DARLINGTON — A COVID-19 pandemic “Recovery Grant” was recently awarded by Wisconsin Humanities to the Lafayette County Historical Society. The funding is intended to support projects that strengthen the roots of community life through educational and cultural programs that inspire civic participation and individual imagination. Funds are provided by the National Endowment of the Humanities in response to the challenges imposed by the pandemic. 

“LCHS is grateful for the financial assistance and excited about increasing awareness of the museum and society as a resource and educational treasure of the county,” the organization wrote in a press release Nov. 24.

The funding will aid LCHS in two ways: Regular operating expenses will be supported by some of the funds, and the remainder will support 2022 programs and special events, which are always free and open to the public.

One special event is the weekend of September 23-25, 2022, when LCHS and the Veteran’s Park in front of it will be the site of a weekend long event celebrating the county’s history. The public will be able to interact with figures from the county’s past — the famous and not so famous. As in the movie, “A Night at the Museum,” historical reenactors in character will be present to meet and answer questions. The museum will be open and there will be an encampment in the park, live music, and refreshments will be available. School history and social studies classes, local theater participants, and history organizations will participate in what will be an entertaining and memorable event.  

For more information on how to participate, call 608-482-2483.