FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 23, 2019
Lancaster, PA–Manheim, PA (SEPTEMBER 23, 2019) ABC Keystone and Hands-on House Children’s Museum of Lancaster are proud to announce a partnership to produce a new construction-themed exhibit at Hands-on House, a nonprofit education center. ABC Keystone will be the main sponsor for the exhibit, slated to open in early 2020 at Hands-on House Children’s Museum of Lancaster. Geared towards elementary-school ages, the exhibit will teach children about different occupations and trades in the construction field, supporting construction industry workforce development.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this new and exciting opportunity for the thousands of children that visit the Hands-on House every year. Due to future retirements and current openings in the industry, it is projected that 900,000 positions will be needed to be filled over the next decade. This exhibit is vital to introducing today’s youth to the many career opportunities available in the industry,” said G. David Sload, ABC Keystone President-CEO.
Titled “HOH Construction Co.,” the planned exhibit will allow children and their families to simulate entering a job site, where they will first “STEP Up to Safety” — with the opportunity to put on hard hats, gloves, and vests — and then choose from a set of tools related to their chosen construction trade. As they interact with the many elements of the exhibit, children and parents will learn about the career opportunities provided by the construction industry in addition to education and training paths available such as apprenticeship. ABC Keystone’s apprentices will take part in building much of the structure for the exhibit itself, and elements of this production will be available for children and students to see as they explore the exhibit.
A Hands-on “Build” House, a framed structure in different stages of completion, is planned as the center point of the exhibit, including areas for different trades to be highlighted, such as pulling wire as an electrician, affixing PVC pipe as a plumber, finishing trim as a carpenter, and building a brick wall as a mason, among other skills. This structure is proposed as a multi-floor clubhouse, built at a height that allows parents to interact with their children and discuss with them all that they are learning. Additional proposed exhibit elements include:
- Foreman’s Station, where blueprints can be reviewed;
- Excavating Zone, consisting of contained foam dirt and rubber boulders;
- Concrete Mixer, a hand-turned mixer with wheelbarrows;
- Trade Stations, explaining more about each trade and how they work together to finish a project.
“For more than 30 years, Hands-on House has created landmark learning experiences through play. We are delighted that our partnership with ABC Keystone will provide new opportunities to educate future generations. We look forward to working closely with ABC Keystone to generate and sustain interest in the construction industry and the trades, by giving children and families a hands-on, developmentally appropriate introduction to the jobs that build our community,” said Jim Bland, Hands-on House, Executive Director.
In addition to ABC Keystone, the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County and Clark Associates Charitable Foundation have committed funding to this project as Trade Sponsors. Hands-on House is seeking community support to fund the project. Multiple opportunities for corporate sponsorship and individual contribution are available.
Proposed layout of HOH Construction Co. Exhibit
Jim Bland, Executive Director, Hands-On House (HOH), Justin Manning, HOH Chair, PNC,
Douglas M. Dvorchak, ABC Keystone Chair, Murray, G. David Sload, ABC Keystone President-CEO
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Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating landmark learning experiences for children and their families through play. The museum is designed for children ages 2–10 years old and includes interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a play garden. Learn more at www.handsonhouse.org.
The Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) is a construction trade association based in Manheim, Pennsylvania, representing more than 500 construction-related firms. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 chapters nation-wide help members win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. Visit us at www.abckeystone.org.
PRESS CONTACTS:
Becca Stamp
Director of Development & Communications
Hands-on House
721 Landis Valley Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-569-5437 or becca.stamp@handsonhouse.org
Kristi Pronovost
Director of Marketing & Communications
ABC Keystone
135 Shellyland Road
Manheim, PA 17545
717.653.8106 or kristi@abckeystone.org
