Tony Tracy and Kathy Laakso
Tony Tracy: This will be my first opportunity to include my thoughts in the DCHS column since joining the team as the executive director in July. I have been very pleased with my transition thus far into the process and feel very fortunate to have been selected for this role. I am very excited about Heritage Day in September and our History Theatre’s first production for the new season in October.
In the coming months, we will be introducing some very exciting events that continue to support our mission and strengthen our outreach to all of Douglas County. It is very exciting time to be working with our historical society and I look forward to the continued involvement of our communities and residents as we preserve, protect and interpret our cherished past.
Kathy Laakso: History Sundays are now History Saturdays. With our new hours of operation, we’re open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays so once a month in the fall and winter we’ll expand those hours on the second Saturday of the month to include our 2 p.m. programs.
September will be a bit different when we open the DCHS hall at 1101 John Ave on Sept. 20 to celebrate Heritage Day with dancing, ethnic foods and a fair of cultural arts and crafts. The fun begins at 3 p.m. and continues into the night with music from the Singing Slovenes at 6 p.m. This popular band is led by Frank Bucar and assistant director, Mary Spehar White, with a mission to preserve Slovenian music and cultural heritage. Formed in the multi-ethnic community of Gary-New Duluth in 1980, The Singing Slovens perform shows that are educational as well as entertaining. But don’t let the band’s name stop you from coming if you are Polish. Besides Slovenia, the group represents countries such as Croatia, Italy, Germany, Denmark, France, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Poland. Admission is a $5 suggested donation. If you are an artist of traditional, ethnic art, call us about selling your art at the fair.
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The DCHS History Theatre’s 2014-2015 season begins this fall with “Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe” for a one-weekend only production, Oct. 23-Oct. 26. This theatrical adaptation has Edgar Allan Poe standing alone in the flickering darkness of his mind, trying desperately to convince himself - and us - that he is not mad. The show includes his famous, “The Raven,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Tickets go on sale later this month.
The Douglas County Historical Society is at 1101 John Ave. Contact us at 715-392-8449 or dchs@douglashistory.org .
