Black Diamond history museum to reopen Halloween
Published 1:00 pm Monday, October 19, 2020
The following was written by Mira Hoke for the Black Diamond Historical Museum:
After months of renovation and lock-downs, the Black Diamond Historical Museum is re-opening on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Four docents will provide assistance to visitors and oversee COVID guidelines during open hours, which are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday.
Additionally, there are new display areas augmenting the upper and lower levels of the museum. Volunteers skilled in construction, painting, mechanics and display techniques, have been working to make use of the time that the museum has been closed to the public.
“We chose to make the shutdown time productive,” said Keith Watson, President of the Historical Society. “Now, there is more reason than ever to witness history unfolding throughout the community.”
History unfolds in the display pockets throughout the museum. The upper level of the building has been shaped up with new display signage and marked walking spaces. The lower level has been years in the planning, and now enlarges the scope of the historical message of the region.
Lower level updates include: re-vamped General Store, Post Office, Cobbler Shop, Bakery, Automotive Service, Coal Mining, Timber Industry, Communication Technology, Household Maintenance, Schoolhouse, and a big favorite—Entertainment. Even the Barber Shop has gotten a bit of spit and polish in the process.
“We want people to witness the depth of skills and trades that have been a part of Black Diamond,” said Sherrie Evans, treasurer of the museum. “Practically everyone can relate their own present lives to those of our predecessors in this region. Each story, each artifact, is essential to how we operate in the present.”
Indeed, the hosts of antiques, machines, tools and even clothing leave the viewer with the unspoken presence of those who used and donated these items. Names of streets and even sections of town have their root in stories laced throughout the museum.
Exclusive tours for businesses, civic groups and especially school field trips are welcomed. The museum will happily schedule a tour date for group showings, as long as the number of attendees comply with Covid safety practices.
Entry and exit locations are provided for handicapped persons. Temperatures will be taken, and masks are required. Everyone is encouraged to bring cameras and a tablet for taking notes.
To schedule a tour, or for more information, you can contact the museum at 360-886-2142, museum@blackdiamondmuseum.org, or head to www.blackdiamondmuseum.org.
Price of admission is free, though donations are welcome.
