Historical Society says thank you for support

To the editor:
The Jay County Historical Society is proud of the progress made this year and wishes to thank the community for its support.
After several years of inclement weather, our 14th annual Heritage Festival was held a week earlier than in the past. Although we worried that we might not have as many participants, it was one of the largest and best festivals yet! The weather was perfect. More crafters and re-enactors participated than in the past. Our stage entertainment was superb. The new white tents, replacing those destroyed in last year’s storm, gave the grounds a uniform, festive appearance. All in all, it was a very successful weekend.
We wish to thank all of our volunteers and participants. Without them, this event would not be possible. A special thank you to following committee members for their help: Janice Stucky, Rob Weaver, Karen Resler, Linda Frantz, Maria Hiatt, Carole Leonhard, Alice Paxson, Tami Horn, Richard and Claudia Jones, Bob and Karen Vance, Larry Bubp, Phil Rager, Carter Leonard, Blake Watson, Eldon and Sylvia Morrical, Rotch Shope, Hope Pearson, Rosie Pensinger, Harold Blankenbaker, Ingrid Saxman, Rod Wolford, Jeff Bowen, Don and Jane Spencer, David Frasher, Judy Zearbaugh and Pam Ray.
Next year’s festival is scheduled for Sept. 23 and 24.
We also thank those who provided financial support for the festival. A special thanks to The Portland Foundation for two grants, one to replace our destroyed tents and another to help with festival expenses. Thanks also to the other following sponsors: Jay County Visitor and Tourism, Cincinnatus League, First Bank of Berne, Portland Breakfast Optimist Club, Williamson, Spencer, and Penrod Funeral Homes, Coldren and Frantz, Portland Evening Optimist Club, Judan Judo, Bollenbacher and Associates, Cooper Farms, Dave’s Heating and Cooling, Jay County Beverage, Inc., Portland Kiwanis Club, Portland Lions Club and Steve and Jennifer Schwieterman. Because of this financial support, Jay County Historical Society is able to provide the entertainment and historical activities free of charge to the community.
The Heritage Support Grant that Jay County Historical Society received earlier this year has allowed us to purchase many items to upgrade our displays at the museum. This grant was provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment, Inc.
If you have not visited the museum recently, you will be surprised to find mannequins displaying period clothing throughout the museum, a new, safer stairway leading to upstairs storage, more lighting in the farm room and other changes. Watch for additional signs and other changes as our volunteers work during the coming months.
Coming soon will be Christmas at the Museum. The museum will be part of the Winterfest Home Tour on Nov. 20. Watch for more information about this, along with our Museum Candlelight Tours on Dec. 3, and Family Day on Dec. 11. This year, 20 groups or organizations will be decorating trees. We will be asking visitors to donate items for the Pregnancy Care Center.
Again, thank you to all who have helped make our Heritage Festival and other activities huge successes.
Larry Hiatt and Kay Locker
Co-presidents
Jay County Historical Society