The Walworth Historical Society is planning its first program and an opportunity for a first look at its new Heritage Hall in Elkhorn on Thursday, Sept. 19. The speaker is Paul Reckner, archeologist for the State Historical Society who has been doing recent work in the county in connection with proposed improvements for Hwy. 20 in East Troy.
Any time major road improvements are planned, Reckner is sent to the scene to see if any archaeological sites such as cemeteries or Indian mounds might be disturbed in the process. In his investigation near East Troy a very old building foundation was discovered on property owned by one of the earliest settlers, the Stephen Field family.
While still in the process, the site has uncovered hundreds of artifacts that have been given to the East Troy Historical Society. Reckner has pictures and will describe this fascinating process at the program that will begin at 7 p.m.
The program also will provide the community’s first look at Heritage Hall on S. Washington Street directly across the street from the Webster House Meuseum. The hall is the largest room in the former Betts Funeral Home that was purchased last year by the Historical Society to alleviate a critical space shortage in the existing buildings. Repair and remodeling have been underway for a year and Heritage Hall is the first part ready for use.
Another portion of the new accusation is a room devoted to veterans and history dating back to World War II that should be ready for opening by Veterans Day on Nov. 11. The society is also to hold its annual dinner meeting in Heritage Hall Oct. 15.
