Jan 30, 2022 By Harry Funk staff Writer hfunk@thealmanac.Net 3 min read

The second-floor auditorium of the Schoolhouse Arts and History Center can be a bit chilly in winter.

But that didn’t seem to deter attendance at the latest meeting of the Bethel Park Historical Society.

“I like the spirit of what this represents, but I really like the fact that you guys are here and your passion for getting out there and making this project a reality,” state Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Bridgeville, told those who had gathered.

He was joined by legislative colleague Natalie Mihalek, who lives in Peters Township and serves in the state House, in announcing a $100,000 grant for the historical society.

Actually, the society is working on updating the center’s heating and cooling system to provide opportunities for year-round use of the auditorium, which was refurbished as part of a previous state grant.

“Every time I come here, I’m just so impressed at the progress that’s been made over the last couple of years. I think 2015 was the first time I set foot in the building, and it didn’t look anything like this,” Mihalek said. “It really has become the centerpiece of the community.”

The original part of the building was constructed in 1905 as Bethel High School, and a 1917 addition brought it to the current size. In 1996, the historical society took over ownership, and in the fall of 2016, the group launched a major capital campaign that so far has brought in more than $1 million.

During their time in the Legislature, Mihalek and Robinson have worked on generating state money to complement local fundraising.

“I like to find projects that I’m not only passionate about, because I love history and I love to see the way things used to be, but I look for projects where other people are passionate, too,” Robinson said.

The latest grant comes from the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund, built through a tax assessed on slot games in casinos. Money for the historical society will be used to replace the outside staircase at the building’s rear, along with repointing brick and repairing mortar joints throughout the structure.

In 2020, the society received $170,000 from the same source. Of that, $155,000 went toward improvements on the building’s second floor, including refurbishing a substantial amount of space for use as an auditorium.

“They allowed us to change that additional $15,000 to another project,” Tim Moury, society president, said. “We will be insulating the attic, and we will be putting a heater in the lobby.

Also receiving money this year is the South Hills Interfaith Movement, located just across South Park Road from the Schoolhouse Arts and History Center.

The $370,000 grant will be used to make access improvements related to the Americans With Disabilities Act, such as adding an on-grade entrance adjacent to parking and elevator tower for easy access to both floors of the building.

According to Mihalek’s office, other improvements include reconfiguration of SHIM’s food pantry and clothing shop, updated thermal performance, and creation of a new conference room.

“We appreciate everything you do,” Moury told the legislators, “not just for us, but for the community.”