Historical Society ready for new season

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert County Historical Society will be opening its doors for the 2016 season on Sunday, March 6. The museum grounds will be open each Sunday from 2-4:30 p.m. through mid-November.

The 2016 program offers events and activities for all ages and interests. Be on the lookout for a new addition to the museum grounds this spring. The kids will be “On Board” for the museum grounds’ newest addition.

With much anticipation, the Historical Society is excited to unveil the fully restored 1917 Overland Opera Coupe automobile. Dave Agler and Larry Oechsle have painstakingly labored for the past two years to rebuild and restore this treasure. Area residents should keep their eyes open during the Peony and Fourth of July activities for a glimpse of this fantastic automobile. Lastly, kids need to be ready for new activities and a display designed to interact with history.

In addition, the Historical Society’s speaker series will highlight gems of Van Wert County topics, to include: Wassenberg Art Center (April 10), Collins Fine Foods (May 15), Brumback Library (September 11), Vantage Career Center (October 9) and, lastly, highlights of the Overland Opera Coupe restoration (November 13).

All presentations are made on Sundays in the Museum Annex, beginning at 2 p.m.

Plan on joining the Historical Society for its annual Holiday at Home Fourth of July celebration. Enjoy free music, magic, food, crafts, and lots of kid-friendly activities.

At the end of July (July 29-31) head out to the Van Wert County Fairgrounds for one of the largest summer train shows in the tri-state area. In August, the Jon Amundson Crossroads of American Antique Tractor Ride (August 6) will take to the county roads. Then wrap up your summer with the Fall Chicken Fundraiser Dinner (October 8) and the Membership Party on October 23, the historical museum family will be celebrating Van Wert namesake Isaac Van Wart’s birthday.

Crafters get ready for “Night in the Museum” activities. Spend a few hours crafting with Fran Neiswander. Events include “Eggs-travaganza”, paper flowers, miniature gardens, spring cards, miniature barn quilts, felting, “Out of Your Gourd”, and Christmas.

Dates and time will be posted at the museum, on the Historical Society website, and in the local newspapers. Be sure to register, as these events fill up.

The historical society always welcomes groups. Contact Dean Williamson at 419.238.7737 to set up a personalized group tour. Remember, the annex is also a great place for small groups to hold meetings. Additional information is available at the historical society’s website, www.vanwert.com/museum. Those interested in learning more about the museum can attend any of the Historical Society board meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month in the Annex.