The Jim and Ann Oakes Carriage House stands as a transformative educational space on the Armstrong County Historical Society campus — a place where preservation, philanthropy, and progress converge.

 

In 2024, under the leadership of ACHS President Tyler Woodside, a strategic committee was formed to evaluate the Lankerd-Thomas Genealogical Library and reimagine how the Carriage House could better serve the community. As attendance at museum programs steadily increased, it became clear that the existing gathering room no longer met the needs of a growing and engaged audience. The Society began planning for a clean, modern, and flexible space that could support expanded programming and long-term sustainability.

 

Board member Amy Loughrey Gray introduced the vision for the Carriage House to COL James L. Oakes Jr., US Army (Retired), during a campus tour. Deeply connected to Armstrong County through generations of family roots, COL Oakes embraced the opportunity to honor his parents, Jim and Ann Oakes, whose values of service and philanthropy shaped his life. His generous donation fully funded the comprehensive renovation of the Carriage House, and today the building bears their name in tribute.

 

Completed in the fall of 2025, the renovated Carriage House officially opened during the Society’s Christmas Open House, marking a new chapter for ACHS.

 

Today, the Carriage House serves as a modern educational and research center. It houses the Lankerd-Thomas Genealogical Library, now transitioning into a dynamic hybrid model that integrates both digital and traditional archival resources. Under the guidance of Librarian John Clowes, the space offers in-house research sessions and public programs, enabling visitors to explore family histories through curated digital databases, original documents, and archival materials.

 

The Jim and Ann Oakes Carriage House is more than a restored structure — it is an investment in community memory. It ensures that Armstrong County’s stories remain accessible, discoverable, and preserved for generations to come.

 

COL Oakes continues to support the mission of ACHS, reinforcing a legacy rooted in service, history, and the enduring value of giving back.