Van Buren County Historical Society seeks public’s help to reopen Museum

 With the June 2022 storm damage repaired or replaced at the Van Buren County Museum, the museum’s president has announced that the historic 44-room building can be occupied again.

 “In the past it has been mostly board members conducting the operations at the museum and as we start this huge endeavor to rebuild, we want to get more people with various interests in history to work with us to make the museum better than ever,” said Museum President Sandra Merchant.

 Merchant said there are countless opportunities for everyone who would like to become involved in what goes on in keeping a 44-room building interesting to the public and the historical society is looking forward to meeting whoever that is.

 “First the obvious: cleaning, moving the artifacts back to the museum and unpacking the boxes and returning everything back to the rooms. As work days are scheduled, we will get the dates out,” said Merchant.

 She added, “We are also looking for people who have a particular skill in working with our artifacts such as: furniture repair or refinishing; fabric care and preservation (quilts, clothing, etc.); appraising items; and blacksmith.

 Merchant said tasks at the museum include inventory work; tools and farm implement, identification, and care; help with the displays; labeling artifacts with their history and identification; filing and sorting of historical documents; landscaping and flower beds; and visitors’ reception, guide and answering questions.

 “We have a lot of work to do to get back to our original, and now after the storm repairs, an even better museum and we will welcome any kind of help. New display ideas have also been discussed so come prepared if you have ideas to share,” said Merchant, talking about the board’s Tuesday, March 5, meeting at 7 p.m. at the Van Buren Intermediate School District’s (VBISD) Conference Center, 490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence. A board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

 Merchant said, “We look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting on March 5 so you can get to know us, how we work and where you could be a fit for the museum.”