Youngstown Steel Museum announces endowment fund
The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor (YHCIL), also known as the "Steel Museum", launched the YHCIL Support Fund during a reception on Friday, February 6, 2026.
The announcement came in a news release from Youngstown State University (YSU) on Monday, February 9, 2026.
"This is a proud moment for our institution," said Jonathan Cambouris, YHCIL museum administrator.
Cambouris continued," On behalf of the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor, we are honored to announce the launch of the YHCIL Support Fund, the first endowment in our 32-year history. This milestone builds upon the foundation laid by the hardworking men and women whose stories we preserve - aptly reflected in our permanent exhibit, 'By the Sweat of Their Brow.' This endowment represents a new layer upon that foundation, a true fruit of industry and labor."
The endowment fund will be administered by the YHCIL's Management Team through Youngstown State University's History Program. The fund will allow donors an opportunity to help expand collections, enhance operation and advance the Center's mission.
The YHCIL is visited by students and educators of the university, and by the Mahoning Valley community at large.
On display, the museum showcases photographs, oral histories, full-scale recreations of steelworkers' lives and workplaces and several other artifacts, aiming to preserve the steelmaking history of the region.
"Endowments are among the most powerful tools we have to ensure lasting educational and cultural impact," said Paul McFadden, President of the YSU Foundation.
McFadden went on to say that the YHCIL Support Fund will help strengthen the institution, and that the YSU Foundation is proud to partner with the museum to preserve history.
The YHCIL can be found at 151 West Wood Street in Youngstown.
The gallery is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
