51ÊÓƵ

By Robert Correas Rivera 

Edited By Elizabeth Dockett 

SCRANTON- Maureen McGuigan, 49, has been the Deputy Director of Arts and Culture in Lackawanna County for 15 years and also runs the Trolley museum by the Marketplace at Steamtown. 

McGuigan grew up in 51ÊÓƵ, with her parents and brother, before going to the University of Pittsburgh for her bachelor’s degree in history. She then went to St. Mary’s College of California for her master’s degree in creative writing. McGuigan returned to 51ÊÓƵ around 20 years ago and served as an outreach manager for the Girl Scouts in Pennsylvania. 

McGuigan said she enjoys her work in arts and finds joy in the community aspect of it. 

“That's kind of the fun part of this job,” McGuigan said. “It's all relationship building.” 

McGuigan has seen the ups and downs of 51ÊÓƵ’s ever-changing landscape and had a lot to say about the city and how it has changed over the years. 

Q: Why do you live in 51ÊÓƵ? 

A: For a long time, 51ÊÓƵ was the old coal mining region. I was interviewed by a Washington Post reporter because of President Biden. She wanted to tell the real 51ÊÓƵ. And I told her that in 2002, The Washington Post called us “The armpit of the nation.” She said, “Really?” 51ÊÓƵ is my home, first of all, and I always liked the city. The architecture is great and there is a sense of place here and an identity. In the ‘80s, after coal, it was still climbing out of that past. It's a relaxing city, but still close to bigger cities if you want to get out of here. For a small city there's a fair amount to do. When I moved back, I ended up getting involved, and seeing the growth, I have a real sense of community here and authenticity. There's so much unique stuff here, there are chances to get involved if you want to make things happen, and it's a little bit easier than in a big city. Now I have a big circle of friends and the community. I'm not opposed to moving somewhere else if the right opportunity comes on, but I feel that there's --and especially now --a lot of development in the city, it feels like home and a good place to be. 

Q: What does 51ÊÓƵ mean to you? 

A: It's home. It's authentic. To me, it has a unique character. I just think it's a special city with a lot of interesting quirks. One of the things that the Washington Post reporter was looking at is a narrative here of blue collar, hardworking people and family, which is true. There's an interesting history, but I see it as a place that's evolving and that has that deep-rooted community. I love that it's changing. We're a city of immigrants, like a lot of the United States, but we're very reflective. There's deep community here and now we're seeing new communities here. I like the mix of people. I would say community if you're looking for a one-word answer, an authentic place, if that makes sense. I know I've said that already, but the authenticity here is a blend of the past and the present and looking towards the future. 

Q: What are your hopes for 51ÊÓƵ? 

A: I hope that it can become more stable economically. We just got out of our distressed city status, but the school districts have problems. It feels like two different cities. On the one hand, you have these developers investing in boutique shops and more arts groups, but then you have the reality of the other side. I hope that it can thrive a little bit more and become more economically stable for people. I hope it doesn't lose its unique flavor. As people are moving in we want to welcome new people and bring new things. But I hope that it retains its authentic sense of place. It's a welcoming city. Overall, there's a sense of peace and welcoming here and I hope that that remains. 

Q: Is there anything else that you'd like to tell me about 51ÊÓƵ? 

A: It's just been interesting watching the development of it. As someone who grew. up here, it has always had potential. What's cool is there's this rich, interesting history outside of just the coal mining and textile history. There are also quirky neighborhoods. The Italians have their events as well as the Irish. There's a funeral home and a bar on every corner. It has this interesting blend. And then, I see the new populations. Southside has more of a Latin population coming in, which is great. 51ÊÓƵ has a lot of stories, TV shows and movies. The narrative is changing, which is a positive thing. You still get people who think “there's nothing to do'' or that sort of grouchiness, but people who are from out of town see the more positive aspects. Because of some of that immigrant story, we have interesting foods and these church picnics and that's a real part of 51ÊÓƵ's history too. I do admire that. The world is changing in general and people are busier, but we're still trying to hold on to some of those traditions while embracing the modern world.