The Wabash County Historical Museum at their recent board of directors meeting announced another record setting year in 2018. The Museum’s President & CEO, Mitch Figert, announced that the museum welcomed 18,076 guests during the past twelve months.
“It is hard to believe that in six years we have raised the annual atte1ndance from 4,000 guests per year to now just over 18,000,” said Figert. “This growth is thanks to the many donors, families, and partners who have engaged with the new strategic focus for the Museum.”
Over the past several years, the Museum has taken a strong focus on building educational programs including school field trips, family fun nights, adult speaker series, and more. This programming welcomes new guests to the facility and bridges local history with lessons being taught in a classroom and general storytelling. In addition, the Parkview Wabash Education Center located within the museum is continual draw for families with young children.
“As we continue to focus on engaging families and local educational partners we are continually developing new activities and events to involve these younger guests,” said Shelby McLaughlin, the museum’s Associate Director. “The museum serves educational partners in six counties throughout Northeast Indiana and in 2018 we hosted 76 field trips and welcomed an additional 6,557 guests during our monthly family fun nights.”
As the museum continues to expand its reach, they are also welcoming five new members to their Board of Directors beginning in 2019. Joining the board are Mark Frantz, Ashley Oetken, Rachel Parks, Christy Reynolds, and Emily Tracy. In addition to these five new members, current member and local historian Pete Jones was recognized as an honorary board member for his continued service to the museum and local history countywide. Board officers for 2019 include Lee Ann George, Chairwoman; Tenille Zartman, Vice Chairwoman; Brent Dawes, Treasurer; and Tim Drake, Secretary. Additional board members include Keith Gillenwater, Brian Haupert, Scott Long, and Kristen Petruniw.
“These five new board members will add a great new perspective to the work we are doing at the museum,” explained Board Chairwoman, Lee Ann George. “It is important that we have a diverse group leading the museum to support our strong team of staff members and volunteers. I look forward to a great 2019 at the museum.”
Outgoing Board Members include Joe Eddingfield and Justin Vail. The Board of Directors would like to thank them for their years of service to the mission.
