Enjoying the past, learning for the future

“There’s so much to learn and experience from our past that can help us learn for the future.”

That sounds like a glorious quote from Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt or Martin Luther King.

Instead, it comes from a local historian who understands the value of history and the role it can play in benefiting future days.

That quote comes from Bruce Biggs, board member of the County Line Historical Society, and in making that statement, he defines the essence of an upcoming event.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, several area historical societies and museums will unite in an effort to relay the importance of the past during Visiting History Day, an area event that invites the public to visit various participating partners from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Buckeye Ag Museum and J&R Acres Farming Through the Decades, the Smithville Historical Society, Moreland Community Historical Society, and County Line Historical Society came together to create this event, where the public is invited to travel throughout the area and visit these organizations that are committed to honoring the past.

“The problem we’re facing is that the people who have the knowledge and experience from the past are passing on, and once they go, our history is gone unless we record it, collect it and pass it on for future generations,” Biggs said. “I wish now that I had sat down with my dad many more times than I did and talked about that type of thing. We can’t afford to wait and recognize the value of our past until it’s too late.”

Ron Grosjean, owner of Buckeye Ag Museum and Farming Through the Decades, reiterated that message and said he hopes this event opens the door to many visitors as he and many others will wait to share their knowledge and showcase memorabilia from the past.

“Each participating museum and organization has their own unique collections to share,” Grosjean said. “We have an incredible amount of historical items in our area, and each of us shares the same passion for something we believe is important to keep alive for future generations, and that is our history.”

Grosjean went on to say seeing all of the entities come together to share this day is heartwarming and gives people a chance to travel and view some wonderful pieces of history.

“With the leaves changing color and all of the history present, it should be a wonderful opportunity for families and couples to get out and enjoy a great day together while learning something about the past,” Grosjean said.

Gail Miller of the Moreland Community Historical Society said they will have the restored Church of God, cabin and former Franklin building open to visitors, and like the other groups, there will be members on hand to discuss history.

“Our intent is to create a buzz around history and share everything we’re passionate about that can educate the public,” Miller said.

Buckeye Ag Museum will feature plenty of old farming implements, with rare tractors and tools and around 10,000 different items on hand. County Line boasts an old-fashioned schoolroom setting, military memorabilia and an array of memorabilia from the Shreve community.

Smithville Historical Society will showcase its pioneer village, which transports people back into the 1800s with plenty of old-time items.

Several of the organizations will provide refreshments, and Grosjean said the food wagon EATZ will be available for those who want a bite to eat.

Matt Reese of the Smithville Historical Society said the entire Pioneer Village and its nine rustic buildings will be open to the public, which will include the Irvin Pioneer Cabin, Sheller House, Village Blacksmith, Wheelright Shop, Tin Shop Carriage Barn & Pottery and more.

Reese said all of the buildings were brought into the facility in 1990, and all were originally built in the mid-1800s.

“It’s a neat way to step back in time,” Reese said.

That sums up exactly what this event is geared to do, which is help people step back in time and experience history as each entity works hard to preserve the heritage that paved the way for this area to grow into what it is today.