15th Annual Grass Roots Gala

Youngstown CityScape, the community development corporation that has been revitalizing the greater downtown area through beautification, preservation, and education for 28 years will host its fifteenth annual Grass Roots Gala on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Tyler History Center. Social hour is at 5:30pm, dinner is at 6:30pm, and presentations to begin at approximately 7:30pm. This year, CityScape will honor H. William Lawson and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society (MVHS), where he serves as Executive Director. CityScape and MVHS have long shared a vision of downtown revitalization, including the projects that preserve the past, engage the present, and promote the future of our city and the region. Alignment between the two organizations can be seen in so many partnerships designed to educate and inspire including downtown’s Self-guided Walking Tour signs, beautiful bronze historical markers on Central Square, and the annual “Happy Birthday Youngstown” celebration.

H. William Lawson (Bill) joined the MVHS staff in 1987, and has served as Executive Director since 1991. The MVHS was created at the First Annual Reunion of Pioneers of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties, on September 10, 1875, when those in attendance voted to establish a new organization. The organization’s purpose was “collecting and preserving the history of the Mahoning Valley….and to perpetuate such history.” Under Lawson’s leadership, MVHS has blossomed and expanded, acquiring the historic Harry Burt/Ross Radio building on West Federal Street in 2007 and developing the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center at this location. Last year, MVHS acquired the IBM Building on East Federal Street in downtown Youngstown. 150 years after its original charter, MVHS continues to collect, preserve and teach the history of the people of the Mahoning Valley.

Since 2010, Youngstown CityScape has awarded the David & Pat “Sweet Grass Roots Award” to an individual or group making significant personal and professional commitment to the organization’s mission of revitalizing downtown. “MVHS under the leadership of Bill Lawson is dedicated to educating and promoting Youngstown and the Valley by preserving our history and inspiring future generations,” noted CityScape Executive Director Sharon Letson. “The MVHS and Bill’s commitment to CityScape have been unwavering since he joined our Board 11 years ago. He is passionate about helping realize our vision for downtown, and in his commitment to a stronger community.”

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online at YoungstownCityScape.org