“Unfolding New Chapters” Begins New Era at Sandy Historical Society Museum
By Abby Haney
Mayor Kathleen Walker cuts the ribbon in front of the Sandy Historical Society Museum new exhibits. The ceremony, “Unfolding New Chapters”, welcomed visitors on Nov. 4 and was a success for the museum.
On Nov. 4, Sandy Historical Society Museum introduced their new exhibits with the “Unfolding New Chapters” ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Kathleen Walker had the honor of cutting the ribbon, welcoming new and returning visitors to explore the museum and view the new additions. In total, about 50 guests attended and among the crowd were both returners and newcomers.
Along with Mayor Walker, councilors Laurie Smallwood, Kristina Ramseyer and Lindy Hanley attended the ribbon cutting alongside former Sandy Mayor, Linda Malone. All four current female councilors are featured in a new exhibit, “Sandy’s Women Leaders” which showcases the achievements of Sandy’s women leaders from 1918 to today.
Also found within the crowd were representatives from AntFarm, Todos Juntos, Sandy Public Library, Sandy Chamber of Commerce and Sandy Community Center. Each of these organizations lent an artifact to the “Our Town, Sandy” exhibit which is a part of the loaned Pursuit of Happiness Exhibit from Oregon Historical Society.
“We are excited to open our doors and see the community support for a new chapter at the Sandy Historical Society Museum. We succeed because of our town ‘It’s Dandy in Sandy,’” Sandy Historical Society Museum visitor support specialist Pam Skellenger said.
Museum visitors explore the new exhibits with its “Unfolding New Chapters” ribbon cutting ceremony. New exhibits include “Sandy Women Leaders”, “Our Town, Sandy” and “Pursuit of Happiness”.
“Our Town, Sandy” features borrowed artifacts from local businesses that make them happy or the town happy. “The Pursuit of Happiness” exhibit are photos that showcase Oregon’s celebration and happiness. “Our Town, Sandy” adds to it by expressing happiness locally.
“We’ve grown. We are starting to embody that the museum doesn’t end at the parking lot," Museum board vice-president Austin Ernesti said. "It’s just the walls that are physical, our reach goes far beyond.”
While Mayor Walker cut the ribbon, Ernesti gave remarks on the goals of the museum and importance of it. He joined about six years ago and overtime, wanted to expand the museum's reach and improve its resources. Through the help of staff and other board members, his dream is becoming a reality.
“We can have all these wonderful artifacts here but if people aren’t in the building, it does no good,” Ernesti said.
Museum board Vice-President Austin Ernesti gave remarks at the ceremony about his time at the museum and excitement for the new additions. His speech showcased the new updates the museum has focused on and what more is to come.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony starts a new era for the museum, one where they are attracting more visitors and working for the public in order to provide and support them. It’s a special part of Sandy that is key to making it connected and honoring history, even while it's being created.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was a success for the Sandy Historical Society. It attracted new visitors and started a new chapter for the museum. Come visit the museum to see the new exhibits and learn more about the town of Sandy.
Abby Haney is the Editor-In-Chief at Sandy High School for the Pioneer Press and is a writer at large for The Sandy Historical Society.
