PAOLI – The Orange County Historical Society undertook a number of projects during its most recent monthly meeting held at the Paoli Library.
Society President Robert Henderson updated board members and the membership on several group initiatives and activities presently underway.
The Orange County Historic Museum on the Paoli Square is now open to visitors every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other times are available by appointment.
The Society is hosting a special historic exhibit, “Faces of the Civil War” at the Paoli Library now through June 23rd. The exhibit on loan from the Indiana Historical Society (HIS) may be viewed at the library during regular business hours.
The Museum building will soon be getting a brand-new roof. Funding for the $13,000 project will be provided through a joint effort between both Orange County Commissioners and OCHS. Some interior plaster and paint work will also be addressed upstairs at the museum this summer.
Brenda Cornwell reported on progress made to date with the Historic Paoli Newspaper Preservation Project. An overall assessment of some 24 pallets of papers is still underway with the main goal being to digitize the papers at some point for preservation purposes. Extra copies will be disposed of, by creative means of fundraising with more details to be announced soon. All of the large bound copies of the newspapers have recently been placed in the museum basement for safer keeping.
Several site improvements have been completed at the historic Lindley House including a new roof for the farmhouse this spring. Historic period-looking “Storm Windows” are being considered for the farmhouse windows in an effort to protect the original wood and glass materials. Volunteers are still needed to help maintain the back kitchen garden area this summer.
OCHS will participate by having a booth at the upcoming Circus Day at the FL/WB Museum on June 25th.
Henderson also discussed exploring ways to create more awareness and general interest in both the Museum and Lindley House going forward. He said he was in the process of reaching out to the Orange County CVB and neighboring historical groups and sites to gather any ideas or suggestions.
2022 marks the 50th Anniversary of the present-day O.C. Historical Society. Plans are underway to commemorate the occasion in a number of special events and activities later this year.
The Society meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Paoli Public Library meeting room. A general business meeting is held at 6 p.m. with the regular meeting and program to follow at 7 p.m.
Those interested in learning more about the Orange County Historical Society and/or its activities are asked to contact Henderson at 812 653 1212; via email at info@historicorangecounty.org or visit www.historicorangecounty.org Those wishing to keep up with the OCHS happenings are encouraged to follow the group on Facebook as well.
