Historical group holding membership drive
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on October 9, 2008 1:46 PM
The Wayne County Historical Association is holding a membership drive for the Wayne County Museum.
Museum Manager Johnna Nelson said the drive last year added more than 60 new members to the association, which oversees operation of the museum at 116 N. William St.
"This year we hope to beat that," she said.
The museum currently is drawing lots of visitors who want a peek at Wayne's long and varied history, Mrs. Nelson said.
For example, she said, two events held on Sept. 27 were well-attended. Early in the evening, a reception was held in the museum for the county Wall of Fame, and later the same night the museum held a kick-off event for the new Middle East Heritage and Culture Exhibit.
The reception was held for family members and friends of the four new members inducted into the Wall of Fame by the Historical Association.
The new members include Linda Burroughs of Fordham House; the late William Milas Reinhardt, educator; the late Dr. Deleon Edward Best; and the late John Allen Farfour, a member of the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame.
The Middle Eastern exhibit, entitled "From the Cedars of Lebanon to the Tall Pines of Wayne," will be on display through Oct. 30 and includes many loaned authentic items representing countries including Lebanon, Armenia, Turkey, Iran and Kuwait. Some displays include photographs of families that moved to Wayne County, some of them more than a century ago.
In November, the Historical Association will be preparing to observe the museum's 20th anniversary. The celebration will start with an open house Nov. 7 from 6 until 8 p.m.
Mrs. Nelson said the open house is being held at night to give those who are unable to come during weekdays a chance to see what is going on in the museum.