Recently it was announced that the Old Stone House would remain closed to the public this summer, making this the third year in a row the historic museum has been shuttered. The administration of Slippery Rock University has no long-term plans for the site.

The Old Stone House is one of the best historic sites in the county. It brings dignity and meaning to our town by connecting Butler to a greater American tale. It gives us a history, which gives us an identity. Beyond that, its an incredible resource for students at SRU.

I worked at the Old Stone House as an undergraduate at SRU. It was the best job I had ever had, and by then I’d had plenty.

My experience at the stone house gave me a competitive advantage as a young public historian. That position helped get me into graduate school at American University.

It helped me secure a job at President Lincoln’s Cottage, one of the most prestigious private historic sites in Washington, D.C. And now I am the curator of education at the DAR Museum, sharing a lawn with the White House. All my success started working for Dr. Aaron Cowan at the Old Stone House.

Please, contact the university. The administration barely keeps up with regular maintenance. For every student who might benefit like I did, and for every person who’s every enjoyed a play or tour at the Old Stone House, let them know it deserves a larger investment.

Kevin Lukacs, formerly of Butler