LEBANON — History lessons will be available soon from people who know it best.

        Topics will range from Shakers to government in the Warren County Historical Society's continuing education program.

Mary Payne, director of the historical society's museum. (Dick Swaim photos) | ZOOM |

        “This is something new for us,” said Mary Payne, museum director. “We hope that it will encourage people to join, which is a goal in the new year.”

        Programs start at 1 p.m. on Sundays. Members may bring a guest for the regular museum admission of $3.

        Ms. Payne said the society must keep itself in the public eye in a time when people are pulled in many directions. The society is offering a two-year membership for the price of one year — students, $15; singles, $20; family, $30.

        “Keeping members is a challenge more than a problem,” she said. “People lead fractured lives. Some of them don't even have time to spend with their kids. Because their time is limited, groups like ours have to work harder to get our message out.”

The Warren County Historical Society Museum on South Broadway. | ZOOM |

        Sixty- to 90-minute programs will be presented by experts, including John Zimkus, the society's official historian and a Lebanon history teacher. On April 1, May 6 and June 3, he will give an overview of early life in Warren County.

        On July 1 and Aug. 5, Pat and Mary Allen will discuss the Shakers of Warren County. The Allens are serious collectors of the religious sect's furniture and lore. A large settlement, Union Village, existed on the present site of Otterbein Home from the early 1800s to the early 1900s.

        The society's programs return Sept. 2, when Bill Wilson will show a collection of arrowheads and artifacts found on his property. The retired vice president of Lebanon Citizens National Bank is a lifetime resident of Warren County.

IF YOU GO

What: History programs     Where: Warren County Historical Society, 105 S. Broadway.     When: Sundays, 1 p.m.     Cost: $3 per person

        On Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, Dennis Dalton will talk about Waynesville's development since the 1790s. Mr. Dalton is Waynesville's official town crier and a local historian.

        “This new program should pull people in,” he said. “It's a painless way to educate people. So many say they haven't been to the museum.

        “I'll talk about ghost stories and folklore. I'll highlight holidays — how they were celebrated. I'll discuss mid-19th century history and people, businesses, architecure - a little of everything.”

        In 2002, the program will expand to include government topics.

        Speakers will also discuss county government, police duties, architecture, historic preservation and innkeeping.

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