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Nemec: Historical & Genealogy Society Message for Public, Private and Home Schools
Letter To The Editor

From Barb Nemec

Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society, Inc.

To the Editor:

The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society (LCHGS) wants to reach all the county schools and home school groups. LCHGS has grant funding from the Wiegel Strong Foundation to cover transportation costs for student visits to the Museum. Teachers or school administrators can contact the Museum at 609-776-8340 to advise the time they wish to visit, subject of study, and make arrangements for LCHGS payment of their expense.  

The Museum is open to the public from 1-4 p.m. on weekdays. However, for school visits they can also open additional hours. Staff can provide guided tours focused on a specific area of study if notified in advance. There are displays and research materials of interest to all ages. Some students enjoy being able to roam the Museum freely, exploring the many rooms of displays and artifacts they can touch and try. Older students may appreciate the documentation of significant people and events in the county, high school yearbooks with photos of their parents, family history information, or military and law enforcement displays that bring history to life.

In addition, LCHGS presents special programs and events during the year, like the upcoming “Night (and Day) at the Museum,” a three-day history celebration that includes historical characters portrayed by volunteers and many hands-on activities like primitive archery, quilting, tomahawk throwing and fire starting. This event includes special displays on Native Americans, ancient artifacts, quilt collection, and 1960’s fashion. Friday, Sept. 15 is a perfect time to visit as a school group. There is municipal parking for school buses, and park space for sack lunch. The transportation grant funding can be used for trips to any of the programs or special events.

Alternatively, teachers can encourage students to visit the Museum and events on their own or with family and provide “extra credit” for reports on what they learned. Or recommend a visit to the Museum Research Center to write local and Wisconsin history reports. If regular operating hours are not convenient, anyone can call 608-776-8340 to request additional access.

LCHGS would like all of the county’s educators to consider the events and Museums as a resource to compliment their areas of study. Admission is always free, they can make use of transportation funding, and staff will accommodate their needs. Their mission is to share the wealth of artifacts and information regarding our county’s fascinating people and history, so student visits are especially appreciated.