By April Bryan
An article in a local newspaper in 1967 led Warren Lawrence to help form a new organization in Vicksburg, a committee to preserving and presenting the village’s heritage.
Intrigued by what he read, Lawrence became one of the charter members of the Vicksburg Historical Society, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The Society is staging a temporary exhibition, “VHS at 50: Five Decades of Vicksburg Historical Society,” exploring the history of the Society, the Depot Museum, Historic Village, and people such as Lawrence who helped make these resources available to the community.
Through photographs, documents and artifacts, visitors will discover the stories and people that shaped and continue to shape the Society. Visitors can learn about the origins of each structure on the historic campus, including how the Union Depot became the Society’s headquarters, see examples of past exhibits, and find out how a little glass hat helped the Society grow.
The exhibition also highlights memorable events supported by the Society through the years, including Vicksburg’s historic 1972 Centennial Celebration and contemporary events such as the Battle of Sunset Lake and Harvest Festival. The exhibit will be installed in the Depot Museum from July 22-November 22. It is open free of charge Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
The public is invited to celebrate with a 50th Anniversary Party and Exhibition premier on Saturday, July 22 at the Depot Museum where Lawrence’s contributions to the Historical Society will be honored. The ceremony kicks off at 1 p.m., followed at 2 p.m. by cake, punch, and the official opening of the new exhibition through 5 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the Historic Village and gift shop. For questions about the Society, exhibition, the 50th anniversary party, or membership, please call 269-649-1733 or stop by Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.