Saying Farewell In Style
Saying Farewell in Style
Eldred WWII Museum Celebrates the Retirements of Longtime Directors
Gallery Photos Provided by Evan Evans, ellicottvilleNOW
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana, The Life of Reason.
This motto can be found behind the front desk of the Eldred World War II Museum. Located at 201 Main Street in Eldred, PA, the museum is just a hop, skip and stone’s throw away from Ellicottville, NY. It’s mission: to commemorate the contribution of the 40 million Americans that supported the 16 million fighting soldiers during the epic struggle to defend freedom and democracy and to help shape a stronger future by teaching both present and future generations to understand the lessons of the 20th century.
The museum has upheld this mission since their opening in 1996. What began as Tim Roudebush’s dream to enlighten the youth of that day regarding WWII has became a 15,000 square foot memorial to that period of history. All directors and curators who’ve held the role since Tim’s passing in 2013 have risen to the occasion and shared their wealth of knowledge with visitors from near and far.
And the mission continues as the torch at the museum will pass again. Longtime Executive Director Jesse Case and Curator/Educational Program Director Steve Appleby celebrated their well deserved retirement this past Saturday, April 13th with a small gathering at the museum. These gentlemen have been well loved by the community, and many familiar folks, including ellicottvilleNOW’s own Evan Evans (once a director at the museum himself), were in attendance to wish them well in their future endeavors.
Newly appointed Director Liz Treehouse and Curator Kyle Dunn are more than ready to take on their roles and see to it that this local treasure continues on as it always has. They look forward to welcoming both regular and new faces to learn the history of World War II.
The museum offers a variety of educational opportunities and they do not charge admission fees for educational visits to the museum or for staff members’ participation in events outside of it. Donations are always appreciated but not mandatory for adults, and kids under 18 are always free when they visit. In addition to the research that is done by visiting the museum, the museum’s website and Facebook page are great tools where people can find information and contact museum staff with questions. Current hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 1:00-4:00pm. Hours differ in the winter months. Contact the Eldred World War II Museum toll-free at 1-866-686-WWII (9944) to plan a group visit today.
