It is time to make New Year’s resolutions. But I’m not making any this year.

There are many things I could change in my life and the lives of others around me, but from past experience I know that I probably wouldn’t keep them. So instead I am going to tell you of some of the exciting plans the Edwardsburg Museum is planning for next year. Last week you read my sad tale of what has not happened at the museum.

After reading about the attendance that a nearby museum had this past year, I am envious. They have an amazing repository of South Bend history. They too try to keep things changing so that they attract return visitors. Downton Abbey clothing is hard to beat.

The Edwardsburg Museum in no way can be compared to other museums in the area. The Edwardsburg Museum is solely supported by donations. It has no support group and no affiliation with any government entity. It has no paid employees, which makes it ineligible for any kind of grant. But still it grows and thrives from the dedication of many people to keep it a viable presence in the community.

Last week I described the activities that were thought to attract more visitors. In thinking over the past year, the board of directors was disappointed with the poor attendance. The one bright spark in the activities was the evening events that seemed to draw an audience.

What activities would draw more people?

The plans so far for the three rotating displays have been decided. The first one will focus on the trains and railway that is a large part of Edwardsburg history. That is a story to be told. Hopefully those interested in trains will be happy to loan items to the museum for its display. Canadian National, the local railroad going through the town on a daily basis may be able to provide some assistance.

The second display for the year is rather hard to describe at this point. It is going feature fabric art. This is described as anything made from fabric such as guilts, wall hangings, stuffed animals and other creative fabric parts. This will give the community a chance to show the area the creativity and artistry of an often overlooked hobby.

The last exhibit of the year will be Christmas trees again. Members of the community will be asked to decorate a tree for the display. The trees this year sparkled during Christmas season and lit up the museum.

Along with the trees the lighted Christmas villages of Dept. 56 will again be on display. A collection of Christmas nativities will also be added to the displays.

All of this is subject to change. But the recurring events will continue, the plant sale, annual yard sale, alumni open house and ice cream social, Witches on the Porch, tree lighting open house as well as oral histories. The museum is available for meetings and tours.

Does this sound like the museum is slowing down? That there will be less work needed to keep all of these activities going? More volunteers are needed. Could you spare some time and get involved in a totally Edwardsburg attraction?

The museum will reopen during the third week of May. Watch for signs of the opening.

These are not New Year’s resolutions. This is an ambitious plan for the New Year. Come and be a part of it.

 

JoAnn Boepple works with the Edwardsburg Area History Museum.