(WASHINGTON) – The Daviess County Museum has announced it will open its new genealogy research room on April 25th.
There will be a special free premiere event and reception at 6 p.m. celebrating the debut of the new facility at the Museum located at 212 East Main Street in Washington. The premiere event will also feature a question and answer session with Daviess County Historian Don Cosby.
If you have a question you would like to hear Don discuss at the event, email dchistory@sbcglobal.net.
Cosby has authored three books of local history essays and anecdotes; his most recent is entitled “My Scrap Book.”
Officials say the new Research Room is the culmination of nearly two years of planning and construction to transplant the Daviess County Historical Society’s archives from their previous home on the second floor into the more spacious location on the floor above in the former office location. This allows for a more comfortable environment for genealogists using the archives as well as an industry-standard preservation system that will keep the collection protected and organized for generations to come.
The project was funded in large part by a Heritage Support Grant from the Indiana Historical Society made possible by Lilly Endowments, Inc. as well as a grant from the Daviess County Community Foundation.
Visitors to the Research Room will be able to handle thousands of books, photographs, and documents from the collection which have been declared suitable for public viewing and handling by the museum’s Collections Committee. These include genealogy scrapbooks from hundreds of local families, high school yearbooks, history books from Daviess County authors, original records from churches, clubs, and businesses, and much more.
Also, the Research Room will include computer terminals for visitors to access all of the museum’s digital collection catalog provided by PastPerfect Online as well as many historical and genealogical resources on the web.
Debuting April 25 is the museum’s new History Scholar Program, an opportunity for aspiring historians of all ages to use the new Research Room to complete a series of questions and activities related to Daviess County history and win special recognition. More details visit daviesscountyhistory.com.
The museum is open Wednesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free.
Other events:
Museum Kids Klub “Barnyard Blast”
April 6, 2019 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
The museum Kids Klub is a free monthly program for students in grades K-5 with activities, stories, games, snacks, special guests, and more. Parents/guardians should plan to attend.
Shirley Shoup Fashion Show Luncheon
April 13, 2019, 1 p.m.
Shirley Shoup is a native of Alfordsville who left Daviess County to pursue a successful career in the fashion industry. Now retired, she is coming to the Daviess County Museum to talk about her life’s work and show off some of her favorite pieces. Seating is limited; reserve your $15 ticket today by calling 812-254-6638 or 812-698-1510.
