Society says thanks

To the editor:
The Jay County Historical Museum, 903 E. Main St., Portland, is nearing the close of another successful year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have visited and/or donated to our museum. We especially wish to thank those who helped with and attended our 10th annual Heritage Festival in October. Rosie Grapner and Sandy Bubp, with assistance from Jim Waechter, headed up another successful event honoring Jay County citizens who have served in the military throughout the years.
On behalf of the board of directors of the Jay County Historical Society, we wish to thank The Portland Foundation for grants we have received this year. The first was a $10,000 grant to update our computer system. The project allows us to store many historic documents and photographs electronically. We also thank the foundation for a $1,000 grant for canopies for the Heritage Festival. Because this event is growing every year, additional tents are required. A third, $9,000 matching grant, is for paving the parking area on the west side of the museum. This recently completed project makes access to the museum safer and easier for our older and handicapped visitors. We continue to accept donations to help raise matching funds.
We also thank the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts for a grant of $5,786 to be used for museum operating expenses and programming — including the Heritage Festival. Because we depend on membership dues, grants and donations for keeping our doors open, this IAC grant is greatly appreciated.
The museum is now ready for the holiday season. Along with many older decorations, our board members and volunteers have used various themes to decorate 12 trees throughout the building. Special Sunday open house hours will be held Nov. 25 and Dec 2, 9 and 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. On Dec. 2, a celebration to honor volunteers for the Heritage Festival and throughout the year will be held. On Sunday, Dec. 9, Judy Myers Ahrens will speak about and sign copies of her book, “The History of the Salamonia Christian Church.” Former members should be sure to attend. On Dec. 16, special activities for children, including crafts and storytelling, will be held.
The public is also invited to visit the museum Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you enjoy seeing items from the past or are researching your family’s genealogy and have not visited the museum, be sure to do so. You will be amazed at what is available there.
As always, admission is free.
Sincerely,
Larry Hiatt and Kay Locker, co-presidents, Jay County Historical Society board of directors[[In-content Ad]]