Beaver Heritage Museum opens exhibit honoring local World War II casualty
BEAVER ― Beaver Area Heritage Museum has unveiled its spring exhibit, "Out of the Unknown: A Tribute to Frank Grdenich."
This free display, open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, now through midyear, offers visitors a journey through the life and legacy of one of the many unsung heroes of World War II.
This story showcases the remarkable life of Grdenich, a Beaver High School graduate. Through a meticulously curated display of compelling images and narratives that surround the actual propeller from Grdenich’s downed P-38 fighter aircraft, visitors will gain insight into the pilot’s extraordinary life journey, from his upbringing in Bridgewater to his ultimate sacrifice on the WWII battlefield.
“Laying my hand on this propeller instantly gave me chills," museum trustee Ed McLaughlin said about his first encounter with the war-torn artifact, donated to the museum by the Grdenich family. "I overwhelmingly agreed that this story must be shared."
On opening day, the Heritage Museum welcomed some of Grdenich's family who came to see the display, including Ryan (his great-nephew), Elaina, and Jonathan Fleming (his great-great niece and nephew), and Barbara Snyder (his niece). Their presence added a deeply personal touch to the exhibit, underscoring the significance of the pilot’s legacy to his family and community.
"Out of the Unknown" is not just an exhibit; it is an exciting adventure that takes you from Beaver High's football field to the deadly skies over the Normandy landing beaches,” McLaughlin said. “Will the family find closure trying to solve a mystery lasting nearly six decades?”
The museum will add to this exhibit throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to stop by often to see what has been added.
For more information, visit beaverheritage.org/2024-exhibit-out-of-the-unknown.
"Out of the Unknown" replaces the museum's 2022-23 exhibit "Saint or Sinner? The Complicated Legacy of Senator Matthew Stanley Quay of Beaver, PA," which won multiple awards, including most recently a Special Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums, which comes with a $500 check at the April 15 presentation in Harrisburg.
More: Beaver County's most mouth-watering, maplelicious festival returns to Bradys Run Park
Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Beaver Area Heritage Museum presents 'A Tribute to Frank Grdenich'
