The Crestline Historical Society is preparing for an eventful year, with a grand opening scheduled for February 1. Julie Rossington, a representative from the society, shared the exciting news during a recent podcast interview.
Grand Opening and Special Displays
The grand opening will take place on Saturday, February 1st, with the museum open from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on both the 1st and 2nd. This year, the society is highlighting a special display dedicated to Coach John Dipietro. Coach Dipietro, who passed away a few years ago, was a beloved coach for 36 years. His wife has generously donated his trophies, placards, signed footballs, and photographs, which will be featured in a dedicated corner of the museum. In addition to this special display, several other exhibits will be updated, ensuring that visitors always have something new to see.
New Outdoor Display Area
Thanks to the generosity of Jerry Burger, the society has acquired a storage shed that will serve as a new display area for farm equipment and business-related artifacts. This area will be open when the weather warms up, providing a unique opportunity to view items that don’t require a heated environment.
Third Sunday Events
The Crestline Historical Society is also looking forward to its third Sunday events, which are free monthly gatherings. The first event will be on February 16th at 3:00 PM, featuring Deborah, a Revolutionary War soldier who hid her identity to serve. On March 16th at 3:00 PM, Tom Pappas and Jack Johnson from the Reach Foundation in Mansfield will discuss their Open Air Museum at South Park, which includes an 1812 blockhouse, a reconstructed 1830s cabin, and a blacksmith shop.
Rotary Auction Fest
The society is partnering with the Rotary for Auction Fest, scheduled for April 5th at 5:00 PM at Winford High School. Tickets are $100, which includes a sit-down meal and $50 to spend at the auction. The History Alliance, of which the society is a member, will contribute auction items from across the county. The proceeds will be split between the Rotary and the History Alliance, with funds supporting various projects, including the creation of a website and preparations for Ohio 250 and America 250 in 2026.
Membership Drive
The Crestline Historical Society is currently running a membership drive through December 31st. Membership forms are available on the society’s Facebook page and in the Advocate. A single membership is $10, a family membership is $20, and a lifetime membership is $150. Membership benefits include a quarterly newsletter, email notifications of upcoming events, and free admission to select events.
For more information, visit the Crestline Historical Society’s Facebook page.
Julie Rossington: “We encourage anyone interested in supporting our mission of preserving yesterday for tomorrow to join us. There’s something in it for everyone, and your support helps us continue our work.”
Stay tuned for more updates and events from the Crestline Historical Society as they gear up for an exciting year ahead.