Weekly Update

​Greetings one and all!  Today marks an historic turning point for both the Easton Historical Society and Museum and myself.  I will be retiring from the position of Curator at the end of August.
 
My reason for retiring comes down to my decision to fulfill another call – to ministry.  While I am not sure what that will be just yet, there is no doubt in my mind that I am being called to serve my Lord in my church and my community.  The good news is that I will still be around town, though I’ll be spreading the Good News more and the historical news less.  I’ve spent a lot of years in Youth Ministry, and I have a desire in my heart to continue working with our young people.
 
I first joined this wonderful organization around 1980 as a life member.  I have had the pleasure to serve as President, Director, and since October 2006 as Curator / Caretaker of the Museum.  Over these forty-two years I have been blessed by many, many people – too many to mention here, and not wanting to leave anyone out, I will not attempt to try to offer any names.  I’ve had many special mentors in my time here which I am thankful for.  I am very grateful for all the guidance and support offered to me by the current Officers and Board of Directors, and for the many Officers and Directors I have had the pleasure to serve with in years past.
 
For sixteen years I have been serving you by preparing open houses, tours, special events, class reunions, writing a newsletter (22 years!), weekly emails, speaking to groups, and greeting our many visitors.  I’ve enjoyed the hundreds of research projects that have been done, discovering much about the history of Easton and the stories of her people.  Membership is growing, our collections are growing, and so has our knowledge base of how our local history ties into regional and national history.  We have partnered with many organizations (Easton Public Schools, Home School Groups, Stonehill College, Ames Free Library, Veteran's Organizations, Easton Garden Club, Easton Lions Club, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the YMCA, ECAT, etc.) to serve the Easton community.
 
A special note of thanks is extended to the King Family, whose generosity and foresight set up the Robert D. and Sally G. King Trust, which provides for a curator position and allows the Museum to be open regularly.  Their gift has done so much to enrich the lives of all who pass through here.  I also owe sincere thanks to my wife Anne-Marie, whom I love dearly, and who has been my partner here for these many years, working behind the scenes, and sacrificing much to allow me to do the work I have been able to do.  Her love and support have allowed me to accomplish so much.
 
If one is supposed to leave a legacy, I hope mine will be found in the many young people whose lives have been enriched by the Museum.  Which young child will remember looking at pictures of steam engines here? How many of the second graders will remember their school visits to the Museum?  I think of the high school and college volunteers I’ve worked with over the years, and now, the interns we have had in more recent years.  I hope one day they will remember the investing of my time and energy, believing in them, and giving them an opportunity to learn and grow.  If they will do the same for another young person someday, that would make me very, very happy.
 
And now, with sincere thanks to each of you for the ways you have enriched my life,
Frank