WAYNESFIELD — In conjunction with “Our Downtown: The Way It Was” initiative, the Auglaize County Historical Society will host a scanning day for historic photographs on Tuesday, May 3, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the White Memorial Library, Waynesfield. Local residents are invited to bring any images of people, buildings, and events anywhere in Auglaize County from the 1970s or earlier, and they will be archivally scanned.

Our Downtown: The Way It Was is a two-year effort of the historical society to document the appearance of commercial buildings in Auglaize County through the decades, developing a file for as many individual structures as possible. Currently, the White Memorial Library is hosting a mini-photography exhibit from the Historical Society about businesses and stores in Waynesfield and eastern Auglaize County.

States Historical Society administrator Rachel Barber, “Since May is National Historic Preservation Month, we thought it would be an ideal time to document the people, buildings, and events of Auglaize County, especially the eastern part of the county. Because stores and downtowns hold such a strong place in the hearts of so many, we’re especially interested in those historic images. We are grateful to the staff at the White Memorial Library for making this effort possible.”

Barber emphasizes that Our Downtown is more than a way to enhance the Historical Society’s archives. “We want to be a community partner and want to continue to enhance the quality of life for Auglaize County residents. We believe that Our Downtown: The Way It Was is an important step in that goal.”

Those with questions about this event or any Historical Society programming may contact the organization at [email protected] or 419-738-9328.