The Leesburg Area Historical Society was founded with a clear purpose—to save and preserve the Leesburg Train Depot and protect the rich history of Leesburg, Ohio. Established before the pandemic, the organization quickly became a registered nonprofit, dedicated to researching and restoring the depot while expanding its efforts to safeguard local historical records.
Restoring the Leesburg Train Depot
The depot, a vital piece of Leesburg’s past, has been the society’s primary focus. Over the years, volunteers have worked tirelessly to repair the exterior wood and fix the roof, ensuring the structure remains intact. Now, their efforts are shifting toward painting the building, using the original paint recipe they uncovered through research.
One challenge they face is determining the original trim color, as all historical photos of the depot are in black and white. Based on their findings, they believe the trim was likely a cream or beige shade, but the exact details remain uncertain.
Preserving the Leesburg Citizen Newspaper
Beyond the depot, the historical society is also working to save physical copies of the Leesburg Citizen, the town’s original newspaper. The Leesburg Branch Library, which currently holds these archives, has expressed interest in giving them away to a private citizen, raising concerns about their long-term preservation. The society is stepping in to ensure these records remain accessible to the community.
Funding the Mission
When the society first formed, they applied for a state grant to support their restoration efforts. The representative overseeing the grant informed them that they needed to raise $50,000, after which the state would cover the remaining costs. This financial goal has driven their fundraising initiatives, helping them secure resources for the depot’s restoration and other preservation projects.
A Commitment to Leesburg’s Heritage
The Leesburg Area Historical Society continues to play a crucial role in protecting and celebrating the town’s history. Through their dedication to restoration, research, and preservation, they ensure that future generations can appreciate the stories and landmarks that define Leesburg.
As they move forward with their projects, the society remains committed to honoring the past while building a future where Leesburg’s history is never forgotten.