Thanks to Barry and Elizabeth Hudson and family for preparing this attractive display. Their son, Aaron, recently became an Eagle Scout.

The museum will be open on Sunday, July 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. for visitors to view displays. The museum is also open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Monthly program meetings have also commenced again. The subject for the June 22 meeting at 7 p.m. will be a presentation by Jay County Historian Jane Spencer on the postcard collection of George and Alta Cull, which was loaned to the society by their daughter, Mrs. Bill Davis.

We welcome everyone, members and non-members alike, to attend both our open houses and our monthly program meetings. The museum is also open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come see all the changes we’ve made!

http://www.bsu.edu/wipb/community/Natparks_Webisodes.asp

Although the first time around had a few glitches, all we heard from were pleased with the results. The pictures in the email version are much better and the print can be as large or as small as you want by changing your computer settings. We are working on using full color pictures in the email version, another incentive for you to send us your email address and agree to receive the Journal online.  Of course you need to be a current member to enjoy this service.

Another way we are working to move into 21st century technology will be our meeting on Saturday, May 8th with Connie Rendfield who manages the Indiana Memories project for the Indiana State Library.  Ms. Rendfield will talk with us about adding our digital collection to their website. If you’d like to check out the Indiana Memories  project go to: http://www.in.gov/memories/.  If you are interested in helping us scan pictures into our digital files please contact us at: research@jaycountyhistory.org.  Join us on Saturday, May 8, at 11 a.m.

If you wish to purchase the collection volumes, they are priced as follows: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007 and 2008 are $30 each year; 2004, 2005 and 2006 are $25 each year.  The complete index for 2000 to 2008 is $35 for a two- volume set.

We have included two links here which will take you to an alphabetical index which you can use to order copies of individual obits. The charge for each obituary copied will be $2.50 including postage.

2000 to 2008v Garringer Obit Book alphabetical last name

2000 to 2008v Garringer Obit Book alphabetical maiden name shortened

Although we had requested $5000 to add to other anticipated donations, totalling $7000 to purchase 15 cases (10@ $400 and 5@ $600) we will now need to ask all our members to step up to help us complete this phase of our museum renovation.

Larry and Sandy Bubp have offered to sell us these lighted glass show cases for $600 for the all glass model and $400 for the glass front-solid side model. They are virtually new and 1/2 the cost of new cases, plus we will have no shipping since they are in Portland.

If you would like to help us by purchasing a display we will gladly install a placque on the case with your chosen wording.  You could make a memorial or honorary dedication to a loved one or simply have your name as donor.  Simply send us a check or money order indicating your preference-$400 or $600 and the wording you would like and we’ll take care of the rest.  Of course we welcome any gift, large or small which will help us to better do the work of your Society.

Feel free to contact us with any questions and thank you for your support.

Be My Valentine?

Thanks to former Jay County resident Bernice (McGahey) Barger, we’ve got Valentine’s Day covered. Bernice has been a collector of all kinds of memorabilia for the past 35 years and when you name a subject you can bet she has enough interesting items to fill a couple of display cases. Fortunately for us, she and her husband and sister have decorated our displays with some very interesting items relating to Cupid’s mission. From elaborate 3-D cards to beautiful heart motif china, we’re sure you’ll find something to inspire you to share your love with someone on Febuary 14th.

For more wonderful pictures click on the link below to vew a slide show. Enjoy!

Rebecca James Museum Slideshow

1790 to 2010 – The United States Census

Beginning at 7 p.m., a brief business meeting will be followed by the featured program. Refreshments will conclude the evening.

This is our first program of 2010 and the topic will be: “The History of The Census”.  Please join us!

The museum will be closed due to Good Friday.