Safely and securely give to the Erie County Historical Society in any amount you choose. We thank you in advance for your donation.
The Erie County Historical Society invites you to become a sponsor of the Third Annual Women Creating a Legacy initiative at the Hagen History Center. This year your support is needed now more than ever.
Because of COVID-19, a group event will not be held. But we still wish to see you on our campus, so we are inviting you to come to the Watson-Curtze Mansion for a private tour.
We want you to see the Justice Bell on display in the mansion. The Justice Bell is a replica of Philadelphia’s iconic Liberty Bell and it is touring Pennsylvania in celebration of the Suffragette Movement. It will be on display in the Watson-Curtze Mansion until September 8, 2020.
Also on display in the mansion is the Suffragettes exhibit. Located on the third floor, this exhibit is in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. In addition, Winifred Watson’s bedroom has been restored to a child’s bedroom from the turn-of-the-century. Some of the proceeds from past Women Creating a Legacy events have partially sponsored this room, and you won’t want to miss it!
With this special 100th anniversary, your donation will celebrate the achievements of women over the past 100 years. In addition, the Hagen History Center is part of Erie’s downtown resurgence. Where else can you make history AND resurge a city with your donation?
See the attached form for all sponsorship levels and benefits. Also attached is a form to participate in Women Creating a Legacy. Remember, with your sponsorship of $500 or more, you are welcome to host a party at the Watson-Curtze Mansion. With your participation at $100 or more, you are invited for a private guided tour.
Thank you for your consideration and for making history with us! If you’d like additional information, contact us at 814-454-1813 x 34 or 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 30,000 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
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 of $40 or more, you will become a member of the Hagen History Center. 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 27.
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 10, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Donors can go to www.eriegives.org to make their gift.
Erie Gives will accept checks received by August 9. 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 9.
Download/Print Check Donation Form
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 is 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 $100 for up to 3 lines of copy.
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
Ruben and Becky Fechner moved to Erie from Connecticut in 2013 for Ruben's position at Erie Insurance.
Ruben is a history buff. He finds history interesting and notes that it creates inspiration. History has even helped him through challenges. With his military background, Ruben looks to the examples of great leadership from the Revolutionary War forward. He’s learned from the examples of what other leaders have accomplished and how they overcame challenges.
As his father was in the Army, Ruben has lived in 7 states and in Germany. Becky’s lived in 6 states. When they move to a new state, they visit the local museums to learn about the history of the area and to become more familiar with their new community.
Ruben and Becky also like to become involved in their new community. Becky volunteered with local organizations including ECHS. She has stuffed envelopes, run/worked on fundraisers, and even decorated the mansion for the holidays. Her involvement with ECHS led the Fechners to become donors.
Becky and Ruben were impressed with all ECHS does and the quality of all the programming that is offered. They liked that ECHS continues to contribute to the community. They want to make an impact and leave a legacy to their new city.
“I am interested in history as it gives me insight into the people, their interests, and what they have done to make a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them,” stated Becky.
Ruben stated, “We’re very confident that what we contribute to ECHS will be used for the betterment of the community."
The Fechners are monthly donors to ECHS. “When you find something that’s valuable and has integrity, you want to contribute to that.” For them, its not just about supporting an event but is a commitment to the organization. “There are lots of worthy organizations, but we’re selective of whom we sponsor.”
In Ruben’s words “History is important because it helps me understand who we are as a county and who we are as a people."
