In the spring of 2025, the PACF helped tie the fibers of community together by supporting Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park’s living-history programs through a $9,000 PACF grant, matched by $5,000 from the Blennerhassett Historic Foundation. This collaborative investment strengthened a vital thread of local heritage by funding the purchase of new, historically accurate costumes for docents and volunteers - ensuring that visitors experience the island’s rich history in a more immersive and engaging way. 

Paula Oliverio is a long-time volunteer on Blennerhassett Island who helps weave the Island’s past into present-day experiences. 

Paula said, “Hundreds of volunteers each year utilize the costumes to provide rich history and experiences to the visitors of the State Park. Many of the existing costumes have literally become threadbare, and the material is so fragile that they have become unusable. I personally wore some of the costumes over 30 years ago when performing with Eden on the River. Also, the limited number of sizes on hand made it very difficult for some of the volunteers to find appropriate period attire and therefore they chose not to give of their time. With the many added pieces and variety of sizes to choose from, this should be eliminated.”

By investing in resources that remove barriers to volunteer participation and enhance the Island’s storytelling, the PACF is helping to ensure that Blennerhassett Island remains a place where volunteers, visitors, and stories are woven together now and forever.

Over the past 20 years, the PACF has awarded more than $3.3 million to arts, culture, and history organizations serving our region. These investments help sustain the stories, traditions, and creative voices that define our community.