John Ruch

HARMONY — The historical society is honoring a former community leader this month.

A memorial fund has been set up to honor the late John Ruch, Historic Harmony’s longtime president, to go with a $10,000 matching grant recently received from an anonymous donor.

Ruch died in November after “a long illness,” according to a news release from the historical society. The release is the first one in 21 years to not be written by Ruch.

“He worked to make Harmony and surrounding areas a place that respects and preserves the amazing legacy of those who came before us,” the release states.

Ruch served as president from 1984 to 1990 and again from 1995 to this year.

Grant money for the fund will go toward capital improvements, although Historic Harmony President Rodney Gasch said no immediate plans have been made.

“The anonymous grantmaker is supporting Historic Harmony because we have demonstrated our activities are of outstanding value to the larger Harmony community, attracting the thousands of visitors to the area each year,” said Gasch, who was elected president in November.

Gasch also said the borough’s ability to meet past grant matching challenges led to this decision.

The historical society must raise all of its annual operating funds through memberships, admissions, events and contributions since it receives no local, county, state or federal operating support.

Donations can be sent to Historic Harmony, P.O. 524, Harmony, PA 16037, can be made online at www.HarmonyMuseun.org, or can be made in person during Harmony Museum hours.

Donations of cash or shares of stock received through Dec. 31 will not only count toward the matching grant challenge, but also offer tax benefits since Historic Harmony is a qualifying nonprofit, Gasch said.

Historic Harmony is also hosting a potluck dinner Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. People are encouraged to bring their stories about Ruch to help celebrate his life.