​T-L photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK John Mattox, curator of the Underground Railroad Museum, speaks to St. Clairsville City Council regarding the planned grant application for the purchase and improvement of the Benjamin Lundy House in the city.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The city government is supporting a local effort to improve a major historic site. 2/12/2017 St. C supports Lundy House purchase | News, Sports, Jobs - The Times Leader http://www.timesleaderonline.com/news/local-news/2017/01/st-c-supports-lundy-house-purchase/ 2/3 During last week’s meeting, council voted to support a grant request from the Underground Railroad Museum for the purchase and improvement of the former Benjamin Lundy House in the city. “The Underground Railroad Museum desires to purchase and develop a park and garden in the rear areas. It’s one of the few rear areas behind Main Street that has remained unchanged over the years, and we desire to develop that area and to use the home as part of our museum program,” said Michael McCormick, museum foundation board member. “What we plan to do is put in period and native plants in the rear and to landscape it.” Since proposed planting would be in the rear, it will not be necessary to submit proposals to the planning and zoning board. He added that the museum is applying for a Clean Ohio Grant through the Ohio Public Works Commission and the support of the city will be valuable in helping to obtain the funding. “It’s very important for us to acquire the support of our political subdivisions that are immediately above us, the city of St. Clairsville and the county commissioners,” he said. The Belmont County Board of Commissioners provided a letter of support for the project on Wednesday. John Mattox, curator, said this will be another step in bringing the historical significance of abolitionism and the movement of the Underground Railroad together for the public. “This is a desire to make sure that this history is never forgotten. It’s American history,” he said. “What we want to do is for the city of St. Clairsville to have this for eternity, for the young children, for the old people. … We desire to leave this for the community, and by bringing these two entities together, I think you can see personally from what you know about history how important it would be for the educational community and the community at large.” Council members commended Mattox and the museum board for their work in preserving these pieces of history. “I think it would be a nice improvement for our community,” said council President Jim Wiesgerber. “Dr. Mattox, you put your life into this and I certainly, as an individual, appreciate what you’ve done.” The Lundy House is set for use as a satellite of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing.

by Kate Davison | Monday, January 9th 2017