As summer drifts onward, August serves as a reprieve from the many activities which previously filled the last few months. For now, the impending deadlines have passed, with more slowly popping up on the horizon. The month gives our staff and volunteers a brief chance to catch their breath before the next major push to complete various projects, present programs, and craft new exhibits. In this little lull, the Society remains productive working towards new ideas and laying the necessary groundwork for future success.
The “School Days” exhibit was finally installed and saw its official opening on July 16. The Program Committee came through in a pinch to furnish the necessary thirty-plus hours it took to install everything and hit our deadline. Each school is well represented, and there is a wide array of artifacts. The exhibit received support from many of the school districts and saw contributions from many private collections. Visitors are welcome to view the exhibit and share their school day memories now through the exhibit’s conclusion at the end of the year. This is one exhibit that is sure to take visitors down memory lane.
Summer intern Andrew Kuzneski is working on an exhibit exploring basketball in Indiana County. He currently has a draft of all necessary panels, which are beautifully designed. Now the mounting challenge is to track down each of the necessary artifacts to finish the display. The goal is to have everything installed before the next semester begins at the end of the month. Andrew also assisted with the installation of the new “School Days” exhibit and got some firsthand experience with the exhibit process. This month we also welcome back students for the upcoming fall semester and as future interns.
The month of September is when the action for the final third of the year begins. The Society’s inclusion in the Northern Appalachian Folk Festival is a major endeavor which will involve a multitude of volunteers and will be incredibly exciting for those who visit the grounds on Saturday, September 7. Living history, tours, and fresh displays are just some of the things visitors can find that day. This is one weekend you will not want to miss! More details to come next month.
The Ladies Tea is offered the following weekend on September 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with another spectacular program written by Mary Jo Bowes. This time she shares the stage with David Tabish, a fellow actor and playwright. Guests can expect a charming afternoon with plenty to eat and drink. The pastries are always fresh and the tea piping hot. Many of our regular attendees have already purchased their tickets, so act now if you are still interested in attending this Society favorite.
Another crowd favorite is back by popular demand to close out the month. The sound of the Chickering Piano will once again echo through the halls of the Clark House. The program, coordinated by Hazel Johnston, will feature multiple pianists playing the 1858 instrument on Thursday, September 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A video of last year’s production is available on the Society’s website if you have yet to be swayed. Chickering Square Grands are known to be temperamental at times, so in the event that the piano does not cooperate, the upright piano in the West parlor which belonged to Jimmy Stewart’s grandparents will be used in its stead.
Despite early September being the Society’s next major focus, meetings are already in the works for the popular lantern tour and other events set to take place later this year. Events and exhibits require an incredible amount of planning, and the product that visitors see is the result of hours of effort, drafts, and revisions. Your feedback as a visitor helps us to craft a better user experience for everyone.
The Society will use this month to prepare for the remainder of the year and beyond. With membership on the rise, it is refreshing to see new faces at Society events and in the library. The past sparks a certain curiosity among those who explore it, and the Society is glad to be a part of that. Keep your eyes on future blog posts for more information on upcoming events. We hope to see you there.
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