The museum will be located at James Memorial Park’s Heritage House, the Historical Society’s headquarters. (Courtesy of Brenda Phelan)
The museum is located at the park’s Heritage House.
The West Rockhill Historical Society will celebrate the grand opening of its new museum at James Memorial Park on November 3 from noon to 4 p.m.
The museum is located at the park’s Heritage House. Previously an abandoned township farmstead, the society began raising funds and recruiting volunteers to rehabilitate the building five years ago. The society has completed the first two stages of remodeling both the farmhouse and the adjoining bank barn. Now known as the Heritage House, the farmhouse is home to the society’s headquarters, museum and research center, said the society.
The museum will tell the history of the park, the farmhouse and barn and the many families that moved to Rockhill Township to start a new life.
“Some stayed here for multiple generations, some came and moved on. All of them left a remnant of themselves behind, in some form, whether by leaving artifacts or just stories about their lives. They were farmers, architects, teachers, and artisans. Those residents helped build the churches, schools, post offices, and eateries that became small towns such as Almont, Argus, and Ridge Vally. They build this township into the community that everyone knows today,” said the society.
Some West Rockhill figures that will be featured in the museum include Emma Watson, William Ingrams, Ruth Richards and Ruth James. The museum will enable the public to meet the people of West Rockhill and learn their history, said the society.
The West Rockhill Historical Society “collect(s) data, not only on the residents of the past and present, but also on properties and events that have taken place in and around the township. The society’s mission is to bring those stories to life through exhibits and to educate the public about the past,” said the society.
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