Stories were both preserved and shared at history fair

By JON BALDWIN
Clay Township Military Library & Museum

On behalf of the Clay Township Military Library and Museum, I’m pleased to share that our participation in Hamilton East Public Library’s Sharing Our Story: Local History Fair on June 20 was a real success.

The fair welcomed approximately 60 attendees throughout the afternoon, with about 55 people checking in to receive a passport, 45 tote bag prizes redeemed (meaning at least 45 visitors spoke with every exhibitor), and 38 raffle entries submitted for the grand prize.

Our volunteers had meaningful conversations with many visitors about Hamilton County’s military history and the people behind the uniforms, photos, and artifacts on our table. One especially moving moment came when a visitor entrusted us with a folder of documents about her father’s World War II and post-war service – materials lovingly collected by her mother over many years. This kind of family preservation is exactly why our museum exists: to ensure that the service and sacrifice of our veterans are remembered, not forgotten, and that their stories live on in our community.

The fair also featured a keynote program on storytelling that drew roughly 40 to 45 attendees, and the feedback shared with organizers was very positive. Some visitors discovered the event during a regular library visit, others came specifically to learn about local history or their new community, and a few attended after seeing coverage on local news – proof that local history still captures attention when people see it in action.

The day gave us a chance to reconnect with several of our local partners in history, including the Hamilton County Historical Society, Sheridan Historical Society, Westfield Preservation Alliance, Conner Prairie, Roberts Settlement, Westfield Washington Historical Society, Fishers Historical Society, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, the Jonathan Jennings and Horseshoe Prairie chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Carmel Clay Historical Society. We’re grateful to Hamilton East Public Library for hosting an event that brought so many local history organizations – and neighbors – together under one roof.

As we continue revitalizing the Clay Township Military Library and Museum, we also welcome new volunteers who share our interest in local military history. Whether you enjoy talking with visitors, helping with displays, working with documents and photographs, or supporting behind-the-scenes projects, there is a place for your time and talents in this work; if you are interested, simply reply to this email and we will follow up with you.

Several visitors asked if this would become an annual event; if it does, we plan to be there and will keep you informed.

Most importantly, your stories and your support are at the heart of our progress. If you or a family member has a connection to military service and would like to share documents, photographs, artifacts, or memories, we would be honored to hear from you. Every story from Hamilton County helps future generations better understand the people behind the service.

Thank you for standing with us as we preserve and share Hamilton County’s military story.