The Sylvan Heritage Council

Our Mission:

The mission of the Sylvan Heritage Council is to pursue sustainable economic growth through the beautification, revitalization, and historic preservation of our community

in such a way that capitalizes on our area’s abundant natural resources and

maintains our proud local history.

About us:

The Sylvan Heritage Council was formed in January 2007 of a group of local residents who hold true to the belief that beautification and preservation are the key to any successful community. We differ in our backgrounds and experiences, but we share a common vision and passion for making our hometown the best it can possibly be.

"What does the Sylvan Heritage Council do for our community?" . . .

Since our simple, uncertain beginnings in 2007, we have not only persevered, but have become a positive, driving force for beautification and preservation throughout Emporium and Cameron County. Here is a list of some projects that you may or may not realize we have been instrumental in creating or, quite possibly, may not have happened without our commitment to our hometown: Welcome to Emporium signs, hardscape and landscape of the triangle at Routes 120/155, landscaping of the Erie Insurance triangle, Emporium sesquicentennial street banners, 188 military street banners, Pilato Studios' public art, landscaping of the Northern Tier building, Cameron County Courthouse veranda benches, establishment of two scholarships for CCHS graduating seniors, Westerwald Pottery sales, east and west end bridge color selection, Pork & Cork community event, military window and many varied window displays over the years, CCHS spirit flags (in cooperation with the school district and various booster organizations), various downtown business signage projects, various downtown facade improvement projects, and, in cooperation with the Cameron County IDA, the County of Cameron, and the Emporium Borough, we obtained a $31,150 grant from the Dept. of Community and Economic Development to overhaul the facades of 7 downtown businesses! Our latest project was completed in 2023. What began with a vision of what an empty lot could become, the Pocket Park project at Fourth & Cherry Streets is now complete. In the spring of 2023, we added a memorial element to our Pocket Park project. 75 pavers were engraved with a memorial message for a sponsor’s loved one(s) which were woven throughout the surface of the park. Completion of the park was a combined effort of several individuals and groups in our town dedicated to making this project come to life. We hope the community will make use of this lovely space and we truly hope it will add to your pride in our beautiful town.

We may be quiet, but we are proud of the selfless volunteer work we have done -

and the impact we have had.