
What is the Heritage-Education & Welcome Center?
bringing back downtown Johnsonburg
The HEWC has proven to be a valuable asset to the community, hosting a wide range of events over the past year. These have included diverse exhibits such as "Dairy Farms in Johnsonburg & Wilcox," which showcased the area's rich agricultural heritage, and "Masonic History in Johnsonburg," which delved into the local fraternal organizations' past. The center also partnered with the Lumber Heritage Region to present "Wood on Glass," an exhibit and talk that highlighted the region's logging heritage in a unique way this past February
The Heritage Education & Welcome Center (HEWC) has proven to be a cornerstone of community life in Johnsonburg, serving as a dynamic hub for a wide range of activities that extend beyond its exhibits. The center has held artisan/craft classes, meeting spaces for local organizations, fostering collaboration and community engagement such as, most recently, Community Heart & Soul, Borough Council and meetings for the Community Economic Development Coordinator to conduct, scheduled in the gallery room.
The center has created a sense of community spirit through its festive holiday open houses. These events, featuring a pop-up Makers Market, have showcased the talents of local artisans and provided a platform for them to connect with the community. The inclusion of a live window showcasing a local fiber artisan during these events added a unique and engaging element, further highlighting the center's commitment to supporting local crafts and traditions.
The HEWC has recently celebrated its first anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The Center’s remarkable achievements in fostering deeper community engagement, preserving important local heritage, and promoting both education and economic opportunities in Johnsonburg have truly been a wonderful and impactful addition to the town. Over the course of the center's inaugural year, it has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the community, successfully creating a vibrant and inclusive space that honors and celebrates the unique character and rich heritage of Johnsonburg.
Since the grand opening of the HEWC alongside Kay & Rose Bakery in 2024, our dedicated volunteers have been working diligently to prepare unit 3 and now on unit 6. Unit 6 is being built out to be Clarion River Outdoors LLC! We are so excited for what this will bring for the town and the region. The advancement of these projects can largely be credited to the tireless efforts of our amazing volunteer group, affectionately known as the "Tuesday Crew." This dedicated team is composed primarily of retired school teachers and other local residents who generously contribute their time, skills, and expertise every single Tuesday. We are incredibly grateful for their invaluable contributions and their unwavering support, which continue to drive the success of our initiatives.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Armstrong Brick Block (BB), has been owned by the Johnsonburg Community Trust (JCT) since 2020.
Authentic places are more than just tourist destinations; they are living, breathing representations of a region's unique identity, character, and shared heritage. These places offer both residents and visitors an immersive experience, creating a sense of place that is not only unique and essential but also thriving and vibrant. Authenticity is key; it's about being genuine, real, and reflecting the true cultural characteristics of the area.
We are committed to building an authentic place within our community, a place where real people can connect, engage, and create lasting memories. Our focus is on fostering an environment that is welcoming, engaging, and truly reflective of the local culture. We believe that by creating authentic experiences, we can encourage visitors to return time and time again and perhaps even entice them to become a part of our community.
To help the JCT continue this project please send donations to:
Johnsonburg Community Trust
569 Market Street
Johnsonburg, PA 15845
*memo: HEWC brick block project
Venmo: @johnsonburgcommunitytrust
or online: