Wabash, IN – The Wabash County Historical Museum announced today a new strategy they are releasing called “Your History. Your Museum.” Focused on preservation and education, this new path will work to better integrate the artifacts and stories entrusted to the Museum with educational and community programming offered throughout the county.
Over nearly the past five years, under the leadership of the organization’s President & CEO, Mitch Figert, the Museum has made many improvements to serve a more diverse audience. Notably, these changes have included the addition of the Parkview Wabash Education Center, monthly Family Fun Nights, and significant investments into educational resources for local educators. These changes that were partnered with new marketing and communication strategies, have increased the annual attendance by more than 300% with now more than 16,000 guests attending the Museum each year.
“When I joined the Museum’s team, I challenged the idea that museums were often viewed as warehouses for artifacts,” said Figert. “I wanted to see how we could use our vast collection of artifacts to tell stories, inspire young minds, and ensure our history didn’t get lost in storage boxes.”
The Museum currently houses more than 175,000 artifacts that include photographs, journals, military uniforms, household items, and much more. These artifacts are stored within the Museum where they are used for research, exhibit development, and educational programming.
“We are a Museum because of our communities, businesses, and residents,” said Figert. “Because of the stories they share and the artifacts they chose to entrust with us we are able to keep the history of Wabash County alive for future generations.”
Over the past year, the Museum has taken significant steps to improve collection management and storage. Thanks in part to a Heritage Support Grant from the Indiana Historical Society, collection management policies have been refreshed, volunteers have been trained, and storage spaces have been redesigned. In addition, new technology has been purchased to allow for scanning and digitizing of items and countless acid-free boxes have been ordered and filled with artifacts. However, with more than 175,000 artifacts, the team at the Museum has only made a small dent in the collection over the past few months.
That is why this new campaign is so critical to the Museum moving forward. There is great momentum as new and seasoned volunteers work to inventory, clean, store and digitize items, but the supplies are beginning to run short. The Museum hopes to highlight the collection, and its importance, to raise funds to continue this important work and make more items accessible for research and public viewing.
“While we have embraced many new programs, it is important for us to keep in the forefront that we are still a Museum and with that have a significant responsibility to preserve our vast collection of artifacts,” said Figert.
To promote the Museum’s collection and raise awareness for the work being done to preserve the numerous artifacts and make them more accessible to the public the Museum is offering the following events and programs:
History Hunters – After a short hiatus, the Museum is welcoming back its popular speaker series known as History Hunters. These one hour programs feature local and regional presenters who share insights on the history of Wabash County. The first event will be on Thursday, March 8th at Noon with Gib Young presenting a program on Indiana at Gettysburg. Admission to this event is included with daily admission to the Museum and free for Museum Members.
Preservation Workshops – Ever wanted to find out how to care for your personal artifacts you have in your home? Our presenters will help you learn the best practices to care for items such as pictures, family bibles, uniforms, textiles, and more. Other topics will include how to research the history of your home, date photographs, and digitize important documents. More details on these workshops to be held on March 13th, 15th, 20th, and 22nd area available on the Museum’s website – www.WabashMuseum.org.
Spring Break STEAM Camp – Each day of Spring Break the Museum will offer activities focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) principles. These fun workshops will feature guest presenters, hands on activities, and family focused programming. Keep an eye on the Museum’s website (WabashMuseum.org) for more details about this opportunity.
Collection Tours – Ever wonder what all is hiding in the Museum’s collection? Our staff will be providing tours of the Richard E. Ford Archives and the Museum’s Lower Level storage to allow unprecedented access to their collection. Guests will be able to see some of the more peculiar items and learn about the steps the Museum takes to preserve the artifacts in their care. Public tours will begin mid-April.
Trivia Night – Come show off your local and regional knowledge at Trivia Night at the Museum. Enjoy great food and drinks while supporting the Museum, testing your knowledge, and learning about our local history. This event will be held on Thursday, May 24th at the Museum.
“Like the new slogan says – this is your history and your Museum,” said Figert. “We want all members of the community to feel welcome to browse our exhibits, enjoy our family programming, and conduct research.”
Those interested in obtaining more information can reach the Museum at (260) 563-9070 or visit www.WabashMuseum.org. The Wabash County Historical Museum is located at 36 E Market Street in Downtown Wabash. The Museum’s normal operating hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM.
36 E. Market St. | Wabash, IN 46992 | (260) 563-9070 | www.wabashmuseum.org