After more than a year of having to suspend in-person programming or allowing people to tour their historic buildings due to the coronavirus pandemic, historical societies in Mahoning and Trumbull counties are focusing on membership campaigns and the return to live programs and events.

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society in Youngstown had to cancel in-person happenings, but did see an increase in viewership with its online programs and fundraising events.

Linda Kostka, MVHS development director, said in 2020, society membership stayed about the same with some new members — though not as many as the society usually sees per year.

“We did see more donations last year. Our members and the public were very generous. Many probably saw how challenging it was last year for us so they wanted to help us out with donation. It was nice to have the public’s support,” Kostka said.

She said the annual fund donations doubled last year with more people donating and moving to higher donor levels. Kostka said viewership online for events also increased.

Read more in Sunday’s Vindicator.