The Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum has reached a milestone, and the MHC Historical Society which runs it has you, its supporters to thank. Now come on by the museum to enjoy – even on Saturdays.
Phase 1 of the much-heralded and highly anticipated annex is now open. Along with that, the museum has new, expanded opening hours.
The museum is now open from 10am to 5pm Tuesdays – Fridays, and it’s also open Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Phase 1 of the annex showcases significant collections of firearms going back at least 600 years; artisan and defense canes; antique toys including Marklin, Buddy L and Carette; Native American artifacts; a gambling parlor; intricately designed horse tack; and George Catlin art.
Phase 1 of the annex also has a research library with unique and rare volumes on the types of antiques displayed in the museum. The books have specialized and obscure information that cannot be found online.
Admission to the museum is free to members (and note: membership renewals are due on June 1). For non-members, admission is $10, with $5 for ages 65+ and ages 2-17 and free for infants. Visitors may take out memberships on the spot.
A section of that floor of the annex also may be rented for events. The Historical Society will set up tables and chairs. Renters and their caterers get the use of a food preparation area.
The expanded hours are thanks to the hiring of Davis Scott as staff aide. Until his hiring, Scott was a member of the MHCHS Board of Directors and an active volunteer who has participated in nearly all aspects of the Society’s programs and museum.
In addition to keeping the museum open during open hours, Scott assists MHC Historical Society Executive Director Holly Kozelsky in planning museum materials and programs.
The regular volunteer hosts still have their traditional shifts – Johnny Nolen on Wednesdays, Michael Sanguedolce on Thursdays, and Jack Stewart on Fridays. Additionally, more hosts are needed to help during the expanded opening hours. Please contact Kozelsky.mhchs@gmail.com or 276-403-5361, or stop by the museum, to see how you could be involved.
Meanwhile, work on Phase 2 is moving along at a fast clip. Installed are two model train set-ups; displays of toy fire trucks, but horse-driven and motorized; an extensive assortment of tools including wood-working tools and intricate lathes; fascinating locks; an early telephone switchboard and equipment; medical equipment; a 5-foot-long plantation style dollhouse made by the late Junior Gilley; and much more.
Grand events and celebrations will be planned to celebrate the opening of Phase 2, which would be the opening of the entire annex. Details will be announced in the summer newsletter as well as on www.mhchistoricalsociety.org and in local media.
