Meet Highland County Historical Society’s New Executive Director

Nick Mullins:
Over the last 45 years, the the Highland County Historical Society has worked diligently to preserve the history of Highland County and its many small communities. Based in McDowell, the society operates two museums, the Mansion House located along Mansion House Road, and the Charles Pinckney Jones Museum located in downtown Monterey. Throughout the years, the society has collected local stories, artifacts, and genealogical records to help present and future generations stitch together the rich quilt of Highland’s historical past.

Over the years, many residents of Highland County have dedicated their time and energy to these noble pursuits, the newest of whom is Leanna Armstrong, Highland County Historical Society’s newest Executive Director. Allegheny Mountain Radio had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Armstrong to learn more about the society’s recent and upcoming projects, it’s many needs, and why she is so happy to take on the position.

Leanna Armstrong:
This is a dream job. I have a love of Highland County and a love of history. The stories you learn about, people from Highland houses that may no longer be there. It’s a mystery and I just really want to bring awareness to the county.” We’re currently doing some renovations on the house. It was built in 1851, so it does require some pretty significant upkeep. So that’s our current project, but we’re also looking to increase our online footprint and do some outreach and networking. We want people to know about us and come visit us. We’re looking into doing more events.

Nick Mullins:
But the historical society, like many non-profit civic organizations like it rely heavily on donations and local volunteers to keep things going.

Leanna Armstrong:
Year to year, things can be unpredictable right now. The economy is struggling a bit. Things are more expensive. The community and people who love Highland County have been incredibly generous because this is an amazing community. We have a great board, people who have a love for the society, who really invest time.

Nick Mullins:
The Museums officially close to the public on October 31^st and will re-open in March for the first weekend of Maple Festival, but just because the museums are not giving regular tours doesn’t mean the Historical Society itself is dormant. As Armstrong explains, members are always welcome and those looking to do research may contact the society to set up appointments for reviewing records and artifacts.

Leanna Armstrong:
People can reach out to us and make an appointment to come explore the research library. And a lot of these notebooks were made by families here in Highland and were donated. So it’s really interesting from the birds to the lockrige and hammers in my case and arms strong. You know, everything is over there. So it’s really interesting and, you know, like I said, if people are stumped and can’t quite find what they’re looking for, we actually have what I would consider experts who can help find those answers.

Nick Mullins:
And for those looking to do more…

Leanna Armstrong:
So we’re looking for members. There’s several benefits to being a member. People can get discounted admissions. They can actually get free access here in the library to ancestry.com. Come enjoy this with us. Be a part of this amazing history and opportunity to be immersed in really cool things we have here that many people don’t know about.

Nick Mullins:
If you are interested in learning more about the Highland County Historical Society and ways you can help, check out their website at HighlandCountyHistory.com or call (540) 396-4478