FAQs

The PURE Center is a component fund of the Muskingum County Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible.

What is the history of the PURE Center?

This property was deeded to the Putnam Restoration Fund of the Muskingum County Community Foundation in December 1998 as a gift from the Schultz Mansion. On May 26, 1999, the Muskingum County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved the sale of this property to Kathy Brantley to restore the house and convert it to an Underground Railroad museum. On July 28, Ms. Brantley purchased this property and gave it back to the Putnam Restoration Fund of the Community Foundation. The PURE Center Articles of Incorporation were signed by Kathy Brantley, Katherine Mitzel, and the late Pauline M. Peterson on June 29, 1999.

What services does the PURE Center offer?

The Center welcomes students from the five surrounding counties: Muskingum, Guernsey, Licking, Noble and Perry – and beyond. Students who visit will benefit from presentations, programs, and activities related to the Underground Railroad. The Center’s services include a museum with artifacts from Africa and the Civil War era in Zanesville. A library on the Underground Railroad and the Abolitionist Movement gives students access to resources for school projects. A fifteen-station computer center services visiting schoolchildren.

What other benefits is the PURE Center bringing to our community?

In addition to preserving important local, Ohio and national history, the PURE Center is most beneficial to Zanesville. Restoration and revitalization are extremely important for every city, and the preservation of this property is encouraging the revitalization efforts that are currently underway in the Putnam Historic District of Zanesville.

What are the financial requirements for PURE?

The PURE Center received a generous Excelerator Grant from the SBC Foundation to equip a state of the art computer lab. A grant from the Governor’s Office of Appalachia made it possible to build the Center’s core library collection. Thanks to the generosity of area businesses, organizations and private citizens we were able to purchase furnishings and artifacts. We are presently seeking funds for our operating endowment.

What can I do to help?

This is a community and state-wide effort and we need your help. If you would like to make a donation or would like more information, please contact the PURE Center today.