CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Historical Society Board of Directors met this week at the William B. Alexander V Research Center to conduct monthly business.
The board gave permission to a society member to use the society’s name in the application for a grant from the Lumber Heritage Region regarding an historical book on Clearfield County, which he is writing.
The board also heard a report about plans for the grand opening of the new research center on May 3. Invited guests and the public will be treated to a catered event provided by Hedges Restaurant.
The Pennsylvania Woodmobile, a traveling educational exhibit sponsored by the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, will be on site and open to visit during the day.
In addition, the society will feature its lumber exhibit in the basement of the Kerr house and the replica raft shanty, which will be open to view.
The bookstore will be open and My Partner the River by Dudley Tonkin, a book about the rafting history and lore of the West Branch, will be discounted 10 percent.
A list is being compiled of individuals who would be interested in volunteering as a museum host during the museum’s open hours for the summer.
Any individuals who might be interested in joining this group should call the museum at 814-765-6125 and let a message with their phone number.
An orientation day and calendar workshop is being planned for early April. The society can really use responsible volunteers now that there are two building to staff.
The museum and research center will be open on Sundays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The facilities will be closed on May 24 for the Memorial Day weekend, Oct. 11 for the Bloody Knox Fall Festival and Oct. 22 for the annual dinner meeting.
The last open day for the 2015 season will be Oct. 25.
Work continues on new exhibit areas in the Kerr house and organizing the Alexander Research Center for the 2015 season.
The business and industry display has been moved from the Carriage House to the library and the dining room and kitchen are being turned into interesting display areas, as well.
Work is also being done on the medical display. Volunteers from the Clearfield Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association are assisting in refurbishing and reorganizing that display area.
The board heard a report on the new process to purchase items from its Web site using credit cards. This will help streamline the purchase of items in the bookstore and it is hoped will help increase sales. The society receives a major portion of its funds from sales of its books and educational items.
The Capital Campaign for the Alexander Research Center is progressing well, and it is hoped that the goal might be reached before the campaign ends.
Tax deductible donations to the Capital Campaign are still being accepted by mailing them to: CCHS Capital Campaign, 511 Van Valzah Ave., Clearfield.
A memorial plaque is being planned and will be affixed to the new facility when the campaign is completed.