President's Message
Greetings,
Welcome to 2023! Can you believe it’s here already? With winter waning and spring just around the corner, there’s lots going on at your historical society.
On Wednesday December 7th, we held a successful Open House from 1:00 to 7:00 pm with about thirty attendees. More recently, on February 16 thru 18 we had our Indoor Yard Sale, that was well-attended and one of the best so far. Thank you to all who donated items for the sale, and to the volunteers who spent many hours setting up the sale and staffing it (not to mention cleaning up afterwards).
We are once again gearing up for the springtime programs. Starting this year, the board decided that the society programs will be held on Sundays at 2:00 pm instead of Thursday evenings to make them available to more people. First up, on Sunday March 19 at 2:00 pm will be David Williams who will be talking about Henry “Snapper” Reese, miner and hero of the Civil War. Next on Sunday April 16 at 2:00 pm we’ll have Fred Meckley who will be speaking about the History of Lime Kilns of Lower Northumberland County. Then on Sunday May 21 at 2:00 pm will be Mitch Troutman enlightening us about Bootleg Coal Mining.
As of Wednesday March 1st, the museum and genealogical research library are again open for visitors. Regular hours for the library and museum are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The library is also open until 7:00 pm the first Wednesday of the month, March through December. In addition, the museum and Fort Augusta model are open for tours Sunday afternoons 2:00 to 4:00 pm beginning June 4th.
Our very dedicated volunteers in the library continue to address numerous requests for genealogical research. Having done and continuing to do my own research, and knowing how time-consuming and sometimes confusing the research can be, I want to take this opportunity to say a big “Thank You!” to our volunteers for their time and dedication to helping enlighten others on their family searches. I know their results are much appreciated.
Looking ahead we are already making preliminary plans for History Day on July 22nd and the Annual Meeting and dinner on December 3rd, so put those on your calendar. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming events and information.
As with any non-profit, the energy that turns the wheels is mostly provided by volunteers. Volunteers are what makes this society possible. We are always in need of additional help and ideas. If you can provide even a little time and/or have an idea, please let a board member know or drop us an email ([email protected]) or give us a call (570-286-4083). We look forward to hearing from you!
See you at the programs!
David Ruths
President
Mission Statement
The mission of the Northumberland County Historical Society is to encourage and stimulate interest in the rich history and diverse culture of Northumberland County and to preserve it by operating and maintaining a genealogical and historical research center and by caring for and increasing the Society's archives, photographs, and objects collections which document the county's history and culture and the lives of those who resided here; by educating through a museum at the site of Fort Augusta that features both permanent and site-specific exhibits and short-term county-specific exhibits of material culture; and by offering programs, special events, and publications to the general public and the membership thus serving as an asset to the residents of Northumberland County, the Susquehanna River Valley, as well as visitors to our region.