NKyTribune staff
Tharp Dayton Heritage Museum is changing its name to Dayton Heritage museum.
Benefactor, Charlie Tharp, graciously agreed to the change, since the three-year-old museum receives donations and artifacts beyond the original gift Tharp made to the city in 2012. The museum board has realized that the separation from Tharp’s name defines the museum as an independent entity, free to seek funding from outside sources.
The Dayton Heritage Museum is located at 718 Sixth Avenue in Dayton.
The mission of the museum is to preserve and exhibit the rich history of Dayton. The goal is to tell the stories of the various aspects of life along this river town.
The sandbar at the bend in the Ohio witnessed a battle in 1779 between frontiersmen and members of a local Shoshone tribe.
After that battle, the land became the farm of Thomas Berry in 1796 with the purchase of 1000 acres. From the farm grew 2 settlements-Jamestown and Brooklyn in the early 1800’s. Dayton is the product of Brooklyn and Jamestown merging, and became an incorporated town in 1867.
The museum honors this history and exhibit it for the benefit of the larger community.
Normal hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. On re-dedication Saturday you can become a member of the museum at a discounted rate.
Individual memberships $10, family memberships are $18 and lifetime memberships are $190.
For more information, click here .
On Saturday, Jan. 28, a day of celebration is planned with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and presentation of a plaque to Mr. Tharp and his family in gratitude for their generosity. A reception will follow with refreshments and activities for young and old.
The Slush Puppie will make an appearance as will important people from Dayton’s past. Kids can get their pictures taken in a hot air balloon gondola with the Slush Puppie.
Throughout the day a videographer will be recording anyone who has a story to tell about Dayton.
A program begun in the summer, Histories on the Square is also part of the program. The program calendar for 2017 will be revealed with activities planned for every month.
