Ohio History Journal

226    OHIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

and Commander Webb C. Hayes, for terms of three years. The

Committee, realizing the deep interest and long service of Mr.

Harold T. Clark and bowing to his personal desire for retirement,

nominated for the third vacancy Dr. Charles E. Holzer, of Gallipo-

lis. The Secretary was instructed by the Chairman to cast the bal-

lot for each of the nominees.

President Johnson: "Last year Dr. Overman, of our staff,

presented a paper on the subject of the relationship between the

State Society and Local Historical Societies, with special reference

to the State Society's viewpoint. Now, Mr. Eugene D. Rigney,

President of the Ross County Historical Society, Chillicothe, will

present a paper on the subject of 'The Relative Functions of State

and Local Historical Societies: The Local Viewpoint.'"

 

THE RELATIVE FUNCTIONS OF STATE AND LOCAL

HISTORICAL SOCIETIES: THE LOCAL VIEWPOINT

 

By EUGENE D. RIGNEY

 

The following remarks are a synthesis of my own opinions and preju-

dices, unsullied by research, and presented, in unglazed English, as my per-

sonal contribution towards a solution of the mutual problems of state and

local historical societies.

Most local historical societies are the by-product of the general enthu-

siasm and exuberance manifested at local historical celebrations, exhibitions

and parades. Usually, the proud promoters, imbued with the spirit of the

occasion and a desire to memorialize their achievement, discover themselves

in the midst of organizing an historical society, with the immediate neces-

sity of housing the material that has been assembled from local attics, never

to return.

Too frequently the housing problem is never solved and the project

dies with the occasion; but, fortunately for many of our cities, public sub-

scription meets the need, or some well-disposed--and wealthy--member is

sufficiently civic minded to endow the fledgling and provide the necessary

quarters.

Of course, all of those who have been infected by the celebration are

susceptible to membership and more than willing to do their share of work

in the formation of the society--for the first year. After that, and the

inevitable injuries to personal feelings and differences of opinion, member-

ship rosters decrease and puzzled officers must face the formidable task of

• 1
 

OHIO HISTORY CONFERENCE, 1941                  227

 

seeking a stimulant, in the form of varied programs, exhibits, and even

social functions.

Oddly enough, money is seldom present in sufficient quantity to de-

moralize the administration of the society, but almost always available if

the need is well publicized and the proposed use is an intelligent one.

But, having been founded by the historical minded and maintained by

the elect of the community, there is a tendency towards stagnation, and lack

of interest. There is little evidence of a general desire to develope the pos-

sibilities of the organization and its services to the city and county, as an

educational factor and means of arousing interest in, and properly publiciz-

ing, local historical landmarks and attractions. Ultimately, the trend is to

crawl in a cave and convert it into a catch-all for the ancient and unwanted

odds and ends of the locality, be they animal, vegetable, mineral or his-

torical.

To arouse the local organization from its lethargy, to make it see its

possibilities and the need for its service, is usually the task that confronts

each succeeding board of directors and each new group of officers. For-

tunately, an idea here, a novelty in program there, from the well-meaning

amateur, is frequently sufficient to keep the body alive and functioning from

year to year.

The state historical society, on the other hand, has the considerable

advantages of an expert staff, of size, location, prestige; but suffers from the

ravages of two dread diseases: more stagnation, from a surplus of per-

manent collections, and financial malnutrition, due to the very nature and

extent of its operations, and the whims and caprice of the legislature. Most

historical societies would quietly close their museum doors if the burden

of the dread "biennium" was added to their present difficulties.

But where is the common ground of action, the common means to solve

the mutual problems of state and local historical societies? It is unlikely

that the absorption of local museums and local societies, frequently advo-

cated as a panacea, would remedy the situation, since such action would

only impose an additional financial burden on the state without producing

compensating revenue. Pursuit of such a policy would also tend to elimi-

nate local interest, enthusiasm, and the more subtle, more important, quality,

conveniently labeled "atmosphere."

Removing subsidy and merger from the prescription list, we must con-

clude that the alternative course, bearing that vast and vague title: "co-

operation," is indicated. To this end, the following suggestions are offered

as a means of establishing a basis for action.

There must be a complete conversion to the idea that an historical

society, state or local, with a museum, should devote that institution and

form its policies on the lines of education and service in its own sphere

of influence. Such a policy necessarily entails the abandonment of stagnant

collections, and the use of well-prepared, carefully-selected, exhibits de-

• 2
 

228    OHIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

signed to link the past with the present, to indicate clearly progression or

decline in some field of human endeavor, and, ultimately, to educate or in-

spire the visitor. In this effort, the handsome, vermin- and dust-proof case,

with its permanent collection, is representative of a policy that is as modern

as the moat around a castle. For, if we are to hold the attention of that

visitor, we must be prepared to display our material as skillfully as any

industrial or commercial exhibitor. Light and color must be added to our

resources and well-conceived installations must be devised. Such a pro-

cedure demands technical skill as well as financial outlay. Dissemination

of this knowledge would be possible through the medium of a mimeographed

news bulletin designed to serve as a forum for the description of trends

and the examination of successful practice and policies. It is not inconceiv-

able that these exhibits could be circulated among the historical societies of a

state, particularly when the subjects were of general interest, to be aug-

mented by related local material, and discussed by a competent speaker.

Collaboration in the development of parks on historic sites, and the

preservation and restoration of important landmarks (with or without the

aid of the Federal Government) would be of great benefit. Local historical

societies would undoubtedly participate in the preparation and publication

of descriptive leaflets, in photographic surveys, and in the erection of suit-

able markers for their counties. A series of tour guides, uniform in plan,

would be of considerable value to the traveler. An extension of this co-

operative effort could result in the preparation of a series of volumes

dealing with the state's historical intangibles: such as balladry, humor and

cooking.

The suggestion has been made on several occasions that the field of

genealogy should be left to the libraries; and with this policy we should

completely disagree. The historical society's mail is full of normal--and

abnormal--inquiries about ancestors, and many visitors come to our mu-

seums with the expressed intention of inquiring about their family "trees."

Why should we disregard this valuable contact with the public? If copies

of the letters we write in answer to these requests for information were

sent to a central agency, such as the state society, there to be filed by name

or area, an important collection of research material would soon accumulate.

Such a course of action implies that the state society must assume the

leadership and serve as an example, as well as a friend, to the local so-

cieties. In return for this service, the local societies can exert considerable

influence on local members of the legislature to support the state institu-

tion. We will not be as so many "St. Georges" to combat the dread

"biennium," but our local support should bring the desired result.

 

President Johnson: "Mr. Rigney has certainly brought us

a very refreshing paper filled with life and color. I trust that we

• 3
 

OHIO HISTORY CONFERENCE, 1941           229

 

may keep in touch with him with the idea of utilizing, in part at

least, some of the suggestions which he has made."

In response to the Chairman's inquiry as to further business,

the Director called attention to the forthcoming convention of

the American Association of Museums which will meet in Colum-

bus on May 15-16, when the Society will have the honor, for the

first time, of playing host to the national organization.

After announcements the Annual Business Meeting adjourned.

HARLOW LINDLEY, Secretary.

• 4