|
|
Museum History
|
|
Our Beginning |
|
|
In the fall of 2003 the Taneytown Chamber of Commerce formed a committee
to study and develop plans for a Taneytown-based museum and visitor center.
In January of 2004 George Crouse and George Naylor negotiated a lease with
the City of Taneytown to use the City's building at 24 East Main Street for
the purpose of establishing the Taneytown History Museum and Visitor Center,
which also includes a Chamber Office.
The Museum Committee quickly grew to leverage the talents of a number of
local people and organizations. It currently includes George Crouse
(Committee Chairman), George Naylor, Douglas Heck, Nancy Keefer,
Jackie Boisvert, Doris Rache, Donna Sako, Nancy Eyler, Jean Tracey, Don Unger and Sam Perry.
|
|
Breaking Ground |
|
|
Well, we didn't really break ground. However, in January of 2004 we did begin making modifications to 'the building'.
One door and one wall removed; one wall built and another door added.
A little plaster work, some paint and some help from local carpet professionals, and the building was readied for the first displays.
Time was short, as we were aiming to be open by August 2004, Taneytown's 250th Celebration.
|
|
Cabinets and Artifacts |
|
|
As the building was being prepared, our curator was busy making contacts and researching the location of artifacts.
A few others were busy building display cases and planning for our initial opening.
A call was out for volunteers to serve as our docents.
As locals began signing up, our Museum Committee was moving forward with plans for opening day.
|
|
Soft Opening |
|
|
On August 1, 2004 we opened for the first time to the public.
Punch and cookies were served. The guest book was broken in with many signatures.
Good conversation was had and new friends were made as we discussed the future
and potential of the museum as a new attribute of Taneytown.
|
|
Grand Opening |
|
|
Just in time for Taneytown's 250th Celebration, we held a Grand Opening.
The Mayor of Taneytown, Mr. Robert Flickinger and his wife Mrs. Fairy Flickinger attended
our ribbon cutting ceremony.
|
|
Docent Receptions |
|
|
On Sunday, April 17, 2005 the Museum Committee held a reception for our dedicated docents.
The reception was arranged to say "Thanks" to our docents for the time they have given so far to Taneytown and our Museum.
Everyone had a good time and good conversation with all who attended.
Museum Committee Chairman Mr. George Crouse spoke of the success of the Museum and thanked
our docents for their contribution of time and effort towards the Museum and welfare of Taneytown.
We hosted a second Docent Reception on April 23, 2006 to thank our many volunteers for their contribution to the museum's success. We spoke about what we had accomplished and of future plans.
The Third Docent Reception was held on October 21, 2007. With more than 50 volunteers in attendence, we welcomed feedback from our many volunteers and thanked them for their dedication to this community project.
|
|
Holiday of Trees 2006 Read More |
|
|
In November and Decmber of 2006 the Museum Committee put on the Holiday of Trees, an effort at establishing a fund raising event that pull the community together and provides continued funding for the museum and visitor center. This event included a tree decorationg contest and silent auction
to benefit the Museum Fund. The event also included raffles of items from three of our local supports of the museum.
|
|
. . . and it Continues |
|
|
Every week our volunteers don their docent hats and make the Museum available to you, the public.
Displays are updated with new items from time to time and the Museum is opened during special events to
ensure it is available for everyone.
Look for our Open Sign and stop in, or call for an appointment to schedule time for your group.
GROUP TOURS ARE WELCOME - CALL TO SCHEDULE A TIME AND DATE!
|
|
|
|
