MONROE — The Green County Historical Society (GCHS) Museum is planning its opening weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2 from 1-4 p.m.  

The museum has been completely reorganized with new displays and signage for docent-guided or self-guided tours. The displays are set up as various period rooms, with a special tribute to the original Universalist Church.

Also new this year is a 1960s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s area with many items relatable to Baby Boomers.

They are still looking for more items for the display such as penny loafers, saddle shoes, aluminum Christmas tree, transistor radio, portable record player or other items reminiscent of that period.

The Historical Museum is located in the Universalist Church building, 1617 9th Street, next door to Stop-N-Go gas station. There is an entry from the parking lot in the rear or visitors can walk in the front gate.

The Universalist Church building was built in 1860 and building was suspended during the Civil War. War supplies were stored in the basement of the church. Monroe’s first kindergarten and library were founded in the building as well as the beginnings of the Monroe Woman’s Club.  

The Historical Society invites the public to visit the museum to see many recognizable items from “grandma’s home” to the present.  Admission is free. Upcoming GCHS events this season include an information table at several Saturday morning Farmer’s Markets on the square, opening of the Bethel School with a “school Marm” in class on June 15,  and “Airing of the Quilts” August 17-18, with many antique quilts on display. The museum will also be opened for air-conditioned comfort during Cheese Days weekend.