community history gallery
Brier Hill Works: Art and Artifacts from Jim Pernotto
Pernotto, who grew up in Lansingville on the lower South side of Youngstown, left the city as a young man to pursue his art career. When he returned in 1979, two years after the steel mills closed, he found a changed landscape that soon came to inform and influence his art work.
Pernotto recently donated to MVHS his collection of steel workers’ tools and equipment salvaged from Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company’s Brier Hill Works. Beginning November 1, these artifacts will be featured along with artwork they inspired Pernotto to create. The exhibit will remain open during regular Tyler business hours, noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, through March 31, 2023.
The Youngstown Foundation Community History Gallery, located on the first floor behind the main exhibit space and grand staircase. Utilizing the theme “Inspiration through Heritage,” the displays in the Community History Gallery are developed through collaborative efforts with local historical societies as well as with educational, civic, cultural, and religious organizations in the Valley.
Janice E. Strasfeld, executive director of The Youngstown Foundation, states, “The Tyler History Center is going to be such an asset for everyone in the Mahoning Valley — from preserving unique segments of local history to providing interactive educational programs for all ages. By sponsoring the Community History Gallery, The Youngstown Foundation is helping to strengthen regional partnerships which not only highlight unique connections between the Valley’s past and present but also build pride and awareness for current and future generations.”
How it Works
Non-profit cultural organizations, schools, and neighborhood associations are invited to participate in our Community History Gallery program on a first come-first served basis. If selected, you will meet with the History Center staff to discuss how to effectively tell your story and what artifacts or other materials you might want to display.
Once you have decided on a theme and selected items to include in the Community History Gallery you will install your exhibit with guidance from our trained staff.