2025 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting & “Do 6” Awards

The Heritage Partnership Award is given to a person, group, or project that has demonstrated excellence in historic and cultural preservation, interpretation, and/or education through cross-corridor thinking and interagency cooperation. The 2025 Heritage Partnership Award was presented to the Grey Towers Heritage Association in Milford, Pike County, PA.

In the heart of Milford along scenic PA Route 6, Grey Towers National Historic Site—home of conservationist Gifford Pinchot—stands as both landmark and living legacy. Since 2002, the Grey Towers Heritage Association has transformed the site from a historic mansion into a vibrant hub for cultural tourism, education, and environmental awareness.
Through events like the Festival of Wood, heritage tours, and speaker series, Grey Towers connects the Pinchot legacy to today’s audiences while boosting the local economy. Their collaborations with schools, conservation groups, artists, and tourism partners further ensure Grey Towers inspires future generations. By weaving history, nature, and community, Grey Towers exemplifies the spirit of the PA Route 6 “Do 6” Heritage Tourism Award. Congratulations, Grey Towers Heritage Association!

The Heritage Partnership Award is presented to a group, person or organization that has demonstrated excellence in historic preservation, cultural preservation, interpretation, and/​or education through cross-corridor thinking and inter-agency cooperation.

The Heritage Tourism Award is presented to the organizers of a project or event that furthers economic and tourism development while still respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the corridor. The 2025 Heritage Tourism Award was presented to Lynn Hall in Port Allegany, McKean County, PA

Now celebrating 90 years, Lynn Hall in Port Allegany is a National Register landmark blending history, architecture, and natural beauty along Route 6. Overlooking the Allegheny River Valley, it offers restored mid-century suites and serves as a base for visitors exploring regional treasures like the Allegheny National Forest, Kinzua Bridge, and Cherry Springs State Park. Designed in the 1930s by self-taught architect Walter J. Hall—who notably contributed to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater—Lynn Hall is an early example of Organic Modern architecture, noted for its cantilevered concrete, stonework, and harmony with the landscape. Once a restaurant, dance hall, and residence, it remains a preserved symbol of creativity and community on the Route 6 Corridor, giving tourists a truly unique lodging experience. Congratulations, Lynn Hall!

The Heritage Tourism Award is presented to a business or project that furthers economic and tourism development while respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the PA Route 6 Corridor.

The Heritage Leadership Award is presented to a person, business, or organization for meaningful contributions and/or partnerships that have resulted in the enrichment of our communities through landscape initiatives or historic preservation. The 2025 Heritage Leadership Award was presented to Michelle Gray, Warren County Historical Society in Warren, Warren County, PA.

Michelle Gray has been with the Warren County Historical Society since 1998 and currently serves as Managing Director. She is being recognized for her meaningful contributions to enrich the community through historic preservation. She has developed countless educational programs, actively promoted local history, and overseen the care and operation of two separate facilities that house tens of thousands of artifacts. In addition to writing numerous articles and securing a variety of grants. Michelle has played a crucial role in keeping the Warren County Historical Society not only operational but thriving. Her dedication has allowed the organization to remain one of the few county historical societies in Pennsylvania that is open full time and year-round. Thanks to Michelle’s professionalism, strong work ethic, and deep historical knowledge, the Warren County Historical Society has become, and continues to be, a vital and valued asset to the community. Congratulations, Michelle!

The Heritage Leadership Award is presented to a person(s), business or organization for meaningful contributions and/​or through partnerships, by enriching our communities through landscape initiatives or historic preservation.

The Artisan of the Year Award is presented to an Artisan Trail member who exemplifies the goals of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail program with special attention to regional thinking and cooperation while promoting the arts along the corridor. The 2025 Artisan of the Year Award was presented to Blossoms & Blooms Boutique in Linesville, Crawford County, PA.

Blossoms and Blooms Boutique, a locally owned flower shop in Linesville, PA, has been an active Route 6 Alliance partner since opening in 2017. In 2024, manager Sequoia Whitmer led a major community art project, raising over $30,000 to commission muralist Justin Suarez of Rochester, NY. The resulting work, Stealing Sunset—a vivid Pymatuning scene dedicated in September 2024—now greets travelers on Route 6 and stands as a symbol of local pride. The mural also serves as a backdrop for the Boutique’s Outdoor Concert Series, now in its fourth year. Whitmer’s leadership, creativity, and community spirit exemplify how art and entrepreneurship can enrich life along Route 6 and inspire small-town revitalization. Congratulations, Blossoms and Blooms Boutique!

The Artisan of the Year Award is presented to an artist or artisan group that exemplifies the goals of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail program showing regional thinking and cooperation while promoting the arts along the corridor.

The Heritage Community of the Year Award is presented to one designated Heritage Community that is embracing their Heritage Tourism WorkPlan and implementing worthwhile projects that show impact and results in their community. The 2025 Heritage Community of the Year Award was presented to Coudersport, Potter County, PA.

Located along scenic Route 6, Coudersport is the county seat of Potter County and a hub of volunteer-driven community life. Residents support initiatives ranging from a thriving Farmers Market, Food, Fun, Friday events, and downtown concerts to fundraising for cancer patients, food pantry support, and sustaining emergency services. Through Revitalize Potter County, the town embraces new growth opportunities while its many new storefronts reflect a shared commitment to building a vibrant, welcoming community.

Coudersport is home to flourishing small businesses and artisans whose creativity enlivens the flower-lined streets. Signature events such as Christmas in a Small Town, the Frosty Hollow Festival, and Potter County’s first Maker’s Market Village showcase local talent, supported by groups like the Potter County Artisans Center and Creative Council.

Collaboration between longtime and new businesses, alongside a revitalized Chamber of Commerce, strengthens shopping, dining, and entertainment options. As a gateway to Cherry Springs State Park, Coudersport attracts visitors worldwide, offering festivals, outdoor recreation, lodging, dining, and year-round entertainment—including its celebrated Dark Sky experience. Congratulations, Coudersport!

The Heritage Community of the Year is presented to a select designated Heritage Community, who has embraced their Heritage Tourism Work Plans and implemented worthwhile projects, showing impacts and results.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a person or agency that exemplifies outstanding leadership and advances the PA Route 6 Alliance mission through heritage development. The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jean Ruhf, of Wyoming County, PA.

Jean Ruhf was presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Jean has served as Executive Director of the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau (EMVB) for nearly 20 years. Throughout her career, Jean has demonstrated that a small, rural visitors bureau can make a significant impact. In addition to serving on the PA Route 6 Alliance’s Tourism Promotion Advisory Committee (TPAC), she contributes her expertise on various boards and committees that uplift the region, including the Endless Mountains Heritage Region board and the Northern Tier Rural Transportation Advisory Committee.

Under her leadership, EMVB has accomplished numerous milestones: the development of the current office and visitors center on Route 6 in Tunkhannock, successful navigation through the challenges of the pandemic, the launch of a popular annual Christmas campaign, and consistent support for the community through the room tax grant program, among many other initiatives.

Jean has also ensured the Endless Mountains region, within the Route 6 Corridor, has a strong voice at the state level through her active involvement and leadership roles with the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA).

Those who know Jean recognize her as an outspoken advocate for the region and a dedicated supporter of the 270+ small businesses served by EMVB. She is always ready to lend a hand and help others succeed. Congratulations, Jean!

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a person or agency that exemplifies outstanding leadership and advances our mission through heritage development.