The Johnston Historical Society has issued a townwide call in hopes of expanding its collection of images.
The society will hold its first-ever and Scanning Event on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to noon at the recently renovated Museum Barn next to the Elijah Angell House at 101 Putnam Pike (Route 44). And there is more planned as well.
“We’re actually doing three things on one day,” said Christopher Martin, the society’s corresponding secretary. “We’re having a Tag Sale and an Open House, all within the same three-hour window as the Scanning Event. It should be quite interesting for a lot of people.”
All proceeds from the Tag Sale will benefit the non-profit society, which is regarded as one of the top organizations of its kind in Rhode Island. Anyone interested in donating items for the sale may call 401-231-3380. Items can also be dropped off at the Museum Barn on Monday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Martin also encouraged those who enjoy history in a unique setting to take in the Open House. Visitors will be able to tour the Elijah House as well as the Museum Barn, which is replica of the post-and-beam like structures that were built many moons ago.
As for the Scanning Event, Martin explained that the society is looking for photographs, old or new, of Johnston.
“We’re looking for photographs associated with town businesses, schools, churches and people, and of course events,” Martin said. “If anyone has such photos, we’d love to see them and make them part of the Scanning Event.”
And it doesn’t matter, he added, “if those photographs are in old albums, shoeboxes or just snapshots or possibly old slides or 35mm negatives. With a person’s permission, the society will digitally scan them for our collection. Also, we’d be happy to provide the respective donor with an electronic copy.”
Marin said the Scanning Event is yet another way the society is attempting to collect and preserve the history of Johnston for future generations.
“If anyone has seen our ‘Images of America’ books, they know that our interest is wide-ranging,” Martin said.
Should the turnout be larger than expected on May 2, Martin said the society will make alternate arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
Those people who do bring photos to the event will be asked to fill out a form with details about each picture they submit or related stories.
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