The arts and humanities are fundamental to society. Together, they foster creativity, beauty, and a deeper understanding of the human experience. They can be leveraged to express our values, support life-long learning, and build bridges by bringing people together regardless of their differences.
Established in 1967, the United Arts Fund supports the arts and humanities in Erie's urban core by providing unrestricted funding to the Erie Art Museum, the Erie County Historical Society, the Erie Philharmonic, the Erie Playhouse, the expERIEence Children's Museum, and the Flagship Niagara League.
From September through December 2019, all donations made to ECHS can receive a partial match from the United Arts Fund.
Donations can be made online (www.eriehistory.org) or by check directory to ECHS or through the United Arts Fund website (www.erieartsandculture.org/UAF/eriehistory). Donors can also make a general gift to the United Arts Fund and ECHS will receive an equal distribution amongst the six Lead Partners. For additional information contact ECHS Advancement Director Geri Cicchetti at 814-454-1813 x 34 or at gcicchetti@eriehistory.org.
You can become part of Erie’s future by donating to preserve Erie’s past.
Donations to ECHS help us maintain the Watson-Curtze Mansion, Carriage House and Archives Building on West 6th Street in Erie, PA. Donations also help maintain the Battles Estate Farm Houses in Girard, PA.
It is because of the ongoing support of the Erie community that ECHS maintains over 35,000 objects, over one and a half miles of materials, and archives of Erie County organizations.
Your annual gift to the ECHS shows your investment in Erie's future. Your support enhances existing exhibits, helps create new exhibits, and preserves Erie's rich history for generations to come.
You can choose to make your annual gift as an unrestricted gift, in memory of a loved one, or as a tribute to a loved one. DONATE NOW to make your gift or mail a donation to
Advancement Office
Erie County Historical Society at the Hagen History Center
356 West 6th Street
Erie PA, 16501
If your employer will match your gift, please remember to submit the paperwork.
With your donation over $40, you will become a member of the ECHS. Members enjoy unlimited access to the museum all year.
You can choose to become a member on your first trip to the Hagen History Center, or on our website at www.eriehistory.org, or by contacting us at 814-454-1813 x 32.
Membership levels include:
All above levels receive general membership benefits as well. These benefits include 15% off all gift shop purchases, quarterly newsletters, Journal of Erie Studies, unlimited visits to the exhibits, guest passes, and invitations to members-only events such as the Christmas Party and Annual Meeting.
Download our membership form (PDF)
It’s the day Erie really does give! The Erie Community Foundation’s day for online giving will be held on August 13, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Donors can go to www.eriegives.org to make their gift.
New this year, Erie Gives will accept checks by August 12. Donating by check will save the ECHS the credit card processing fee. Checks must be made out to The Erie Community Foundation, be accompanied by a Check Donation Form, and be delivered to the Foundation by Monday, August 12.
Download/Print Check Donation Form
Contact Geri Cicchetti at 814-454-1813 x 34 or gcicchetti@eriehistory.org with questions or to include your check prior to August 12th.
Don’t forget to attend an ECHS event. Want to host an event to benefit ECHS? Contact our Advancement office at 814-454-1813 x34.
Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC)
The Erie County Historical Society is an approved nonprofit to receive EITC funding. This is a program in which approved donors can give to ECHS and receive either a 75% or 90% tax credit on PA taxes in addition to a deduction on federal taxes. ECHS will direct donations to programs at the new Education Center in the Wood-Morrison-House
Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP)
Erie County Historical Society will soon be submitting its application to become an approved nonprofit to receive NAP funding. The Neighborhood Assistance Program’s goal is to encourage businesses to invest in projects which improve distressed areas and support, among other things, educational opportunities. A tax credit of up to 55% can be awarded. ECHS will direct NAP donations to fund the new exhibits in the building under construction
If you’d like additional information on either program, please contact Geri Cicchetti at 814-454-1813 x 34 or at gcicchetti@eriehistory.org.
You can also choose to immortalize your family name with a brick on the Carriage House Patio (former Planetarium). Bricks are $75 for 2 lines and $100 for 3 lines.
Download the Buy a Brick Form (PDF)
Please consider remembering ECHS in your estate plans. You can choose to include ECHS in your will, in a trust and/or as the beneficiary of an insurance policy. This type of donation often provides transformational growth for the organization.
If you'd like to discuss any of the above options further, contact Geri Cicchetti, Advancement Director at 814-454-1813 x34 or at gcicchetti@eriehistory.org
Safely and securely give to the Erie County Historical Society in any amount you choose. We thank you in advance for your donation.
