The Culture and Heritage Museums received $50,000 from the Culture and Heritage Foundation in the remaining installment of a $250,000 grant from the Lowry family in Rock Hill.

The Lowrys’ gift has helped with improvements to a 560-seat theater at the McCelvey Center in York named after the family.

“This family has long and important ties to York and York County,” said Carey Tilley, executive director of the Culture and Heritage Museums. “Their support will have a significant impact on our programming. It is greatly appreciated.”

The Lowry family in York dates back to Samuel Lowry settling there in the mid-1750s. S.K. “Bo” Lowry, Jr. of Rock Hill now heads the family.

Fred Faircloth III of Rock Hill is a cousin of the family and a former member of the Culture and Heritage Commission.

“The generosity of the Lowry family is admirable,” said William Easley, foundation chairman, in a release. “It’s a great example of how a foundation such as ours can serve as an effective conduit for thoughtful gifts such as this one. It reminds us all of the importance of giving back to our community for the benefit of all our citizens.”

Jamie Self