SIDNEY – In 2023, the Shelby County Historical Society celebrated its 30th anniversary by opening the Wallace Family Learning and Innovation Center in April 2023. The purpose of the Learning Center is to use local history in an interactive environment to educate and inspire primarily young people to appreciate our community and eventually live, work and raise a family in Shelby County. The center hosts six galleries that are leadership-focused. During critical times in the county’s history, leaders with the right vision and passion have selflessly guided the community in the proper direction. Each gallery identifies three leaders who were instrument in moving us forward.

Tilda Phlipot, director, has submitted the following report:

This is a review of the Shelby County Historical Society programming for 2023.

From April through October 2023, the society hosted a monthly Cruise Downtown Sidney event every third Saturday.

Grants provided by Emerson Climate Control, The Shelby County Foundation, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the Shelby County United Way provided the funds to insure a full schedule of student programming by the Just for Kids Committee. In the month of May, SCHS provided Civil War Day at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Fourth graders from Anna Elementary and Northwood Intermediate School also explored Tawawa Park, where each student was given a fishing pole and tackle box supplied by the Bent Finger Foundation and taught how to fish and they learned about water conservation provided by the Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District.

This year, Manufacturing Day was held at Hardin Houston Elementary students for kindergarten through sixth graders with assistance from high school students. In June, we were pleased to partner with the Shelby County Sheriff’s office to present at DARE camp. Pioneer Day was held in October for all fourth graders in Shelby County and a Downtown Sidney tour for all the third graders from Northwood.

The annual Ladies Tea was held in July. Jolene Rinderle owner of the Jewelry Barn, shared why Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend. In August, Dave and Paul Brautigam shared information about the Pence and Kettlersville drag strip.

With help from the city of Sidney, the society was able to host the 75th anniversary of Tawawa Park Car Show in June and the 100th anniversary of the Big Four Bridge.

The society also hosted community favorites the Graceland Cemetery tour in June, the downtown Ghost Tour in October and Wreaths Across America in December.

The Christmas season started at the Ross Historical Center with another successful Angels in the Attic Craft Show.

Christmas of Yesteryear saw a record crowd of children visiting with Santa, decorating gingerbread houses and enjoying chestnuts roasted over the open fire. Volunteers then immediately took our Wallace Family Learning and Innovation Center float to participate in the Winter Wonderland Parade that evening.

Society volunteers have continued to write the daily “Out of the Past” column for the Sidney Daily News as a free public service.

The Shelby County Historical Society is looking forward to 2024! The Ross Historical Center will feature an exhibit titled “The Way We Were” that will feature the history of Wagner Manufacturing Company and highlight events that happened in 1924 the exhibit will open in April.

Our tentative 2024 events include a Cruise Downtown Sidney every third Saturday from April through October. Because of other downtown events Cruise Downtown Sidney will be held on the fourth Saturday in the months of June and September. We will be hosting a Cruise In and Craft Show in Tawawa Park on June 29. The Bi-Annual Civil War Living History weekend will be held at Tawawa Park on Sept. 21 and 22. Christmas of Yesteryear will be Dec. 7, 2024. Dates will be announced soon for our annual Ladies Tea, Gentlemen’s Luncheon, Graceland Cemetery and Ghost Tours.