In 2007, when the Erie Philharmonic was interviewing for a new music director, one of the candidates was John Morris Russell, the associate conductor of the Cincinnati Orchestra. When Russell came to Erie he asked to see the Harry T Burleigh museum and the Burleigh statue. He called Burleigh the most important figure in American music and was disappointed to learn that Burleigh’s memory was not recognized in his own home town.
It was a shame that knowledge of local greats like Burleigh was fading with the passing of time. It was clear that Erie needed a way to honor notable inhabitants, a sort of “hall of fame,” if you will. This idea seemed to have promise. WQLN, which focuses on educational programming, was a good fit to organize a tribute to Erie County’s finest.
Thus the Erie Hall of Fame was born. WQLN in collaboration with a governing board of prominent Erie figures inducts a new “class” each year. The hall of fame not only honors the contributions of the people of Erie but it also is teaches Erie’s residents about the significant achievements made in their own backyard.
The Erie Hall of Fame is a community initiative created to foster pride in the accomplishments and impact of the historical citizenry from Erie, Pennsylvania. The mission statement of the Erie Hall of Fame is:
(The Erie Hall of Fame) is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the world contributions from the people of Erie, Pennsylvania
The planning for the Erie Hall of Fame is now taking place by the Erie Hall of Fame executive board, whose members include:
Chairman
Dwight Miller
President of WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania
Vice Chairman
John Vanco
Executive Director of the Erie Art Museum
Secretary
Dr. Thomas Gamble
President of Mercyhurst College
Board at large
Rick Griffith
President of Rick Griffith Properties
David Frew
(former) Executive Director of Erie County Historical Society
Ed Mead
Chairman Emeritus of the Erie Times-News
Marlene D. Mosco
President of PNC Bank
Cynthia Wyatt
The Wyatt Collection
The Erie Hall of Fame's media partnership includes WQLN Radio, WQLN TV, JET-TV 24, BOB FM, and the Erie Times News.
Proposed Bylaws of the Erie Hall of Fame - 10/07 |
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