Studying diversity in Pennsylvania’s lumber industry
- by Guest Contributor
- February 27, 2024
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By the Lumber Heritage Region
“They tell a more accurate, compelling, and inclusive story to a region filled with hardwoods and tenacity – two characteristics still found in the region today.” – Hilary Jebitsch
How important is it to be able to learn history from a variety of perspectives, including those who were oftentimes overlooked?
Last year, the Lumber Heritage Region released a two-part report that studied the historic role of women and diverse or marginalized ethnic and cultural identities in the history of northcentral Pennsylvania’s lumber industry.
Working with historic researcher Hilary Jebitsch, the Lumber Heritage Region sought to document these stories to tell and preserve a more complete and inclusive history of northcentral Pennsylvania.
“The history of the Pennsylvania lumber industry is marked by the stories of men. These accounts were often written by white men and rarely spoke to the diversity of the region. Accounts of women and people of color are rare and often dismissive,” said Jebitsch in the report.
“In reality there are stories that relate to the strength, perseverance, and quirkiness of women and men, abled and disabled, white and black, indigenous and foreigner,” Jebitsch said. “Their stories are often elusive. Sometimes mentioned only as a passing comment or footnote to a bigger, larger story, but they are just as relevant. They speak to another audience. They tell a more accurate, compelling, and inclusive story to a region filled with hardwoods and tenacity – two characteristics still found in the region today.”
According to the Lumber Heritage Region, the report goes beyond just documenting the past accurately. It also serves as an inspiration for modern-day people to become more interested in forest products and help see how they might fit into the lumber industry.
“One of the tasks I take very seriously is using the past to educate the future,” said Holly Komonczi, executive director of Lumber Heritage Region. “The forest products industry has many opportunities for our young people, right here in our backyards. We are striving to make everyone feel welcome to take advantage of a career in the forest products industry.”
The report is now being used as a model for research elsewhere. Several other Pennsylvania Heritage Areas have begun similar projects in their regions.
About the Author:
The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) is a 15-county region in North West/North Central Pennsylvania that accentuates the importance of the lumber industry for the past, present, and future. The goal of the heritage region is to market its assets to potential visitors, to serve as a resource to the PA hardwood industry, and to keep the economic impact of the region at the forefront. LHR is a 501C3 organization that is dedicated to helping the region make an impact internationally. It is their mission to serve the region with technical, educational, and financial assistance through the coordination of networking and communication initiatives.
