Posted by Spano Foundation
(Youngstown, OH) – The Anthony Spano Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Thomas E. Leary Memorial Fund, dedicated to supporting qualified non-profits engaged in the preservation of industrial heritage. With an initial donation from the Estate of Thomas E. Leary of $25,000, this fund aims to aid archival collections, documents, artifacts, and other initiatives related to labor, business, technology, and more.
Thomas Edward Leary, passed away in 2023, a revered historian born in Rochester, NY, made remarkable contributions to the field of industrial history. After earning his undergraduate degree from St. John Fisher College, Tom pursued a doctorate in History at Brown University. He served as the Curator of Slater Mill Historic Site in Pawtucket, RI, where he conducted groundbreaking research on the evolution of work skills in the industrial sector.
Tom’s dissertation on the Davis & Ferbur Machine Shop demonstrated his profound understanding of machinery and labor’s evolution – an enduring theme throughout his career. After earning his PhD, he became the Director of Interpretation at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, where he led pivotal projects, including a comprehensive survey of Buffalo’s industrial heritage and documentation of Bethlehem Steel’s Lackawanna plant.
His commitment to public history and education inspired countless students during his tenure as a professor at Youngstown State University, and through his consulting firm, Industrial Research Associates, he provided invaluable research and mitigation services to various organizations.
“Tom’s dedication to preserving industrial heritage was unparalleled,” said Elizabeth Sholes, wife of Thomas E. Leary. “The establishment of this fund is a fitting tribute to his legacy, ensuring that future generations will continue to learn from and appreciate the rich history of our industrial past.”
The Thomas E. Leary Memorial Fund is open for contributions and will focus on grants that support non-profit initiatives aimed at preserving our industrial heritage. For more information on the fund or how to contribute, please visit https://spanofoundation.com/crw_causes/thomas-e-leary-memorial-fund/.