While it’s always good to have an eye toward the future, it’s important to never forget the past.

Which is exactly what Joe Federanich had in mind when he devised a project that would pay homage to the borough’s history.

Federanich, a member of the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce, decided it would be a good idea to utilize the mural on the back of the sign that welcomes visitors to Palmerton.

As such, four Palmerton Area School District students recently wrapped up their artwork on the mural on the back of the Welcome to Palmerton sign at Mauch Chunk Road and Delaware Avenue.

Federanich said the project began over two years ago, and currently features artwork from Mia Fantasia, Kelci Bubser, Ella Cronk and Kaylyn Haney, all of whom are either students or graduates of Palmerton Area High School.

“These are the students showing their talents, and you can see it,” Federanich said. “They are all scenes of Palmerton, and each one will be up for at least one year.”

Federanich said that moving forward, anyone interested in taking part in the activity may contact the chamber. At that point, he said they will fix them up with aluminum that they can paint on.

“It’s bringing back the things we don’t see anymore in Palmerton,” he said. “Some of the older things that a lot of the older people remember.”

Federanich said eventually that a pair of concrete benches will be placed at the mural for people to take a break and enjoy the artwork.

“It’s something that’s going to bring a little bit of art to the town,” he said. “It’s just something to help improve Delaware Avenue and the community.”