New upgraded Franklin County Visitor Center attracts 15,000 in 2023

Franklin County welcomed 15,000 to its Visitor Center, enhancing it with a $29,500 grant for marble and iron rail restorations.

In 2023, the visitor center in Franklin County, located in the southwest section of Chambersburg’s central square, saw a surge in visitor numbers, reaching 15,000. Notably, about half of these individuals were discovering the charms of Franklin County for their initial time, highlighting the importance of making a positive first impression. To enhance the visitor experience, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, backed by a $29,500 grant from the County of Franklin, collaborated with Remington Builders & Partners and Antietam Iron Works. This partnership focused on the meticulous restoration and cleaning of the marble steps, along with the revamping and polishing of the iron handrails topped with brass. The project was successfully completed by year-end, setting the stage for a more inviting welcome for visitors in 2024.

The Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, an expansive 10,000 square feet property, has historical significance, being initially established in 1865 as the National Bank of Chambersburg. This site has a dramatic history, as its predecessor was destroyed in 1864 due to the inability to meet a ransom demand during the Civil War. The bank was later reconstructed, with the current structure forming the core of the original building, erected at a cost of $26,628.

In 1959, during the 150th-anniversary celebration of the National Bank of Chambersburg, a decision was made to renovate the facade of the old bank building at 15 South Main, which is now the modern-day Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center. The architectural firm Lawrie & Green from Harrisburg was commissioned to design a facade that would embody strength and add to the square’s aesthetic appeal.

The 1959 facade update was undertaken by Earl L. Cump, incorporating walls of colonial pink brick and special white Vermont marble. This renovation involved over 85 tons of marble, significantly transforming the building’s exterior. The funds from the Impact Grant were allocated to restore and cleanse the marble steps and landing, integral parts of the 1959 property renovation.

The Franklin County IMPACT Grants program channeled $10 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support various projects. Janet Pollard, the executive director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, expressed gratitude for the grant, especially following the challenging year of 2020, and shared her enthusiasm for the bureau’s renewed vigor.

The Franklin County Visitors Bureau extends an invitation to everyone to explore the rich history, vibrant arts and architecture, recreational activities, natural beauty, fresh food, and the welcoming hospitality of communities such as Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. Franklin County, PA, conveniently located just north of the Mason Dixon Line, is easily accessible from major cities like Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit through ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com, call 866.646.8060, or personally visit the new Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center in downtown Chambersburg.

Supported by a $29,500 County of Franklin IMPACT grant, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau partnered with Remington Builders & Partners for the repair and cleaning of the marble steps, and Antietam Iron Works for the restoration, painting, and cleaning of the brass-topped iron handrails.

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