From the Executive Directors Desk - April 2026
- Jonathan Bogert
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Society was able to survive the rollercoaster of weather that hit Indiana during the month of March. Windstorms, warm spells, torrential downpours, and the occasional frost and snow battered both buildings throughout the month. Fortunately, our structures remain leak-free and in one piece. Next on the agenda are the seasonal April showers, which will test the new roof on the armory and the capabilities of our sump pumps. After a brief break for the Easter Holiday, the Society can move on to hosting a number of functions set to take place this month. With the onset of spring, we also welcome a few new faces to our volunteer workforce, which will increase our capacity to preserve Indiana County's past.
The indoor spring cleaning day set by Buildings and Grounds last month went quite well, with the cobwebs that had accumulated over the winter months being removed. Further spring cleaning will be required as we take to the grounds, laying mulch and removing debris that has settled from the winter season. This will provide the society a fresh look just in time for spring, graduation, and upcoming events. The Society would also like to thank the workers from ICW who have been routinely coming to the Society once a week to clean the museum and library area.
Two free America250 events are taking place this month at the Society. First, join historian Tom McMillan on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. for a discussion of his book, The Year That Made America: From Rebellion to Independence, 1775-1776. This fascinating work focuses on the seven pivotal months in 1776 that led to the Declaration of Independence. We also invite you to a talk featuring Dr. Charles Cashdollar, professor emeritus of history at IUP. On April 28 at 6:30 p.m. he will be discussing his book, The IUP Story, which details the history of Indiana University of Pennsylvania since its founding in 1875. Both programs will conclude with refreshments and a chance to meet the authors, purchase a copy of their book, and have your copy signed. Please RSVP for both events to help the Society with planning.
Time Traveler's Trivia is coming on Friday, April 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Join the Society for this fun and challenging evening, testing your historical and general knowledge either as an individual or part of a team. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts in a lively social setting and your participation directly supports the Society's mission. The evening will feature mocktails and a taco bar, courtesy of the Homemade Restaurant. To commemorate America 250, each round will also include a special question relating to the mile-stone. Tickets are $30, with a discount available for Society members. They can be purchased at the museum's front desk and are on sale while supplies last. The committee is also kicking off its Luigi's Fundraiser. Support the Society by purchasing a $10 card, which you present when dining at Luigi's, and the Society receives a portion of your purchase.
In addition to the many events this spring, the Program Committee is counting down to the June 26th Salute to Indiana County Veterans Event and Exhibit Opening. The committee is hard at work gathering all of the necessary artifacts and finalizing details for the day. One notable aspect of the project is the transcription of veteran burial records, with the goal to display all of the names as part of a tribute to those who served. The names range from the Revolutionary War all the way up to the present day. Members of the committee have spent hours transcribing the names and building the historic record. This will not only serve as a key piece of the exhibit, but also as a wonderful resource to researchers in the future. This is one example of how the HSIC is preserving the historical fabric of the community it serves.
This spring the Society has witnessed an influx of eager volunteers to help out with a range of projects. The HGSIC welcomes Zachary Rafferty and Foster Nicholson, who will be assisting with research and digitization efforts. Their work will directly benefit the next museum exhibit and library digitization efforts. We also welcome Theresa McDevitt, who will be assisting with cataloging the influx of artifact donations. This will ensure that when an item is donated, it is properly documented, cared for, stored, and that it can be utilized for research or exhibit purposes in the future when the opportunity arises. We are excited to have these new individuals onboard and are excited at the impact their contribution will have on the Society.
As spring progresses, the Society appreciates the continued community support, the dedication of our current volunteers, and the welcome addition of new team members. With a busy calendar, the HGSIC remains committed to safeguarding Indiana County's rich history and finding new ways to make it accessible to future generations.