Moving forward while looking back

The Henry County Preservation Commission likes to keep the public informed about our local museums. This month we will let you know about a big project in Winfield. Our museum in town is located in the Masonic Temple and has been there since 1998. It’s a small location and we have outgrown our space and look forward to moving into the old L.L. Elliott building, one block north of our present location. We were gifted this building in 2021 and have begun work on renovating. There is a lot to be done in preparing the building but it will give us more, much needed space.

We are about to start work on two areas. The basement will get new floor joists and beams in needed areas. Also, flooring will be repaired in other areas. A second project that will begin in June is new sidewalks. Thanks to the City Council for their help with this expense.

There is currently a great window display in the north window (in our new building), be sure to check it out. A former resident of Winfield, Jerry Ross began making miniature farm buildings in 1967-68 for his son. He then moved on to the farm house he once lived in north of town, now gone. He works in 1/16 scale with working doors, hay lofts and elevator. Ross used small nails, shingles and vintage tractors and farm animals to complete a realistic look. If you are young at heart, you’ll love checking out his hard work. This has been on display at several toy shows before coming to its new home at the Winfield Museum.

We are open at our current location every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon or by appointment calling Judy at 315-257-6974. We look forward to having a bigger location to better tell the Winfield farming story and educate the next generation. We are in the business of preservation with an eye to the future.

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