The Trumbull County Historical Society has received a $2.3 million state grant to develop the Museum of Science Fiction and Fantasy Arts in downtown Warren.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded the funding through its Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization program. The initiative targets economic growth in communities historically impacted by coal mining.

The historical society will use the funds to renovate a four-story building at 410 Main Ave. that it acquired in 2024. The project will turn the vacant, 14,000-square-foot structure into a permanent home for a collection of Hollywood memorabilia.

The museum is co-founded by Warren native John Zabrucky, the founder of Modern Props. In 2023, Zabrucky donated more than 500 items to the society, including props used in “Ghostbusters,” “Blade Runner,” “Men in Black,” and the “Star Trek” franchise.

According to project details, the museum will focus on the science behind science fiction. Plans include a CGI Learning Lab designed to provide hands-on training in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The development team includes Hickok Cole, the architecture firm behind the International Spy Museum, and Thinc Design, which created exhibits for the Empire State Building Observatory.

ODNR Director Mary Mertz said the grant program aims to reinvigorate coal regions by creating spaces that benefit residents. The Warren museum was one of six projects selected for funding across the state.