Announcements

Quilt of Valor Presented to Veteran CEO & President of Sophia Coxe Foundation & Education Center for Military Service

On Sunday, July 21st, 2024, the Sophia Coxe Foundation & Education Center acted as a backdrop in recognition of the heroic military achievements and service of its CEO and President, Mr. Bryan Dunnigan. A Quilt of Valor was presented to him by the Hazleton Area Chapter of the national Quilts of Valor program that day.

 

A Quilt of Valor is presented to service members and veterans who have been touched by war, thanking them for their service, sacrifice, and valor in their service to the nation.

 

Bryan was nominated for the quilt in recognition of his service in both the US Navy during his two tours of Vietnam, as well as his service in the US Army, PA National Guard during the Cold War. Along with a lengthy list of accomplishments and contributions during his service, Bryan Dunnigan was honorably discharged from the US Army March 12, 1998 after a total of 14 years in the military.

 

Along with his active involvement and leadership for local VFW posts and veteran organizations, Bryan has been an avid history preservationist and Civil War living historian. Bryan was a former resident and board member of Eckley Miners’ Village Museum, and went on to found the Sophia Coxe Memorial Foundation and Education Center in 2014, where he continues to lead educational programs and events, and is the blacksmithing instructor.

 

Bryan noted that he was grateful to receive his quilt on behalf of his more than 58,000 brothers and sisters in service who never returned home from the Vietnam War.

Bryan’s Quilt of Valor was pieces by Chancey Wesner, quilted by Tammy Dean, and bound by Marie Shulenski, all members of the Cranberry Quilt Guild. During his presentation, Bryan was surrounded by his loved ones, including his sons and grandchildren, as well as friends. Food for the ceremony was provided by Chef Tony O.

 

To date, more than 350,000 Quilts of Valor have been presented to military personnel in all 50 states. For more information on the Quilts of Valor program or to nominate a recipient, please visit qovf.org to find your local branch.

Women in American History Award

The Daughters of the American Revolution Tunkhannock Chapter recently posthumously presented the “Women in American History” award to Sophia Georgiana Fisher Coxe.

Known as “The Angel of the Anthracite,” Sophia was acknowledged for her outstanding altruistic efforts. Bryan Dunnigan, President of the Sophia Coxe Memorial Foundation and Education Center accepted the award.

Shown in photo, left to right: Lorraine Smith, Bryan Dunnigan, and Chapter Regent Meg Venn.

Pandemic Upkeeping

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coxe House closed as of March 2020 and all activities were suspended until further notice. However, the restoration of the house and grounds were ongoing. The exterior of the historic Coxe House was given a fresh coat of paint, a joint effort of the Sophia Coxe Foundation and MMI Preparatory School.

Restorative landscaping was done with the help of The Hazleton Garden Club and volunteers. Also, there had been a number of projects completed by local Boy Scout troops.

We eventually reached a point in time where restorations had slowed and we were safely able to open and offer tours, as well as begin our classes and workshops once again. Please see our ‘Estate Tours’ listings on our event calendar for more information on current tour offerings.

We welcome you back to the Coxe House to share its history with you.

Sincerely,
Bryan Dunnigan
President and Founder