PHMC recognizes Hillegas as Volunteer of the Year
SOMERSET ― The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) recently recognized 23 people, including a local man, for their contributions of time, talent and expertise in 2022.
Each of the historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trails of History was invited to designate a Volunteer of the Year based on service in the preceding calendar year. Among the Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for 2022 was Ron Hillegas for the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County at the Somerset Historical Center, 10649 Somerset Pike, Somerset.
Hillegas, of Fairhope, is a retired certified electrician and a board member of the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County. During the past year, he used his expertise to convert dozens of fluorescent light fixtures to LED and reworked old, outdated light fixtures in the maintenance garage and Haupt Education Center.
He also designed and installed a mini-split HVAC system for a section of the Haupt Education Center, providing heat and air conditioning within that structure.
"He evaluated temporary electrical systems used during our annual Mountain Craft Days for 12 nonprofit food vendors, then reworked old wiring and electrical boxes to better meet their needs and improve safety," said Mark Ware, executive director of the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County Inc., Somerset Historical Center. "He used his mobile lift to trim tree branches overhanging roadways."
Hillegas said he doesn't feel that helping out is a burden. He's willing to do it.
"In 2018 I retired, and I've always had a great interest in history, especially early American history," he said. "My intent was to go use my skills as an electrician to help out."
Hillegas said he spent a few days last week putting in a drainage system at Hoffman Hall.
"The drainage in one building is terrible," he said. "I was using a small excavator for digging and putting the line in. I'm just trying to help out. I enjoy the work.
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"It's too bad more people don't help out. (The center) is a treasure. There is a good group of people on the board and committee. Mark Ware is an asset."Since its beginning more than a century ago, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has depended on citizen volunteers to work in partnership with its dedicated paid staff to carry out the preservation and interpretation programs of the agency. Each spring for more than 40 years, commission leadership have gathered with volunteers to say thanks and honor exceptional service.
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The Volunteer of the Year Ceremony was held April 15 at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg.
“Our volunteers are integral to the success of our historic sites and museums,” said PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery. “They bring a passion for history, a strong connection to community, and a desire to welcome all who visit to learn more about our shared heritage.”
Ware said Hillegas helped the center to keep expenses down.
"His volunteer efforts saved thousands of dollars in professional electrical work," Ware said. "He is quick to volunteer for various projects and is a valuable asset to our board of directors."
"I'm able to whenever I can help out," Hillegas said.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: PHMC recognizes Fairhope's Hillegas as Volunteer of the Year
