BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Beginning in spring, lovers of local history will be treated to some exciting new artifacts and events at the Bucyrus Historical Society Museum.
The museum officially opens its new season Friday, April 4th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
“This is the second season that we’ve been opening on Fridays,” said Alison Kovac, curator of the museum, “and we’re experiencing a lot of success and getting a lot of positive feedback.”
“It’s kind of an extension of people’s weekends, so it’s a logical time,” she explained, “and the good news is that we actually have people who are knocking on our door already.”
“We’re also open by appointment,” Randy Fischer, Vice President of the historical society, added. “If somebody wants to come in other than Friday, they’re welcome to.”
“Appointments work great for making donations,” Kovac said, “and for archival research. If you have something specific that you’re looking for that might be in our files or photographs, we like to make appointments for that.”
The museum offers an updated website where patrons can find information on upcoming exhibits.
“I am super excited that the website is coming into full flower,” said Kovac. “We’ve been working on giving people a preview of our collections in a digital space.”
The website now includes membership and online payment forms. “So, if you are thinking about becoming a member, renewing your membership, or making a donation, we have that capacity through PayPal online.”
The society is also preparing for the annual Bucyrus Rotary Club Auctionfest, collaborating as part of the 16 member Crawford County History Alliance, who will share in the proceeds of the auctions.
Though the event itself is sold out, Fischer explained, online bids can be taken through Castle Auctions & Appraisals’ website.
Many interesting items are up for bid, including the experience of being “Curator for a Day.” A pair of winners will get to spend some time in the museum’s back areas to “see what they can find,” said Fischer.
In June, the Historical Society will host its annual cemetery walk. “This is going to be the year of the Hopley family,” Fischer explained.
“We’ll have guest voices who are associated with the Hopley story and they will get to tell some interesting pieces of it from a different perspective, which is going to be fascinating.”
In addition, the Historical Society will be hosting its annual meeting for current members and those who wish to join. This event will be held May 22nd in the Community Room at the Bucyrus Public Library.
The highlight of the meeting will be a presentation from Debra Hoover of Bucyrus, author of The Doll That Built a Church (Google Books, 2009).
Hoover will share stories about the artisans who created the “Presbyterian Dolls,” said Kovac, unique works of craftsmanship, which played a role in the formation of Bucyrus’ First Presbyterian Church.
Visitors can find the Bucyrus Historical Society at Scroggs House Museum, 202 S. Walnut Street. To stay up to date on upcoming Crawford History Alliance events, follow them on Facebook.