DARKE COUNTY – Fort GreeneVille Chapter recently recognized the Versailles Area Historical Society and the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society for their dedication in preserving history. The historical societies were presented the NSDAR Historic Preservation Recognition Award.
The DAR Historic Preservation Recognition Award is designed to recognize worthy local individuals and groups for outstanding achievements in all areas of historic preservation, including buildings; landmarks; monuments; cemeteries; historic districts; statues; manuscripts; documents; archival materials; writing or compiling and publication of books on historic preservation projects, historical properties, genealogical and court house records; photographic collections; compiling of oral histories; serving as historic guides, interpreters or docents; or museum collections. The recipient/recipients are expected to have contributed to their community in an outstanding volunteer manner.
Versailles Area Historical Society and Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society had to meet high standards from National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington D.C. Fort GreeneVille Chapter nominated the historical societies along with the history of each society and recommendations from Fort GreeneVille Chapter, Greg Billing, Executive Director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau, Kyle Francis, Village Administrator and Pam Groff.
Addressing the Versailles Area Historical Society, National Vice Chair of Historic Preservation, Jill Jones-Lazuka said, “The volunteer effort to ensure the narrative of the area remains accessible to all has been outstanding by their archival preservation of documents, photos, and books, along with the storage and exhibit of artifacts related to the area’s history.”
Jill Jones-Lazuka went on to say, “The volunteer effort of the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society to preserve and archive the history and heritage of the area, providing educational programming to schools, providing research for inquiries they receive, and the restoration of the historic house which is used for meetings, programs, and lectures has been exemplary.”
Versailles Area Historical Society
The Society was established in 1985 with the aim of preserving and promoting the history of the Versailles area. In order to do so, they acquired the former Versailles Medical Center in 2010 and maintain a museum since it opened in 2013. The museum is funded by donations and grants which is open to the public. The Society has a collection of artifacts and documents related to the history of the area, including photographs, books, and other historical objects.
The Society also hosts events and programs throughout the year, including lectures, tours, and special exhibits. They also work with local schools to provide educational programs on local history and offer research services for those interested in genealogy or local history. The Society has written and published two historical books, “All Roads Lead Home” and “Versailles, Then and Now” in honor of Versailles’ Bicentennial. Just recently the Society hosted the Fort GreeneVille Chapter’s America 250 Darke County educational panels as a temporary display at their annual ice cream social.
Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society
The Society was established on June 15, 2004. The Society purchased the Arcanum Wayne Trail Grange Building at 123 W. George St., Arcanum Ohio on November 24, 2004, procuring a physical working and display space for the organization. From 2004 to 2008, they renovated the historic house to hold meetings, programs, and lectures.
The Society has a collection of artifacts and documents related to the history of the area, including photographs, books, and other historical objects. The Society also hosts events and programs throughout the year, including lectures, tours, and special exhibits. A program schedule has been developed for the public to attend and enjoy five times a year. They also work with local schools to provide educational programs on local history and offer research services for those interested in genealogy or local history.
In 2010 the Society started the research library which features over 120 binders, family histories, lots of photos (over 7,000) three cabinets of materials plus an upstairs room. In 2013 they started open hours for the public, of the library and house. The Society provides genealogy and research materials to the public and assists with research. They pursue preservation by cataloging and revolving case displays. Just recently the Society hosted the Fort GreeneVille Chapter’s America 250 Darke County educational panels as a temporary display.
The Society takes acquisitions for Southern Darke County that is relevant to families, businesses and surrounding communities. They also have a web site and Facebook page to promote preservation, education, and research along with a newsletter sent to members three times a year. The Society post historical blogs on their website and posts on their Facebook page to promote our organization and mission goals. To celebrate America 250, the Society assisted the Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR by providing information on their website promoting the Darke County America 250 educational panels.
Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR recommends everyone to visit both local historical societies to learn more about our region’s heritage. Darke County is full of fascinating stories and artifacts.
