Work to begin on Heritage Museum roof following celebration

Last week’s successful Vintage Sale has allowed The Heritage Museum to focus and begin preparing on the grandeur scale for their ”Opening Day" celebration on May 21.

The Heritage will be celebrating the funded roof replacement project. Thanks to the community of Libby, resources and grants, the museum has been able to raise enough to begin the process.

The 12-sided log building will be restored in areas which need replacing.

The Museum is expected to begin repairs on May 23. The Heritage intends on remaining open to the public this summer, seven days a week through Sept. 17.

For the Opening Day event, visitors will be allowed to access and view art, displays, quilt work, all the while learning about the history and development of Libby. Doors will be open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A few different events will also be taking place during the celebration.

On the second floor, quilts made by the Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild will be on display with a vast array of colors and designs. The gallery of quilts will remain open through June 30, with an opportunity to purchase.

The Heritage also has a variety of gifts and trinkets as well as T-shirts.

Dress historian, Dr. M. Lynn Barnes will have an exclusive dress presentation, displaying a wide collection located in the Beebe Room. Barnes has been working diligently on reports and proper storing techniques to preserve the late 19th century underpinnings and 1890s gowns.

During opening day, guests will also be invited to sign-up for a textile preservation workshop on June 25, in which a guided process will be provided and taught by Barnes as well.

Through this process, people can learn how to protect and maintain the appearance of any historical garment. Barnes recommends and welcomes visitors to bring any uniform, bridal wear, christening gowns and flags for the specific workshop. A fee for workshop, will provide a kit and box to store garment. To learn more, contact Laurie at 293-7521 or heritagemuseum@frontier.com.

Kootenai People Presentation will follow at noon, offered by Loretta Hoots in the Swamp Creek Community Hall Log Building. Food will also be provided, with a welcoming museum cookout, grilled burgers and more, all day.

Vendors will be posted along with a number of working exhibits: gold panning, Model-T car rides and more. Children can also expect an appearance from “Smokey the Bear,” between 11 a.m. and noon, with live entertainment by Big Sky Bow’s & Blowhards performance at 11 a.m.

To learn more visit www.libbyheritagemuseum.org.