Need something to do this summer that isn’t far from home

or too financially draining? How does a FREE (donation and volunteer-supported) museum sound?

The Stanley Area Historical Society will be opening for the

2021 season the weekend of June 5-6. Visitors are welcome on

Saturdays and Sundays from 1- 4 p. m., with tours available up until 3:30 p. m. The museum will be staffed on weekends during

June, July, August and September. Other openings are by chance,

or appointment by calling 644-5492 or 644-5880.

What's new at the museum? While work at the museum,

during the past 12 months has been limited due to the coronavirus, volunteers have returned and have completed, or have in progress, several new exhibits including businesses located along First Avenue, once the Main Street of Stanley, a number of wedding dresses are displayed, what was happening in 1921 (100 years ago), and an exhibit of an assortment of “Christmas gifts” from Clark County cheese factories. These were collected by Dan and Lorraine LaGrander and donated to the museum by their family.

Also, a number of exhibits have been enhanced by artifacts added to them.

Held over from last year, when the museum was open, but attendance limited by the virus, are an exhibit featuring the paintings of local artist Hazel Heagle available for viewing in the meeting room, an exhibit on the Kuehni Family, early Swiss cheese makers in the Logging and Farming Building and a new map showing the locations of the cheese factories in the Stanley-Boyd Area includes updated information gleamed from extensive research.

Available at the museum are hand sanitizers and masks for those desiring to use them.

Originally a school for the early grades before getting repurposed, the old Fourth Ward School building and local history museum will be open for visits beginning June 5. The main entrance is on the left of this photo.