Article Image Alt Text
Article Image Alt Text

Community participation welcome

In an effort to promote community involvement with the museum, the museum advisory group will assist with raising awareness about the history of Olney. Their primary role will entail lending their specific areas of expertise to relevant museum exhibits with which they are specialized.

The advisory group comprises residents like Clifton Key, who has been coined as the community historian. He mentioned visiting with Don Buckalew about creating a historical museum, but that never came to fruition. Key is an advocate for preserving the past for future generations.

Another important part of involving the community in the preservation of Olney history is the hope that others will come forward with historical artifacts and stories, such as Neva McClatchy. McClatchy’s family previously owned Evans Grocery Store in Olney, and she is researching the history of other grocery stores. McClatchy is loaning her brother’s Cub Football jacket from 1947 and her wedding dress from 1947 after being inspired by the dress from 1931 that is currently on display at the museum.

Additionally, Olney resident Phyllis Whitsitt has heard many stories from her husband who served in the military for many years. Those stories will be brought to life through some of the exhibits in the museum. The museum welcomes loans and donations of military artifacts.

Olney Heritage Museum Director Claire Meschkat, along with the committee members Kathryn Piegat and Trina Johnson, invite the entire community to the official open house on Oct. 23 from 3-7 p.m. At that time, the name-the-cow contest winning class will be announced along with other activities.