Anthony Spano Foundation creates new fund dedicated to preserving industrial history

The Anthony Spano Foundation has launched a new fund to help qualified non-profits engage in the preservation of industrial heritage.

Called the Thomas E. Leary memorial Fund, it aims to aid archival collections, documents, artifacts and other initiatives related to labor, business, technology and more.

It's named after Thomas Edward Leary, who passed away in 2023. Leary was a historian born in Rochester, New York, and earned a doctorate in history at Brown University.

He served as a curator of Slater mill Historic Site in Pawtucket, Rhode Island where he conducted research on the evolution of work skills in the industrial sector.

Additionally, 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, according to a news release from the foundation.

"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 fund has initial donation of $25,000 but is open to contributions.