The Levy County Historical Society Inc. — a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting Levy County history for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations —was awarded a $1,000 grant by the Plum Creek Foundation.  Funds will be used to cover expenses for the Levy County Railroad Days event in March 2011.

“The event will promote tourism and provide an enjoyable means to educate the public about the county’s history and heritage.  It plays an important role in the history and development of Levy County,” said Toni Collins, director of the Levy County Historical Society.  “The funds Plum Creek has donated to us will be used to cover expenses related to the staging of the celebration.”

The one-day celebration will be held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Florida Railroad, which connected Fernandina on the Atlantic Ocean with Cedar Key on the Gulf of Mexico.  The celebration will be staged simultaneously in the Levy communities of Bronson, Otter Creek, and Cedar Key.   The festivities will include model railroad displays of the rail line, Morse Code demonstrations, living history presentations of prominent persons connected with the Florida Railroad, a photo and memorabilia display of Florida Railroad history, and displays of Levy County industries.  

“The successful completion of the railroad was a major event in Levy County history,” said Greg Galpin, senior manager of planning for Plum Creek.  “Levy County Railroad Days is a wonderful event that provides insight on our history to the people of our region and allows us to reflect on the processes that have led us to where we are today.”

The Plum Creek Foundation supports non-profit organizations that improve the overall quality of life in the communities where Plum Creek operates.