The Maggetti House in Cambria is now open to the public as the Nancy Moure Research Center. Photo by Jill Turnbow
The Cambria Historical Society, which sits on the corner of Burton and Center St. in Cambria, has opened the Maggetti House to the public as the Nancy Moure Research Center. The Maggetti House, adjacent to the current museum, is often referred to as the Blue House and will serve as a research center for those interested in Cambria’s colorful history.
Slated to be torn down in the 1970’s, Marjorie Delyser bought the home in 1978 and rented it to several business to keep it from being destroyed. The building was purchased from the Delyser family by the Historical Society in 2014 and, through a generous donation from local Nancy Moure, was paid off in 2017.
The structure was originally built in 1878 as a doctor’s office and a one-story residence. It was the Maggetti family that added the second story for their six children. However, the staircase is a mere 23 inches wide, which has presented quite a challenge for accessing some of the museum’s archives.
The front door from the “Music House” is Cambria was salvaged and is being used as a side gate at the Nancy Moure Research Center.
This new facility will house artifacts and materials such as editions of the Cambrian from 1931 to 2015 as well as other historical newspapers from the 1860s and 70s. It also contains all the Pinedorado booklets and most recently acquired the historical Paul Squibb papers, an informal collection of notes and interviews.
Local artist Art Van Rhyn donated 19 binders of his original cartoons that have appeared in the Cambrian and will be on hand later in October to autograph his new book of cartoons, compiled by Christine Heinrichs.
Melody Coe, president of the Cambria Historical Society and Archivist/Curator of all three of the properties managed by the organization says, “Anyone, locals or visitors, are welcome to come research our fascinating history, look for old photos or historical newspaper articles.”
Melody also oversees the old Schoolhouse Project on Main St., which is currently scheduled to open as a museum by summer of 2022.
One of the charming touches of the Maggetti House’s renovation is the addition of the front door from the Music House that sits at 2581 Main St. The door was salvaged and is being used as a side gate. The Music House was built in 1865 by George Cole, one of Cambria’s founders.
The now named Nancy Moure Research Center is open to the public Wednesday thru Friday from noon to 2.30. The public is welcome to browse the extensive archives, artifacts, and numerous photography collections. Coe will be on hand to assist visitors. The home is across from the Greenspace Creekside Reserve and adjacent to the Guthrie-Bianchini House, which serves as the main Historical Society Museum.
Folks interested in volunteering at the museum should contact Melody Coe at 805-448-5652. They are currently looking for people interested in helping photograph the archives. Information can also be found on the website, cambriahistoricalsociety.com.
