We recently completed a project on our agenda, the movement of our old book store into a new location more accessible in the foyer. The old book store used to occupy a 12 x 7 foot room all by itself which we have future designs on for use as a first floor bathroom and a utility closet with a utility sink. Two new lights were added to the foyer which has always been too dark and equipment was moved away to install more compact newspaper racks and shelving which condensed all of our book store into a more compact but usable space.
Our old book store always seemed to be missed by visitors because it was out of sight. Now that the book store is right at the entrance our books and offerings will be hard to miss. There is also a bench seat conveniently beside the steps which means visitors can sit and peruse the books before buying. The change has created a much more open and well lit entrance to the museum.
This also gave us the chance to inventory our stock. The society plans on making more of an effort to advertise what books we have on hand for sale. At the moment we do offer a list under the Book Store Tab on the website and we plan on running specials on select books in the near future.
Board members and volunteers of the Williamson County Historical Society met Thursday, Dec. 10th, 2015 at Bennie’s Restaurant in Marion for their annual Christmas Lunch. WCHS President Sam Lattuca thanked all of those present for their dedicated service this past year citing that the organization has gotten a lot of projects completed. He also indicated that we still had a lot of work to do in the coming year and looks forward to getting those tasks completed.
Lattuca previewed a new Honor Roll plaque that will reside at the museum which cites the names of dedicated volunteers to the society. Lattuca indicated that the society plans on putting more emphasis on membership and volunteers in the coming year. Following Lattuca’s remarks, Sharon Vansaghi presented Lattuca with a gift card for his service.
Those in attendance were Violet Grisham, Bob and Phyllis Jackson, Helen Lind, Sam and Debbie Lattuca, Ann Gammon, Betty Millard, Colleen Norman, Ursula Richey and Sandy Pender.
The Williamson County Historical Society was recently contacted by Magilla Entertainment in New York. They are a production company working on a show for the Discovery Channel which will feature a short history package on Charlie Birger and the Shelton Brothers Gang. The production company is in the process of securing licensing on historic support photos for the feature.
The 2015 Holiday Home Tour hosted by the Marion Civic and Cultural Center was held on Sunday, December 6th, 2015 and the Williamson County Museum was selected to be one of the homes on the tour this year.
Museum Curator/Coordinator Sharon Vansaghi worked to get the museum ready for the holiday tour assisted by Ursula Richey and Colleen Norman. Sharon set up two Christmas trees to illustrate the types of gifts that might be found under a tree in the past compared to a gifts buyclomidovulation more likely to be found today.
A large wreath was hung over the mantle, a recent acquisition donated to the museum. The museum will remain decorated until the new year. The museum is now operating under winter hours of operation and is only open on Saturdays and by appointment until the first part of March due to winter heating costs.
Society members working the museum during the tour were Sharon Vansaghi, Colleen Norman, Ursula Richey, Helen Lind, Bob Jackson and Sam Lattuca.