Night At the Museum Makes History Alive

February 29, 2016 at 1:08 PM

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Donna Chollock as the DuBois family's French governess.

            For a second consecutive February, the DuBois Area Historical Society’s E. D. Reitz Museum came alive, at least for one evening.

            The Society’s “Night at the Museum,” targeted at children from kindergarten through fifth grade, features a walk through the museum’s many rooms where costumed characters waited to speak with them about events in DuBois’ past. The activity attracted 19 children along with an identical number of adult escorts.

            “We were pleased to have these young people attend and learn more about their local history,” said Carolyn Rhoades, youth director of the Society. “Our performers enjoyed the interaction with the tour groups.”

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Tom Shade as brewery founder Frank Hahne.

            The theme for 2016 Night at the Museum focused on working and work experiences throughout DuBois’ history. The program featured:

            Donna Chollock as the early-20th Century French governess to the children of John E. DuBois; Tom Shade as DuBois Brewery founder Frank Hahne; Hannah Thompson as a young girl waiting to buy spaghetti from local entrepreneur Mrs. Suplizio; Nancy Rosman as a 1970s Montgomery Ward sales clerk; Jean Hayes (as her younger self Jean Richards) recalling a fire at the Scribner Avenue School; and Carolyn Rhoades as a switchboard operator.

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Hannah Thompson talks about Mrs. Suplizio.

            Galen Kilmer and Paul Bojalad led the tours. Gene Aravich, Jean Hayes, Ginny Schott, and Tom Schott researched and wrote scripts for the various parts. Assisting in the museum were Gene Aravich, Beecher Klingensmith, Chris Meier, George and Mary Reilly, Tom and Ginny Schott.

            Cookies and milk were served at the end of the tour and each child received a souvenir activity package. Save A Lot provided the milk for the children.

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Nancy Rosman as a Montgomery Ward clerk.

            This was the opening activity for the DuBois Area Historical Society in 2016. Other activities scheduled include:

            March 12 – 10th Annual luncheon, Guest speaker, Amy Kessler, Christ Lutheran Church, Sunflower Drive, DuBois, noon. Cost for luncheon, $10. Reservations due by March 5, call 371-9006; print a reservation form at www.duboishs.com.

            April 10 – Fundraiser, Luigi’s Ristorante, DuBois, (all day).

            May 7 – 8th Annual Spring Walk, Sabula, led by Pat Kirk, 10 a.m.

            May 11 – Fundraiser with Italian Oven, DuBois, all day. Get a voucher from historical society board members or print one from www.duboishs.com.

            May 18 – Guest speaker, Jack Green, “My Time With the Peace Corps”, museum 7 p.m.

            September  – 34th Annual Dinner, details to be announced.

            October 8 – 9th Annual Spirit of DuBois Lantern Walk, “The Spirits Arrived by Train,” tours leaving from the DuBois Business College, 5 p.m.

            October 12 – Fund raiser, Italian Oven, DuBois (all day). Print a voucher to present at www.duboishs.com

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 Jean Hayes talks about the school fire. Tour leader Galen Kilmer is at back right.

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Carolyn Rhoades explains the switchboard.

 

 



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