March begins the busiest stretch of the year, serving as the tipping point for the rush of programs and fundraisers ahead. Fresh air and sunshine have lightened the winter blues, as new volunteers aid the Society with a variety of projects. Annual grants have also made their way in, setting the stage, and providing the necessary resources for the coming months.
The Society recently added another intern to its ranks. Rania Rashid will be working on local folklore and paranormal research to be compiled in the Society’s archives. The work stems from interviews conducted by Rania’s class last semester and is a wonderful opportunity to collect local stories. The Society’s other intern, Daisy Lucero-Sanchez, has been making waves organizing collection spaces and bringing artifact storage to order.
The Pittsburgh Foundation has awarded the Society a grant through the Ruth T. Evans Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana Fund. The money is part of a recurring fund setup by Mrs. Evans to benefit the continued operation of the Society. This propels the HGSIC toward its yearly income goals and provides the money necessary for many of the upcoming events. Ruth Tucker Evans was born in Massachusetts, where she graduated with her RN degree. During World War II, she served as a Captain in the Army Nurses Corps. She met William Evans, then a young physician, in Oklahoma after the war. They married in 1947, and moved to Dixonville, Indiana County, where the doctor took over the practice of a retiring physician. They lived in the area for fifty years before relocating to Oregon to be closer to family. Before the move, Dr. and Mrs. Evans donated a significant collection of furniture and household items in addition to many items from the doctor's medical career which are now on exhibit in the Society's Museum.
This year’s programs officially kick off at the Society this month with the National Vietnam War Veterans Day Program at the American Legion Post 141 on March 29 at 6:00 p.m. We do ask that you RSVP for planning purposes on our website or by calling the Society. This is closely followed by Trivia Night to close out the month on March 31 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance. Here the winner of the “My Indiana County” Photo Contest will be announced. Still have not voted for your favorite piece, votes are $1 per vote and can be done through March 17. Mark your calendars for next month’s talk with Hilary Hauck, author of “From Ashes to Song” a story involving some interesting facts of local history on April 13 at 6:30 p.m. As part of the talk, there will be a display on the family from the novel, featuring original compositions being performed. We hope to see you at one or all of our upcoming events.
At their February meeting, the Museum committee discussed a slew of new exhibit spaces with fresh ideas for rotating and permanent displays. A genealogical board featuring family history and prominent individuals is slated for installation in the coming months. The committee has also begun work on a long-term museum redesign plan, which will begin with a survey to members and patrons later this spring.
As we transition out of the winter months, relatively light snowfall and warm temperatures have saved the Society money on heating and snow removal costs. However, we are not out of the woods yet. Soon it will be time for buildings and grounds to take on outdoor projects once more and growing grass, rather than falling snow, will be our main concern.