Tonight's First Friday offers a trip into Youngstown's history

YOUNGSTOWN  The Mahoning Valley Historical Society's 150th anniversary will be celebrated today at September's First Fridays Youngstown event, an evening that combines local history with downtown's revitalization. The event, titled "Past, Present, & Future," is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. along West Federal Street, Vindicator Square, and surrounding areas.

The monthly gathering, a collaboration between Youngstown CityScape and the Downtown Youngstown Partnership, will feature live music, guided history tours, vendor markets, and special exhibits. Main stage performances on Federal Street include Kari Ann Rutushian from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Seasons of Swing from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. The WesBanco Community Series will also host The Beck Ward Project at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with free admission.

The celebration's focal point is the Tyler History Center, where a local history fair and special anniversary displays will be open to the public. Guided walking tours of Spring Commons will begin in the center's lobby at 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. The tours will trace a route that includes the Firefighters Memorial Bridge and the Marshall Street Bridge before concluding at the Youngstown Business Incubator.

Special exhibits will showcase historic vehicles, including a 1940s Ford Youngstown Water Dept. truck and a 1953 American LaFrance Fire Truck. A new WRTA electric bus and a 1905 Mahoning Touring car will also be on display.

Attendees can participate in an interactive passport challenge by collecting stamps at featured locations. Completed passports can be redeemed for a Good Humor bar while supplies last and will also be entered into a drawing for a prize basket from Sweet Memories Vintage Tees.

Sweet Memories Vintage Tees, which is the official licensee for Good Humor, will also use the event to launch three new T-shirt designs. According to founder Linda Barton, proceeds will benefit the NICU Clinic at Akron Children’s Hospital. The company is also reintroducing the Golden Age Beverage brand with two new designs.

The event will also include open houses at the Youngstown Business Incubator and WRTA. The John R. Davis Building at 217 W. Federal St. will host an art show by Daniel Rauschenbach on the first floor, while DT-1 Enterprises on the second floor will showcase its adaptable flex space. Strollo Architects will also have an open house with an exhibit of downtown projects.

“First Fridays are about bringing people together to celebrate what makes Youngstown special,” said Adam Lee, program director for Youngstown CityScape. “This month, we’re proud to honor the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s 150 years of preserving our history while highlighting the creativity and energy shaping our future.”

Public parking will be available at the Tyler History Center and other downtown lots. West Federal Street will be closed to traffic and parking during the event. Additional information can be found at www.FirstFridaysYoungstown.org.