LEBANON — Jim Klei is serving up big helpings of Warren County history.

        Mr. Klei, a Cincinnati restaurateur and 14-year resident of Lebanon, took over as president this year of the Warren County Historical Society. His goals: to increase membership in the organization and involve all county communities in the society's museum.

IF YOU GO

• What: Treasures of the East   • When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tuesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday through Aug. 12   • Where: Warren County Historical Society Museum, 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon   • Admission: $3 adults, $1 children   • Information: 932-1817.

        “When I started, I told the historical society I wanted to increase membership by 100,” he said. “We're doing well. We've already got 80-some new members.”

        The new president takes his enthusiasm for Warren County history to area service clubs and local events — anywhere where people will listen. He touts the benefits of historical society membership and acquaints the public with the quality of its museum collections.

        There soon will be more space to showcase those collections. In July the historical society will kick off a $1.8 million campaign to renovate Lebanon's former post office, which is adjacent to the museum, to serve as additional museum space. A concourse will connect the two buildings.

        “There will be space for other Warren County groups to have exhibits here. It's time we realized that this museum belongs to all of Warren County, and not just Lebanon,” said Mr. Klei.

        The timing couldn't be better. Lebanon celebrates its bicentennial in 2002, followed by Warren County and Ohio, which turn 200 in 2003. The post office building renovation jump-starts Lebanon's festivities.

        A full slate of continuing education programs, many arranged by the new society president, is an attempt to get more people into the museum. Programs, held on Sunday afternoons, feature topics ranging from arrowheads to the Underground Railroad. The schedule is complete through 2002, and Mr. Klei says he has another 20 programs ready to go for the following year.

        “All the history in this county is word of mouth,” he explained. “I want to get these people to share what they know.”

        Even the museum's exhibits are taking a detour from what's been done in the past. “Treasures of the East,” a colorful sampling of clothing, textiles and artifacts from countries from Turkey to Korea is on display. The items date from the 19th century to the present.

        “About half of what's here is from our collection; the other half is on loan,” said Pat Van Harlingen, the museum's textile curator.

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