Photo submitted to Times Observer From left, Dr. Karen Black, President of the Warren County Historical Society Board of Directors, presents the Warren County Historical Society 2016 Volunteer of the Year award to Mrs. Joanne Oviatt.

Almost a decade ago, Joanne Oviatt joined the Historical Society’s museum committee with the desire to improve the Wilder Museum of Warren County History’s facility located at 51 Erie Avenue in Irvine.

According to managing director Michelle Gray, “Joanne Oviatt has been a driving force in the almost completed Wilder Museum window replacement project. The window replacements serve as a cost saving measure that have allowed the building to continue operating as the historic repository and exhibit facility for Warren County’s artifacts, images, textiles, and documents. Joanne has also spearheaded many exhibit renovations, such as the communication exhibit for which she rallied volunteers to relocate two very heavy printing presses and create a very unique, vintage telephone booth display. The organization is truly enriched by Joanne’s many gifts.”

Mrs. Oviatt, a talented local artist, spent the better part of this past summer season prepping the Wilder Museum of Warren County History’s new Agriculture Exhibit room. She painted a large mural in the agriculture display area portraying the lives of local farmers and pioneers from eras-gone-by. The Wilder Museum of Warren County History will reopen for the season on May 16, 2017, so be sure to stop by and appreciate Mrs. Oviatt’s depictions of local history. You can also find her art work in the gift shop or visit www.artattackhere.com.

The Historical Society is a volunteer based, community service organization which serves as the preservation agency for Warren County, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.warrenhistory.org.