Published: November 24, 2009 05:14 pm      

County museum ready for holidays

DANVILLE — Christmas has once again arrived at the Hendricks County Historical Museum.

Greenery abounds at the two-story brick structure, which served as the county jail until 1974. There’s five Christmas trees on display, each representing a motif such as Victorian and folk art. Antique toys and ornaments, all in remarkably good shape, accentuate the display. Some of the relics are quite rare. Under one tree is an autoharp dating back to the 1800s.

“We’re constantly discovering things,” said Gail Tharp, collection manager for the museum. “This we just found in a box.”

Volunteers spent a week decorating the museum for the holidays. It will be open during Danville’s Christmas on the Square event 3-6 p.m. Friday. Visitors will have an opportunity to see the addition of glass display cases in the museum’s military room.

One of the glass cases was originally in Coatesville’s drug store and was obtained through an auction.

“It allows people to see things better,” Tharp said. “And we’re able to pull smaller articles out (of storage) for show, where before you just didn’t have a place to put them.”

Volunteers also are working to increase the museum’s visibility through modern technology. They launched a website, www.hendrickscountyhistoricalmuseum.org, a couple weeks ago. The domain includes photos and descriptions of every room in the house, including the jail and sheriff’s office.

“It gives you an idea of the collection we have,” Tharp said.

There’s also a link where people can become members. The museum relies solely on donations, dues, and grants to operate. Local artist Marti McCoy designed a poster depicting various items found in the museum. It’s being sold for $25, with proceeds benefiting the museum. A pictorial book of Danville history also is available.

“We continue to get busier as more people find out we’re here,” Tharp said. The museum will be closed in for renovation in January and February. Work on the upstairs foyer and bathroom will commence.

Regular hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. For appointments or tours call 745-4784.

wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com