize individuals who have chosen to leave a legacy of local history for future generations. The Society has been named in honor of Jackie Melander. CCHS President Emerita, who was the driving force behind the preservation and restoration of the Centre Furnace Mansion and long-time advocate for historic preservation in Centre County. Planned gifts of Melander Society members will help to ensure that the CCHS remains a financially viable and culturally valuable institution for future generations.
A planned gift to the Melander Society can support the Society’s mission of advocacy, outreach and education in the area historic preservation. This fund will support such historic preservation efforts as state and national level speakers, efforts such assisting with nominations for the National Register of Historic Places, and fund internships in this field.
There are many ways to leave a planned gift, but the simplest way is to leave a bequest to CCHS in your will. There are also tax benefits associated with planned giving. There is no minimum amount required to join the Melander Society. Rather, this is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to preserving our past for generations to come.
If you have already designated the CCHS in your will please let us know so we can add your name to the growing ranks of the Melander Society. If you have not, please consider taking this significant step and let us know by contacting us at the Centre County Historical Society at 814-234-4779, or email msorensen@centrefurnace.org.