Historical Society Thankful for Support of Museums

The Saline Area Historical Society, in the process of renovating the Rentschler Farm Museum, recognized the assistance of Saline Department of Public Works Director Jeff Fordice Sunday afternoon.

Prior to a presentation on window restoration, society president Dean Greb presented Fordice with a certificate of appreciation.

“We are grateful for all of his support, and the City of Saline’s support, for their continued support of Saline’s museums,” said Greb.

The city owns the Rentschler Farm Museum and the Depot Museum. The society operates the museums.

The society is in the midst of restoring the old farm house. Recently, Preservation by Design restored the windows.

Greb guessed that it might have been the first work ever done on the farmhouse's windows. Currently, there is a carpenter working on the wood trim.

“The carpenter recently finished the bell tower and it looks nice,” Greb said.

Later this year, the house will be painted for the first time in 10 years.

The city is supporting the Rentschler Farm Museum again this year with $15,000 from its budget. The society is made up of volunteers.

The Summer Season at Rentschler Farm began the first Saturday of May. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The Depot Museum remains open on Saturdays year round. During regular hours, free guided tours for individuals and for families.

The next society event is a “Windmill Tour,” set for July 22. During the event, people will take a bus tour of windmill sites at the Rentschler Farm, Depot Museum and the Braun Farm, which has an electricity-generating turbine. The first 100 kids will receive a free old-fashioned pinwheel. The event is free.

For more information about the Saline Area Historical Society and its museums, visit www.salinehistory.org.