HIGHLIGHTING HERITAGE

Cameron County Historical Society's Little Museum opens for the season Memorial Day weekend. The former school house is a treasure trove of history and boasts collections of famous cowboy/movie star, Tom Mix; a four star general Joseph T. McNarney; and heavy weight boxer, Jack Dorval.

Another season is nearing for the Little Museum in the southern Cameron County village of Sterling Run. The museum opens its doors for the season on Saturday, May 24.

Operated by the Cameron County Historical Society, the museum showcases the region's rich heritage in a building that is a historic artifact in its own right.

Inside the former schoolhouse is a collection of historically significant artifacts that celebrate Cameron County and her people as they impacted not only their surroundings, but the world.

More than 25,000 artifacts are on display. The most significant collection is that of native son and four-star General Joseph T. McNarney, who served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army during World War II.

Other exhibits spotlight movie star Tom Mix, heavyweight boxer Jack Dorval, Civil War era Pennsylvania Bucktails and the Civilian Conservation Corps. All major wars are represented, along with some rare Nazi artifacts.

Industry exhibits include Sylvania Electronics, founded in Emporium in 1924; NILCO Lamps; logging; dynamite that helped build the Panama Canal, and agriculture.

Everyday life exhibits include a significant collection of photographs, toys, kitchen items, a women's accessory section, and much more.

There are many "kidfriendly" displays that welcome a hands-on experience. Visitors may come across a piece of the Wright Brothers' flyer, a dish from Hitler's private train car, a signature of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, or a mysterious goat carving. They can also listen to the 1895 Regina music box or crank the authentic air raid siren.

The building itself harkens back to simpler days when each community had its own school building. It served as the Sterling Run School from 1931 until 1962, when the county schools were consolidated and all students were bused to Emporium. The building is believed to be one of only two surviving "portable schools" popular during the Great Depression as a low-cost temporary building.

On the grounds, a replica coke oven, a high school project of three decades ago, is one of the most popular attractions. There is a playground and picnic pavilion in the back yard.

Volunteers staff the museum on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment at 486-0213 from June to October. Details can be found at the museum's website, thelittlemuseum.org.