Susquehanna Discovery Center & Heritage Park
November 2024 Project Update

Pete Miele, Senior Project Leader

The Susquehanna Discovery Center & Heritage Park (SDC) project continued to make impressive strides during the last month. Master Planning and community engagement efforts are building momentum, laying out a vision that we hope will inspire locals and visitors alike.

In late October, our Master Planning consultants from Mahan Rykiel Associates (MRA) delivered presentations to our SDC Task Force, SNHA Board, and members of the community, gathering valuable insights to shape the future of this cultural landmark. The presentations centered on the project’s multifaceted goals, which include celebrating history, art, and the natural landscape. The public meeting welcomed input from more than sixty community members, eager to learn more about the project’s scope and goals. Attendees posed thoughtful questions about the integration of the SDC into Wrightsville and Hellam Township and its alignment with local heritage sites, such as York’s Goodridge Freedom Center and Lancaster’s Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy​. This collaborative spirit has reaffirmed our focus on creating a hub that honors diverse histories while offering a dynamic experience for repeat visitors.

On the ground, October marked a significant milestone with the commencement of initial construction efforts to enhance public access to the site. This long-awaited step includes the development of a driveway, parking area, and ADA-accessible pathway. These efforts are foundational in ensuring that visitors will soon be able to access this historic space safely and comfortably. We expect this initial infrastructure to be completed by years’ end, making way for guided tours and community events as early as spring​.

Our River Art Work Group made strides toward integrating the River Art museum as part of SDC. This museum will highlight the influence of the Susquehanna River on American landscape art, preserving and celebrating the legacy of artists who have drawn inspiration from this majestic river. The group is discussing strategies to showcase a wide range of Susquehanna-inspired art that spans several centuries, depicting the natural beauty and cultural history of the region. One such strategy is to include a changing exhibit gallery, which will accommodate traveling exhibits and allow the museum to focus specific themes relating to the collection, as well as provide opportunities for ongoing community engagement​​. Over the next few months, we will work to develop an official name for the museum, as well as a case statement, guiding principles, and a mission and vision.

Looking ahead, we are excited to further refine the interpretive framework and design elements with MRA, aiming for a cohesive blend of educational programming, artistic engagement, and natural beauty that honors both the site’s historical significance and its future as a central Pennsylvania heritage destination. This month’s progress would not have been possible without the continued support from our dedicated partners and the community’s invaluable feedback. Together, we are shaping a space that will be a lasting testament to the Susquehanna region’s legacy and a beacon for future generations.