By Sharon Lakey
The morning of May 14, 2020, was a bright day in early spring, and I was tasked with saying goodbye as Director of the Danville Historical Society. After a ten-year stint, there are many memories to make me smile. It was a wonderful experience to direct the course of our little Society over this span of time! There are lovely people to thank–people, both old-timers and newcomers, who were not shy to roll up their sleeves and extend all kinds of effort and support to further the documenting and enjoyment of our beautiful little town.
One of the most important things I learned as Director was how people treasure their history. Everything has a story behind it, whether it be a photo, an artifact, a letter or a book. And, the people of Danville knew of this significance to the town from its very beginning. Even the smallest detail saved is valuable, adding to the bigger picture. I know that because I can sense the power in what was collected and saved.
I learned how we, as humans, are mostly the same at the root, regardless of what time period we were born into or where we happened to land upon the Earth. In documenting the collection, our volunteers and staff have witnessed stories of ups and downs, good and not-so-good motivations, anger, fear, longing and love. It has been, and continues to be a fascinating journey through time.
The baton was passed that day to our new Director, Patricia (Houghton) Conly. She has a deep love of history and a tenacious desire to “find out” what happened and who did it. I do not doubt she will help find many, many more stories of Danville to be documented and organized and available for all of us to experience.
Thank you, Danville, for sharing your stories. Keep up the good work.
