The Clermont County Collaborative of Historical Societies held its 15th annual Museum Day Sept. 16.
“We estimate that close to 500 people participated,” said CCCHS secretary Ron Hill. “The museum day is an opportunity for the community to see all of the county historical museums at no cost. It is a day to highlight the availability of the museums. Some residents do not even realize that the county has this many museums.”
There are a total of 12 historical museums in the county.
The 11 museums that welcomed the public were the Bonaventure in Loveland, the Anchorage in Goshen, the Promont House in Milford, the Owensville Museum, Harmony Hill and the C.C. Historical Society Museum in Williamsburg, the Ross-Growdy House in New Richmond, the President Grant birthplace in Pt. Pleasant, the Grant Memorial Building in Bethel, the Lafayette school in Monroe Township, and the Lock #34 park museum in Chilo.
Grant birthplace curator Loretta Fuhrman said that approximately 50 people visited the historic home and that everyone seemed to be grateful for the opportunity.
“The people I spoke with appreciate the museum day here in the county,” she said. “Parents brought their kids and made it a family day. We are grateful for the opportunity to give county residents and others a unique and interesting look into our collective past and heritage.”
Nancy Storch is the registrar for the Promont House in Milford.
“We had 312 people tour the home today,” she said. “We also had a local artist show and we were thrilled at the attendance. It was a perfect day.”
Ron Hill said that the mission of the collaborative is to spread awareness and availability of the county museums.
“This year’s event was a success,” he said. “We were very pleased with the result and the attendance. We will continue doing an annual museum day for the county residents. Only by looking into the past can we appreciate our future.”