The Washington Area Museum Foundation formed in 1996 and began soliciting donation and pledges to purchase the deserted D. A. Varnado and Sons building with the goal of making it into a museum. That goal was accomplished through the work of many citizens who were interested in preserving the history of our area. The early openings of the museum were only once a month on a weekend.
When the museum was selected to exhibit the WWII posters form the Smithsonian Institute's traveling show, there were certain requirements. The museum had to be open daily for six weeks and receive tour groups. This was a huge undertaking, engineered by volunteers and headed by Vicki Knight. There was a military show at the Armory in the Fairgrounds, a vintage fashion show and luncheon at the Country Club, Rosie the Riveter lookalike contest, a talent show and much more. The problem for the museum was providing bathrooms of which there were no working ones in the building. It was decided that an annex building should be erected behind the museum where the old feed shed once was. A shell of a building was erected within which were two nice bathrooms. That building was finished later and became a meeting room, a place to have public speakers, a rental facility with a kitchen and tables and chairs. Soon it housed our office and stored files and other exhibit materials. It is overcrowded and in need of expansion. With the help of Senator Beth Mizell, the museum secured a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement from the State whereby funds could be allocated to reimburse the museum for operational expenses, improvements and additions.
We have now embarked on the addition to the annex which will have a larger office space and room for extra storage of files and records. The groundbreaking ceremony last Friday was attended by a number of citizens and dignitaries, as well as museum board members. The work has begun and the museum thanks all who have helped us reach another milestone. There are many more to come.
