Spark your interest in local history

MILFORD — The Columns Museum, operated by the Pike County Historical Society, will host its annual holiday open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.

There will be eggnog, sweets and savories and a mesmerizing fire manipulation show, courtesy of Flaming Barrel of Monkeys.(No worries, this will take place outside!)

The museum is launching a campaign to get local residents interested in all the Columns has to offer. In addition to being the home of the famed Lincoln Flag, the museum also offers several other new exhibits, including a superb collection of black-and-white photographs by John Hudanish titled "Vietnam Snapshots of a Soldier"; and four Civil War diaramas, on loan from The Toy Soldier Museum, depicting the battles at Gettysburg. In addition to two floors of exhibits, which encompass the people, places and things that make up our county's history, The Columns also has a local history and genealogy library which is open to the public for a small research fee by appointment. The library includes many means of exploring the history of Pike County, including photographs, obituaries, microfilm, and original documentation.

"It is our goal to remind our locals that we are here, quietly fulfilling our mission statement and fostering the history of Pike County," said Lori Strelecki, museum director. "We have much to maintain and take care of, and we need the help and support of our community to do that."

Museum storeThe museum store will be open at the open house, as well as on regular visitation days: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 4 p.m. The museum will gift wrap purchases.

The stores carries Columns ARTIFACT T-shirts, Our Town Milford DVD's, and "No Dull Days in Milford" by photographer James Alfred Myer, whch will sold at half the $85 price. Milford Rose sun catchers and various historical titles are also for sale. All proceeds benefit the museum.

For more information call 570-296-8126 or email pikemuse@ptd.net.