YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is receiving more than $1.3 million from the state for upgrades and improvements to its recently purchased building at 250 E. Federal St.

The funding comes from the state's new biennial Capital Budget, according to a news release.

MVHS will receive $750,000 from the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, and $600,000 from the 2025-26 capital budget. These funds are part of the $3.5 billion House Bill 2, which was approved by the Legislature last week and then signed by Gov. Mike DeWine on June 28.

The historical society called the funding "critical" toward its goal of upgrading the East Federal Street building, which formerly housed IBM.

The building was completed in 1980, and was well maintained by the previous owner for almost 43 years. But, the news release detailed several upgrades the building needs, including windows, roofing, the outer brick surfaces and underlying steel supports, as well as the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

"We are looking forward to moving into our third site in downtown Youngstown and being part of the vibrant East End, and these funds will help us do just that," MVHS Executive Director Bill Lawson said.

The society thanked State Rep. Lauren McNally, D-Youngstown, and former State Senator and now U.S. 6th District Representative Michael Rulli, R-Salem, for their concerted efforts to secure this funding. It also expressed appreciation for former State Representative and now State Senator Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, Rep. Nick Santucci, others in the local House and Senate delegations, the leadership in the House and Senate, and Governor DeWine for supporting and signing the bill into law.

"MVHS' mission to collect, preserve and teach the history of the people of the Mahoning Valley will be greatly enhanced in the near future," the release states.

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