The Mantua Township Historical Commission has served in different forms as the main historical attraction in the municipality since the early 2000s. The latest iteration is a museum that reopened on July 17.
Like so many other attractions, the historical commission had to shut down because of COVID,
“COVID really affected us, because we were open on Saturdays and we really weren’t able to be there,” said Vice Chairman Tom Downing.
The commission ended up doing things virtually, but its annual fifth grade visit last year, when J Mason Tomlin Elementary School students got a chance to visit, was in person but outside. Students saw the commission’s Mantua Academy and Union Graveyard.
“We were looking forward to reopening so we can be doing things inside again,” said Downing.
The Mantua native moved away for much of his adult life, but returned 18 years ago.
“I have been really interested in the history of Mantua Township ever since,” he explained.
To prepare for its reopening, the commission refurbished the flag pole and some of the surrounding areas outside of the museum to replicate what they once were years ago. The nearby cemetery has also been cleaned.
“This is a really good time for people to come out and find out more about the township’s history,” Downing noted.
The commission also has opened a new library in remembrance of the late Dolores Allen, its research specialist. It also opened up on July 17.
The commission, its museum and library are open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
To learn more, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MantuaTownshipHistoricCommittee.
