May is National Preservation Month. Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the theme this year is “Celebrating America’s Treasures.”
At the local level, Darke County will be joining communities across the country commemorating their own unique heritage. Darke County’s “Celebrating Our Local Treasures” includes events throughout the month and offers the community ways to support and recognize our diverse history and built environment.
Partnering together for the places that matter are Bear's Mill, Main Street Greenville, and Garst Museum (Darke County Historical Society) by offering a joint membership special during May. Your support allows all three organizations to continue their mission to ensure that our local treasures remain intact and celebrated for years to come. The special membership package includes an individual membership to each organization for a year at a discounted price of $50. Visit www.DowntownGreenville.org or stop by Bear's Mill and Garst Museum to support our treasures today!
Bear’s Mill, built in 1849 and on the National Register of Historic Places is an authentic working example of a mill of its time. The Friends of Bear's Mill non-profit organization operate historic Bear’s Mill with a mission to provide a rich cultural experience and community-oriented events including educational tours, demonstrations and nature walks while preserving the Mill's historical significance and natural beauty.
Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth in Historic Downtown Greenville resulting in a cultural downtown district that attracts and retains businesses and entrepreneurs, making downtown a desirable destination. Formed in 1997, the organization hosts notable events and activities such as the Hometown Holiday Horse Parade, Flicks on 5th, Upper Floor Tour, Downtown Greenville Farmers' Market, and the Adopt A Box program.
The Darke County Historical Society, Inc. (DCHS) is dedicated to preserving the history of the county and furthering the education of its citizens. Its mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, study, and interpret materials relating to the history and culture of Darke County, Ohio. The DCHS operates the Garst Museum in Greenville, Ohio. Permanent exhibition subjects of national significance include Annie Oakley, the Treaty of Greenville, Lowell Thomas, and Ohio Native Americans. The Garst Museum offers programs for people of all ages and walks of life and welcomed over 11,000 patrons during 2010. While attracting visitors nationwide, the Garst Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs are designed to reach out to the communities of Darke County and the neighboring counties.
