The Fuquay-Varina Museums have had a fairly busy summer schedule of visitors. Among them have been international visitors who toured during the month of July. The Steve Rowland family of Raleigh (with Willow Springs origins) toured with the Howard Family. They enjoyed the maps identifying property of their land grant ancestors and the video elaborating on their Rowland forebears.
Among their numbers were relatives from the Netherlands. Young Ian and Thomas Rowland, who spoke only Dutch, were visiting their grandmother in the United States. Without language, there was no mistaking the fascination of two small boys peering through the bars within the old jail cells. The Howard family brought a number of visitors with gifts of new artifacts for the museum collection.
Tanya Marnykh came as the chaperone/interpreter with the Belarussian Children who were hosted in the Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church and Little River Association for six weeks of June and July. She sat in upon tours of several groups, including school children. As a teacher of English in Belarus, she entered the discussion of early American education and viewed the old textbooks. On other occasions, she enjoyed many of the artifacts on display and listened to Fuquay-Varina history. The Baker family who hosted Anastasia, one of the young visitors, were friends of Heulon Dean. He invited his Belarussian friend, Nastia, to see his photographic gallery. Afterwards they participated in the expanded tour of all three museum buildings. These gave these visitors a new perspective on an American town.
Ironically, it would seem that many local residents either do not read the Independent articles or do not know of the museums. A common question, “You mean we have museums in Fuquay-Varina?” The staff and docents invite you to explore your museums either on public days: Wednesday afternoons 1-4 p.m. or during the Art After Dark night on August 10 between 5-8 p.m. Tours for larger groups may be arranged by calling Shirley Simmons at 552-5562.
If you have come previously, we are constantly adding new artifacts. The Goss family organ given by Sally Cozart Council is now on display along with several new artifacts donated by two J. E. Brown granddaughters, Betty Bruce Howard Hoover and Kay Howard Cloniger. The school house has been favored with a big book from the Dick & Jane collection, (courtesy of two new docents Mike and Judy Bubb ) and our railroad display has expanded through the efforts of Tim Carroll.
Come and visit again soon! Remember the museums are still collecting pictures family histories, annuals, and artifacts. Our Campaign 2012 is still underway with funds needed for future expansion plans including a tobacco barn and caboose. You are urged to join the Friends of the Museums and help us grow. Memberships are available at the museums or by visiting www.fuquay-varina-museums.org.
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