Three employees of Roadside America near Shartlesville are launching a fundraising campaign to purchase the exhibit's historic display.
The employees aim to raise $750,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to purchase the village, revitalize it and move it to a new location in Berks County, according to a press statement.
Last month, Roadside America's owners said they are selling the display, billed as the "world's greatest miniature village," and 26-acre property. It is listed for sale for $2.3 million by Commonwealth Real Estate in Wyomissing.
Owner Dolores Heinsohn's two daughters are pursuing other careers and have their own dreams they want to follow, said her son-in-law Brian Hilbert in April. Ideally, he said, the family is looking for someone who loves and respects the display and wants to maintain its integrity.
The nearly 6,000 square-foot display was crafted by Laurence Gieringer and has remained unchanged since his death in 1963. The tiny town portrays American life from the early pioneer days to the middle of the 20th century with working trains, gushing fountains, lights and buzzing airplanes.
"Maintaining the integrity of the display is a top priority. We want to keep it as close to the original as humanly possible but with a fresher, more vibrant look and better operating condition," said Jon Jordan, village supervisor and one of the prospective buyers.
He said they chose the Kickstarter platform for several reasons including the fact that backers won't be charged unless the goal is met. In addition, those who donate will be rewarded with perks including names on a "Wall of Honor" and a miniature representation of themselves in the new village.
Other partners include Richard Peiffer, the exhibit's road foreman of track, trains and trolleys, and Jeff Marks, landscape and restoration artist.
The Kickstarter campaign starts 10 a.m. May 8 and runs through midnight on June 13.
"We know that crowdfunding this kind of capital is a long shot but we also know that there is an absolutely incredible community that loves Roadside America and doesn't want to see anything negative happen to it. Our plan to relocate the display might not be favorable to some, and if it were viable for us to keep it in its current location we would," Jordan said.