2020 Winter Spring Newsletter

President’s Letter

Dear Friends: As the new year has taken shape, our nation has witnessed a major and historic event. As it unfolds, it seems to be compared to the 1918-1919 Spanish Flu. we have been closed as ordered by our governor under her legal powers. We have just now reopened this June. Change has hit our community and our museum. Our Vice-President Patsy Bortner and our Librarian, Ellen Welch, have both resigned, due in part to their concerns about the vi rus. We have been very fortunate to have both of them with their skills and efforts toward our museum. They both made major contributions in their time here. Thanks to both. Thanks to all our volunteers who continue to step up and continue to add their skills and efforts toward our museum. There are many who could be singled out, but special men tion should be made of LuAnne Debrick, Vince Thrope, Ann Benton. They have always been ready to meet the challenge. Thanks also to Roger Shipman and our loyal board members.

Larry Lybarger

Our Museum has bloomed with its new carpet in the main gallery and library. A new copier is to arrive soon with the pres ent one ending its lease agreement. We have a new website now functioning and the addition of a Facebook updating of our activities. We have continued during the closure to answer requests by email for information of former citizens and have continued to collect obituaries to add to our collection. We hope our Museum continues to keep a record of the his tory of our county and serve the needs of our members and patrons. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS. Larry Lybarger, president MEMBERSHIP DUES CHANGE FOR THE MUSEUM Our Miami County Historical Society dues are currently collected throughout the year according to the date the member has joined. To improve our accounting method, we wish to change the due date of all dues to a single annual date which will be the same for all members. The annual date for all membership dues will be October 1. Currently, those who pay between now and October 1, 2020 will not be billed for another year until October 2021. We hope this will not be too confusing for members, but it will make the accounting system more efficient. We cherish our members for their very generous gifts and donations. This support is vital for our continuation and improvement of our museum and genealogy library. Again, thank you for your consideration and we welcome your concerns and questions.

The Executive Board Phone: 913-731-1075 816-392-0605

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Front Desk (1/2 or full day), computer input, arrang ing displays, moving help, grant writers, interviewers, history researchers

The Museum has reprints of past Newsletters for sale at $2.00 an issue.

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