The Monroe County Local History Room & Museum, located in Sparta, recently received the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Leadership in History Award of Excellence for its “Monroe County A to Z” exhibit at the 2019 AASLH Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.
According to a press release prepared by the Monroe County Local History Room, “The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 74th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. AASLH award winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.”
The theme of the “Monroe County A to Z” exhibit is that of a colorful, alphabet history pop-up book that highlights what is special about Monroe County from corner to corner. Each letter of the alphabet represents a place, person, or event that is remarkable about the county. For example, “A” for Astronaut Deke Slayton, “B” for bike trail, “C” for cranberries, all the way through to “Z” for the “zzzt, zzzt” of the saw blade that was once commonly heard in the northwestern corner of the county during the lumbering era of the 1800s.
“Monroe County A to Z” is a professionally made, fully interactive exhibit which features 27 hands-on components: things that the visitor can touch, lift, turn, and hear to learn more about the subject. In addition, historic artifacts and images are featured. Pica Grove Image Allies of Sparta fabricated the exhibit using designs created by Local History Room staff.
According to the AASLH Award Committee, “This meticulously researched and well-written display provides not only a thorough overview of the county’s past, but also offers insights into sources, processes, and individual connections to history.”
“Monroe County A to Z” is on view at the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum located at 200 W. Main St., Sparta. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/mclhr.