Historical Society Seeks Help, Plans New Activities

WAITSBURG – The Waitsburg Historical Society held its annual meeting on March 29. Attendees walked away with plans for new events and displays as well as the realization that it would be helpful for community members to step forward and lend a hand with a few projects.

First on the list of needs is a replacement for current recording secretary Debra Callahan who recently resigned. The recording secretary is responsible for taking and distributing meeting minutes and sending notifications.

The society would also appreciate input and/or assistance from someone with grant-writing experience who would be willing to help out on a temporary basis.

"There is a lot of money available for nonprofits, especially for promoting tourism," said Board Treasurer Susan Donegan. "We have a great opportunity to do that with the Bruce complex. And many people don't know that the grounds are available to rent for weddings, receptions, family reunions, and such.

Board members said they would also appreciate help with promotion or even brainstorming ways to promote events sponsored by the Historical Society.

Regular in-season hours are Friday and Saturday from 1-4 p.m., beginning the first weekend in June, which is June 3 this year. (The museums will be closed June 4 during the community yard sale.)

The society is still in need of someone to serve as a docent at the Wilson-Phillips house during those times. This is a compensated position and is ideal for a high school junior or senior, or an adult with an appreciation for history.

Finally, if individuals have relevant family mementos, artifacts, books or photos, the society is always interested in accepting donations and can provide a receipt for tax purposes, Donegan said.

The society has several new projects completed or in the works this year. They recently had the book "Wait's Mill," written by Ellis Elvira Laidlaw in 1970, reprinted, with a new cover that showcases a wheat field. Laidlaw's granddaughter gave permission to have the previously sold-out book, reprinted. "Wait's Mill" is available as a thank you for a modest donation, during Bruce museum events and regular season hours.

Pam Conover has organized two Pioneer Days for elementary students this year. Waitsburg elementary students will practice old-time crafts and skills on June 6 and, for the first time ever, Prescott students will visit on June 7.

Linda Hermanns will revive Mrs. Bruce's Ice Cream Social this Memorial Weekend, on Sunday, May 29.

In the Wilson-Phillips House, the dining room section will be called the Bettie (Lloyd) Chase Room and is being converted to a permanent display of the Lloyd Family Native American Collection. The collection includes a wide variety of handmade items that were given to the Lloyd family by the Cayuse Indians over 80 years of friendship.

The museum complex will be open during Waitsburg Celebration Days, the third weekend in May, and throughout the regular summer season beginning in June. This year's Annual Pioneer Fall Festival will be held Sun., Sept. 18.

"The museum board has decided to become more visible in the community with improved website presence and communications through papers like The Times. We are hoping to revitalize interest from the community with some new exhibits and events. As a result of increased activity, we would love for the community to seriously consider volunteering. Please call us. We've got things for you to do," said Society President Richard Hinds.

Contact Hinds at 509-337-3009 with questions or to volunteer.