CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Historical Society’s board of directors held its regular monthly meeting at the new William B. Alexander V Research Center on Tuesday.
The board heard a report by Susan Williams of the Nominating Committee recommending two new candidates. Dave Mayersky of Clearfield and Ken Leonard of LeContes Mills have been volunteer workers at the society and were elected to fill vacant board seats. They will begin their terms at the February meeting. The board welcomes and thanks them for their continued support.
The Clearfield Hospital Nurses Alumni Association has been asked to help reorganize the medical display in the Kerr house museum. It is in need of some polish and updating. It was also noted that Rebecca Miller has volunteered her time and services to help develop a new business and industry display, which is being moved from the carriage house into the Kerr house library. The Display Committee welcomes her enthusiasm and talents.
Work will begin with fresh paint and a thorough cleaning of the library, which had been used for research purposes. The dining room, which had also been used for research, will feature dining memorabilia from Clearfield County restaurants, schools and manufacturing firms.
A report was given on the fall activities at Bloody Knox. The 2014 Fall Festival was a success again this year, as was the 150th anniversary, “Toast to Edgar,” which was held in December. The new blacksmith shop is completed and will be developed with displays of old tools and equipment as the weather beings to moderate.
Work continues on the new Alexander Research Center, and plans are being made for the grand opening on the first Sunday in May. Donations towards its support are still being sought and accepted. Readers are reminded that all donations to the CCHS are tax deductible for charitable purposes.
The board discussed how the two buildings will be staffed during the open hours, and it was agreed to advertise for volunteers who would be willing to be museum hosts or research helpers. The Kerr house museum and the Alexander Research Center are open each Thursday and Sunday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. from the first Sunday in May until the Last Sunday in October.
Any person interested in finding out more about this opportunity should call the museum at 814-765-6125 and leave a message, or by mail at 511 Van Valzah Ave., Clearfield.
The final discussion for the evening was to set the society’s dues structure. For the new membership year, the board voted to set the yearly individual membership at $20. Yearly family memberships shall be $25, and business memberships will remain at $35.
The individual life memberships are set at $200 with family life memberships at $300. These two memberships may be paid over a two-year period in equal installments.
It was noted that the dues have not been changed for more than 15 years and the increased cost is needed to help cover Bulletin printing and membership mailings, while providing a small amount to help in the costs of operating and maintaining the facilities.