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Leaving Her Legacy Awards Press Release: 3/10/2025
MEDIA RELEASE:
March 10, 2025
CONTACT:
Joshua Sherretts
Executive Director
Crawford County Historical Society
jsherretts@crawfordhistorical.
org Pam Higham
Board Chairperson
Crawford County Historical Society
Mullen, Foster, and Rosado-Husband Celebrated for Legacy of Service in Crawford County at Upcoming Awards
The Crawford County Historical Society has recently announced their inaugural class of honorees of the “Leaving Her Legacy Awards,” annually recognizing women who through their service have greatly impacted the quality of life in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Mari Sullivan Mullen, Doris Redman Foster, and Maria Rosado-Husband will be celebrated at a public reception on March 29th at 4pm at Allegheny College’s Tippie Alumni Center.
“The Historical Society works tirelessly to bring history to life for the people of Crawford County,” according to Pam Higham, the co-chairperson of the event and president of the Society’s Board of Directors. “We owe a massive amount to those who have come before us, but also need to be sure we’re thanking those who are making local history in our time.”
The three honorees have all contributed countless hours to charities and other civic endeavors in Crawford County during their lifetime - inspiring others to do so as well. The following abridged biographies feature just some of their contributions to the community.
Mari Sullivan Mullen - Mari Sullivan Mullen moved to Crawford County when her husband took the role of President of Allegheny College in 2008. Getting involved in the community almost immediately, Mari became a volunteer at Seton Catholic School where her children attended, ending up a coach and Athletic Director. “Volunteer coaching” came naturally to Mari, who also became active with Special Olympics, serving as head coach while living in Meadville. Mullen was a regular in volunteer roles at both Allegheny College and the Crawford County Historical Society, especially in planning events with her dear friend Eleanor “Ellie” Davies for the Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum. She served as a board member, vice president, and eventually president of Women’s Services, Inc, where she assisted with fundraising and working with those who needed help the most in our community. Even though the Mullen family moved in 2019, Mari maintains her connections and still helps from afar when she can.
Doris Redman Foster - Doris Redman Foster has been an advocate for others since she first moved to Crawford County. A transplant from Ellwood City and graduate of Chatham University, Doris spent her career as a middle/high school languages teacher in Meadville. She is active in the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville, where she still teaches Sunday School. Her dedication to helping others transcends the classroom to the community at large, however. Foster, is one of the charter members of Women’s Services Inc., volunteering anywhere needed and serving on its board since its inception. She continues to volunteer her time and talent to a number of community projects and organizations.
Maria Rosado-Husband - It is said that “it takes a village,” but for Meadville’s 5th Ward, Maria can be considered that village’s coordinator. Rosado-Husband has been active in Crawford County since her return to Meadville, not only raising her own family in this community, but pushing it to thrive. Helping to set up partnerships, meeting with residents, and organizing community revitalization efforts as part of the H.O.P.E. (Health & Wellness, Opportunity Making, Place-Making, Engaging) Initiative, she has been a major part of an invigorated neighborhood in 5th Ward. This work, however, is just a part of what Maria focuses on. Active in the NAACP Meadville Branch 2771, she’s the chairperson of the Youth and College Committee, which organizes the annual Celebration Meadville. Rosado-Husband is also active in Women’s Services and Family Forward.
“These three women have quite literally made history in our community through their everyday acts,” said Joshua Sherretts, Historical Society Executive Director. “Their efforts - work they carry out without any expectation of thanks - make Crawford County a more vibrant place for all of us.”
Mullen, Foster, and Rosado-Husband will be honored at the Historical Society’s first “Leaving Her Legacy” Awards on March 29th, 2025 at 4pm at the Tippie Alumni Center on the campus of Allegheny College. Sponsored by Allegheny College, Optical Filters, and the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the event will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for those in attendance. Tickets are $30 each and available at the Historical Society’s website (under events) or by calling the Society at 814-724-6080.
About Crawford County Historical Society
Founded in 1880, the Crawford County Historical Society is the official repository for the history of Crawford County, Pennsylvania. They own and operate one of the most extensive historical research archives in northwest Pennsylvania (located at the James and Elizabeth Tarr Mansion), as well as Mount Hope: The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum, The Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum, the Jacob Russell Mosier Medical History Museum, Holland Hall, Shryock Park, and the French Creek Feeder Canal Educational Kiosk. For more information about the Society, its programs, and holdings, visit their website at crawfordhistorical.org or call 814-724-6080.
