10 Dec Historic First at First Bank
Another Historic First at the First Bank: Cryptocurrency Donation Pledged to Restore and Reopen National Landmark
Release Date: December 10, 2021
PHILADELPHIA, PA (December 13, 2021) – Independence Historical Trust is excited to announce a cryptocurrency pledge from Metallicus, Inc. in support of the restoration and reopening of the First Bank of the United States. The cryptocurrency donation will be the first of its kind for the organization. This innovative financial technology is one of the latest ways to support and donate to non-profits groups. The Trust hopes that this will serve as an inspiration to others. The crypto donation demonstrates the monumental progress made from when the Bank first opened in the 1790s to now.
The Press is invited to come to the First Bank of the United States at Independence National Historical Park for the announcement. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), will be in attendance and make a few remarks.
Event information is as follows:
Date: Monday, December 13, 2021
Time: 10:45 am
Location: Steps of the First Bank of the United States (120 S. Third Street)
The First Bank of the United States was chartered by Congress in 1791 and played a key part in replacing the dependent economy of 13 former British colonies into a single economic power. The building was constructed from 1795-1797 and is the oldest purpose-built federal building in the United States. In 2017, the Trust launched a campaign, as the philanthropic partner to Independence National Historical Park, to raise funds to restore and reopen the historic landmark. “The park is grateful for this donation that will assist in the restoration of the magnificent First Bank of the United States,” said Park Superintendent Cynthia MacLeod.
Independence Historical Trust is currently working to raise matching funds for a $1 million challenge grant made by Denise Foderaro and Frank Quattrone. To date, over $500,000 has been committed to matching this generous donation. The most recent pledge by Metallicus, Inc. will be the first cryptocurrency donation received by the Trust. Metallicus plans to contribute $100,000 (USD) worth of Proton (XPR), a blockchain crypto token.
Marshall Hayner, Co-Founder and CEO of Metallicus said, “We understand the importance of banking and how hard it must have been to establish the very first institution of this kind – in the then new country of the United States of America. We feel a little bit like those founding fathers of finance, working to create the next generation of banking – a new system based on blockchain technology and the evolving ways in which we see, send and use money. We are honored to contribute to the preservation of the First Bank of the United States as a token of what banking means to the free world.”
“It’s wonderful to get this type of support. Cryptocurrency is a new way of banking and it is fitting that we’re receiving it on the steps of the First Bank, an institution that revolutionized the way we think about things like finances, the economy, and even currency. I’d like to thank Lee Woolley, Vice Chairman of the Trust and a senior executive at Metallicus for bringing these two organizations together today,” said Bill Marrazzo who serves as Board Chair of Independence Historical Trust. The Trust has hired John Milner Architects and the exhibit design firm, Local Projects, LLC to bring the Park’s vision for the First Bank to life. The building will reopen as a museum, highlighting the creation of the nation’s financial foundation, its economic development, and its present-day impact. Final construction documents are expected to be completed in early 2022. The Park recently completed restoration work on the building’s tympanum sculpture and windows.
Independence Historical Trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose primary mission is to support Independence National Historical Park. Created in 1972, the Trust was the first Friends group to support a national park. For nearly 50 years, the Trust has been the main Philanthropic Partner to Independence National Historical Park. To support these initiatives or learn about other projects, please contact Maiti Gallen at maiti@inht.org or visit our website at www.INHT.org.
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