NBV Historical Society to host fundraiser for history book

The event will take place Aug. 27 at Foster House II.

The North Belle Vernon Historical Society has taken on a mission to detail the borough’s history in a book, but it needs the help of Mon Valley residents.

Homer Zucconi, the chair of the historical society committee, said they have been working since last year to compile the book. A fundraising event will take place later this month to help finance the project.

“This is to ensure that the history of the community will continue for the younger generations,” Zucconi said. “The fundraiser is being held to help defray the cost of publishing the book.”

The committee met Tuesday to discuss the fundraiser, grants and the general progress of the book. Special guest Linda Kander brought several materials for the committee to look through.

From old newspapers to yearbooks from the past, the committee spent part of the afternoon excitedly looking through everything. Each material that was pulled out detailed not only how much North Belle Vernon has changed, but the entire Mon Valley.

The historical society committee is made up of Zucconi, Mayor Craig Ambrose, Fred Fundy, Joe Mondi, Bill Kubin, Councilwoman Karen Jones, Henry Perney and Steve Angelo.

Jones, who sits on council’s grants and technology committee, has already outlined some potential grants the group could seek to go toward the costs of the books. So far, she has applied for the Awesome Pittsburgh Foundation grant and received acceptance from the Southwest Pennsylvania Municipal Project Hub.

The Project Hub could provide several services for the historical society for free and help provide connections that could aid in creating the book.

Jones believes it’s essential for the community to preserve the history of the borough.

“Documenting the history of North Belle Vernon and collecting stories and memorabilia from its citizens is vital for preserving the community’s unique identity,” she said. “Each memory, artifact or photograph serves as a thread in the tapestry of the town’s shared experience, connecting generations and fostering a sense of belonging.

“By gathering these personal nar- ratives and cherished items, we ensure that the accomplishments, traditions and everyday lives of residents are not forgotten, but celebrated. This process not only honors the legacy of those who came before, but also inspires pride and understanding among current and future generations, strengthening the bonds that make North Belle Vernon a true and special community.”

The fundraiser will take place Aug. 27 at Foster House II on One Cook Road in Washington Township, starting at 5 p.m. and continuing until they close. The historical society encourages anyone interested to come out to help them and reminisce about the old days of the Mon Valley over a meal.

The society continues to look for testimonies from people who grew up in North Belle Vernon, even if they’ve left the area and live in another state.

Anyone interested can email Zucconi at hzee70@msn.com, call him at 412-817-6429 or contact the borough building at 724-9296930.

Participants are asked to submit their name, address, phone number and email. They also want people to send pictures of themselves growing up in North Belle Vernon, and they plan to have a survey for participants to fill out.