Restoration work on the Dorcas Holt Buchanan gravesite in the Old Town Cemetery in Lewistown was completed in October 2022. Pictured are, John Appell, of Atlas Preservation, kneeling; standing, from left, Ed Arnold, Dee Miller, Forest Fisher, Mifflin County Commissioners Kevin Kodish, Mark Sunderland and Rob Postal, and county employee Brian Haubrick. (Submitted photo)

LEWISTOWN — Preserving history is a perpetual effort to document mankind’s existence. Sharing history is a vital component of the legacy we pass to future generations. We should all be aware of who and what came before us.

Local historians, including many volunteers, spend hours researching information and presenting artifacts and displays that tell our story from the area’s earliest days.

At the Mifflin County Historical Society, the tasks range from overseeing local landmarks such as the McCoy House Museum in Lewistown, to delving into new items of interest that are added to the county’s collection. The work requires an eye for detail and a devotion to local history, special characteristics found in the MCHS staff members.

Ed Arnold and Dee Miller, a husband and wife team, are just two of the volunteers serving the community on the historical society’s board of directors.

Arnold retired from Frey Motors Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram in December 2021. Miller completed a nearly 39-year career with the Bon-Ton Department Stores in Lewistown, York and lastly in State College when it closed in April 2018. She then joined her husband at Frey Motors until her retirement, also in December 2021.

With time on their hands, volunteering seemed like the right choice. The historical society was the obvious choice.

“We have been attending historical society banquets for a number of years which always feature interesting speakers in addition to a fantastic meal enjoyed with pleasant company,” Miller said. “We thought it would be fun to become members, which led to volunteering at the McCoy House Museum.”

The museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, is located at 17 N. Main St. in Lewistown.

“Dee followed her interest in cemetery exploration by attending a workshop on cemetery preservation at the African-American Memorial Cemetery in October 2021,” Arnold said. “At that time, she met the renowned historic cemetery craftsman, John Appell, of Atlas Preservation, located in New England.”

Appell later returned to do additional preservation work at the Old Town Cemetery in Lewistown in October 2022. Miller invited Arnold to participate during the work session at the cemetery. It was at that time that the couple became interested in preserving the Old Town Cemetery, a significant historic property in the heart of Lewistown.

The call to history was the perfect fit. Miller has an interest in historical photography.

“There is a phenomenal collection of historic photographs in the George Frysinger Memorial Library, commonly referred to as the research library,” she said.

The library is located in the Historic Courthouse on the Square in downtown Lewistown.

Since becoming volunteers, Arnold and Miller have been involved in several preservation projects

“We are involved with McCoy House activities such as meeting, greeting and assisting visitors during events such as Museum Day, Goose Day and the Ice Festival,” Miller said.

In 2024, Arnold became the project manager for the Old Town Cemetery restoration with the assistance of Miller and many others who contributed their time and effort to the project. The couple also worked with the United Way Day of Caring volunteer team from Trinity Plastics. The team provided help with fence painting at the Old Town Cemetery.

Arnold and Miller enjoy the work and the significance of their efforts plays a role.

“We feel it is important to preserve our local history, so the story of our community is kept alive for future generations in order for them to understand the people and events that have shaped our area,” Arnold said. “We met fourth grade students who, during a school tour of the McCoy House Museum, showed an interest in our local history. There were also high school history club students who joined us to be volunteer guides during the Ice Festival. We are delighted to see the interest from students in preserving our local history.”

Plus, it is never too late to learn.

“We have learned a lot of very interesting local history as well as discovering sources of information available to anyone interested,” Miller said. “A big takeaway is that you do not have to be a history expert to enjoy the volunteer experience at the Mifflin County Historical Society. We have also learned that there are many very dedicated people who keep the historical society up and running. The society officers, board members

and administrative staff, plus the network of knowledgeable and tireless volunteers are all truly amazing.”

The historical society is always on the lookout for interested individuals who would like to donate their time.

“We are always looking for volunteers to assist with the McCoy House Museum, event planning, fundraising activities, the new Hoopes School site and more,” Miller said. “There are many ways to be a volunteer such as helping set up or maintain displays, basic grounds clean-up and maintenance at any of the historical society properties. Plus, researching local historical information is always important.”

Arnold and Miller have worked closely with historical society staff. A true bond has been formed with many, including President Forest Fisher, Vice President Jenny Landis and Administrator Cheryl Bilinsky.

“They have provided a warm welcome and provided guidance and support along our journey,” Miller said. “We were invited to become members, and we truly appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”

Despite the commitment, Arnold and Miller do not consider themselves champions of history.

“Champions? No. Volunteers? Yes,” Miller said. “At the end of the day, we are simply volunteers who enjoy participating in this community as do many others.”

Our local history is filled with glories of the past. There is much to be learned and much to be gained.

“The George Frysinger Memorial Library has a massive collection of local history,” Miller said. “It is a great source for books on local history for sale, as well as genealogical research information available upon request. The volunteers who operate the library have many years of combined experience to provide insight into family research and local history. If you are thinking of becoming a member, please join us. All input and volunteers are welcome, you will enjoy the experience. A membership is an opportunity to open new doors and explore the events and fascinating characters who have been part of defining our area since the first European settlers in the mid-1700’s.”

The historical society’s motto is “Preserving the Past For the Future Since 1921.” History never gets old.

“Stay curious,” Miller said. “The fun never ends.”

To contact the Mifflin County Historical Society, call (717) 242-1022 or email office@mifflincountyhistory.org.