GRAYSTONE SOCIETY INC

The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum of the Graystone Society is a vibrant place where people encounter, explore and learn about the past. In pursuit of this vision, The Graystone Society will:

• Identify, collect and exhibit significant historical materials related to the iron and steel history of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the region.
• Provide leadership in the responsible preservation of and public access to these historical materials.
• Present exhibitions that use historical materials to enrich the public's understanding of and appreciation for the iron and steel heritage of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
• Serve diverse audiences through a variety of learning formats.
• Promote pride in both individual and community heritage.
• Maintain mutually beneficial relationships and alliances with educational institutions, the business community and civic organizations.

As a nation whose future is tied to innovation, we need to develop the capacity of all young people to generate original ideas and have the confidence to act on them. As most learning opportunities happen outside of the school day, students need to develop the skill to learn independently. Museums run on a different learning style with non-traditional teaching roles -- where children are in charge of their own learning. A perfect place for them to learn from the past, act in the present, and change the future.

Engaging young hearts in doing the right thing should not be left to chance. Illustrating the role of hard work and applied values in their heritage instills pride and offers a way to envision the possible. We can make that connection.

Our members help to sustain our educational outreach. People of all ages want to connect, a chance to learn something new and a sense of purpose. Having a place to learn, to teach, to share, to come together, to appreciate art -- matters.

Community
Turning potential into real economic development for the Coatesville area would mean: more investing, more shoppers, more jobs -- economic vitality. We have had a stake in Coatesville for over 200 years. We are not done yet. As the Iron & Steel Museum reaches its potential as a tourist destination, it will without a doubt encourage economic development.

What We Are Doing in the Community Today
Hosting the annual Coatesville Remembers: September 11 Commemoration
Recognizing community service with the Rebecca Lukens Award
Hosting the annual Steelworkers' Reunion Barbecue & Service Pin Awards
Recognizing volunteerism with the Eugene DiOrio Volunteer of the Year Award
Making use of the Lukens Historic District resources such as:

-leasing the upper floors of Graystone Mansion for a Harcum College campus
-hosting an eight-week Coatesville Youth Initiative Services Corps
-partnering with organizations, governments and individuals to make a positive impact in our community.

We feel that the impact and results of our programs and projects are well demonstrated in several ways: the rise of tourist visitation in the Lukens National Historic District and the continued influx of new visitors into the city; the education of visitors and residents alike who can see up close, some for the very first time, just a few of the many things which make our country great; the realization that Chester County's rich iron and steel heritage is a legacy in which to be proud.
Some of the indicators measured weekly are trends in income, membership, annual appeal, events, sponsorship, in-kind donations, grant applications, communications outreach, partnerships, marketing tools, and on-site and virtual visitors.