Technology is the Donald Trump of history.

Swifter than a raging river, it engulfs the tiny embankments of local history that cannot keep up with the times.

In my undergraduate studies, I continually run into the problems facing local institutions of history. Ancient filing systems, cramped spaces, and a lack of funds plague the few aspiring memory keepers from rapid advancement.

Marion Matters, a local service project during the first week of school, introduced me to the Lincoln School Museum. The institution is operating under a tight space and limited funds, but has a great number of willing volunteers. My team consisted of Judson girls and Miss Andrea Abernathy, the new librarian at Judson College.

We helped catalog new archival documents, and created a spreadsheet for inventory. Some of the Lincoln volunteers were anxious to learn how to operate Microsoft Excel. It is the hopes of the museum curators to have all artifacts catalogued electronically.

I love passionate people.

The Lincoln Museum is run by the Lincolnite Club, Inc. (the Alumni). All of the volunteers are members of the local chapter. When I asked for the story of the Lincoln School, all of the information was offered to me generously.

The story of the Lincoln School began with a Union soldier. Following the Civil War, he started to teach the black children surrounding his home. This sparked the interest of ex-slaves to open a school for their children. In 1867-68, the trustees organized people and resources. Under the auspices of the American Missionary Association (AMA), the school formally opened in 1869.

For once, I'll let the bulk of the story be told by someone else. The website has a great article written by Idella J. Childs, class of 1921.

My main objective today was to give a shout out to a great site of local history.

I asked a volunteer why the Museum was so important to her.

"You don't want a part of your heritage to die."

My experience at the Lincoln School Museum left me wanting to do more. All of the workers were very honest, and helpful in my research process. We were told to return soon with friends to help work. Let's just say that I've never been one to ignore an open invitation.  

*You can find pictures of our visit to the Museum on my Facebook page under the album titled "Blogger Photos" or by clicking HERE.*