Bob Perrin founded the Coaldale Historical Society two decades ago and since then, he’s been displaying borough artifacts and memorabilia at the Lansford Historical Society’s Museum.

And while he’s grateful for the space, he always wanted a spot for folks to visit in the borough.

Just recently, Perrin received news that he had wished for: Mark Floodgate, owner of Elk Lighting, wanted to give the society property at the corner of Sixth Street and West Early Avenue.

“I’ve had big plans for Coaldale for a long time and we are finally here,” Perrin said as he walked around the building.

Some renovations and upgrades are needed before the society can relocate. To help, the nonprofit organization recently launched a fundraiser at gofundme.com.

“This journey began a long time ago - this journey of filling a hole in the history of the Panther Valley - and it is now complete with the Coaldale Historical Society having a footprint in Coaldale,” said Perron, who is the society’s president. In addition to Lansford, the Panther Valley communities of Summit Hill and Nesquehoning have homes for their historical societies.

But the Coaldale site won’t simply be a museum. With two spacious levels, Perrin hopes to create a banquet hall, offices, community center and a kitchen. He plans to offer their use for free, or for a donation.

“Our thinking has always been not just preserving the history of Coaldale and educating people about Coaldale, but it’s getting out into the community,” he said. “It’s going to be about the community and helping the community - not just a place to look at old stuff.”

As for the museum, the society is eying a coal miner’s home with period kitchen. There will be other mining displays, along with memorabilia from the former Coaldale High School and borough businesses.

“We have a letter from President Harry Truman thanking miners for their efforts during the war,” he added.

He noted that in 1945, the SS Coaldale - a victory ship - was launched from a shipyard in Baltimore, Maryland.

“Coaldale has a rich history,” Perrin said.

The museum’s new home isn’t short on history, either. It was built as the Victory Band Hall.

“Many people had weddings here, bands played. There were birthdays and banquets,” Perrin said.

He wants to continue banquets and meetings in the lower level. He’d also like to install a new kitchen for the community to use.

The first priority, however, is getting the museum up and running.

Sometime in the near future, Perrin will be selling the new lights, fixtures and chandeliers left behind by Elk Lighting. He hasn’t determined a date but proceeds will benefit the society.

He expects to apply for grants that would benefit not only the society, but other borough organizations including CHOSE, East Ward School, fire company, police department and the Angela Theater.

The Coaldale Historical Society Building Fund on gofundme.com has a $50,000 goal. Perrin said donations will not only help now but will help the site for years to come.

Donations may also be made to the Coaldale Historical Society, P.O. Box 83, Coaldale, PA., 18218, or by contacting coaldalehistoricalsociety@yahoo.com.

Rounding out the board are Teddy Bortnik, vice president; Suzie Bortnik, secretary; Harry Murphy, historian, and Danny Cannon, treasurer.