May flowers have bloomed and summer inches closer every day here in Indiana County. Things are picking up at the Society, as months of hard work are being realized with events now filling the calendar. Some much needed restoration work is being performed so our historic buildings might live to see another day and remain accessible to the public. All of these wonderful things are fueled by the dedication of our volunteers and interns, who tirelessly work to dig up information from the past, make it available to the public, and preserve the wonderful history of this county.
Murder is afoot at the Cat’s Meow Speakeasy, and not everything is as it seems… Join The Historical Society and The Indiana Players for a murder mystery dinner experience, June 12 at 5:00pm, on the second floor of the Coney. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance. This can be done in person or through the Society’s website at hgsic.org/events. The evening includes a buffet style dinner, a crime to solve, and plenty of prizes for the best dressed individuals. There will also be a cash bar and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are selling fast, so call the Society for more information and secure your seat today.
Following the murder mystery dinner, the Society will be hosting the grand opening of a new wedding dress exhibit, featuring more than thirty gowns from both the Society and private collections. This FREE event will take place June 16 at 6:30 pm in the Armory. Wedding accessories from various time periods will also be on display, along with photographs to accompany the dresses. The evening will feature light refreshments and be decorated to resemble a wedding reception. This is a unique opportunity to witness ways that wedding traditions have changed over the last century in Indiana County and witness more than one hundred years of fashion. Interested parties can rsvp through the Society’s website hgsic.org/events. Special thanks to Graystone Presbyterian for providing additional parking at their lot on Church Street.
Mark your calendars for the second annual Night at the Museum. Visitors will be able to roam the grounds from the point all the way to Memorial Park, as the exhibits once again come to life, covering more than two hundred years of Indiana County history. The evening will feature a new slate of historical figures, each with a unique connection to the county’s past. There will also be a host of antique vehicles on display for visitors to enjoy. The date is set for August 12 from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm and is FREE to attend.
Coming up next month the Society will be hosting a member appreciation reception on July 12 at 6:30pm. This will be an opportunity to tour new exhibits and learn about some of the many projects underway. The night will also feature light refreshments. The Society wishes to recognize the tremendous support it has received from its membership over the last year and is thrilled to see those numbers steadily growing. Without the membership, we would not be able to accomplish what we do. If you are not already a member, but would wish to join our organization, consider filling out a membership application, membership rates start at $25 for individuals.
After keeping a watchful eye on the Clark House, the Society determined that it was time for maintenance on the West porch facing the parking lot. Restoration work has begun by M&T Contracting to strengthen the space and restore its status to like new. Additionally, a new railing will be installed that will match the aesthetic of the architectural style of the house and provide the required safety to bring guests in and out. While this is taking place, M&T will also perform restoration work on the side entrance door. Once that project is complete, work will begin on the other doors of the home. Both buildings take a tremendous amount of work, they are our responsibility to preserve for future generations. If you would like to donate to help with restoration of the Clark House, consider donating to the Clark House Fund.
The Society has a new intern for the summer months. Anthropology major Katelyn McCormick will be joining us at the museum to gain experience processing collections, building exhibits, and conducting research. Her work will also include handling genealogical material and writing a newsletter article. Katelyn continues the long tradition of interns from IUP dedicating their time to improving the museum and gain valuable experience.
The Society’s committees have put in a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes during the first part of the year. All of the events happening this month required countless hours of planning and effort. Your attendance helps to steer the direction of future events and supports the Society’s continued operation. Conveying the past to future generations in fun and interesting manner is not always an easy job. However, the tremendous effort and dedication of our volunteers makes all things possible. If you are interested in volunteering with the Historical Society, fill out a volunteer application.