About the Museum:

While it is diffucult to imagine how the early settlers lived, we have been able to capture the flavor of life over the past 200 years with the assembly of tools and household items used by our parents, grandparents and great grandparents.

Its Management:

A volunteer committee headed by a coordinator, assistant coordinator, secretary, and treasurer meets 5 times a year to make all decisions regarding the operation of the museum

Knox County Agricultural Society (Fair Board), Commissioners:

The Knox County Agricultural Museum is located on the Knox County Fairgrounds which technically is the jurisdiction of the county commissioners. The museum is a formal organized committee (department) of the fair board. This arrangement assures the external operation of the museum. Such an arrangement also relieves the museum committee of the responsibilties for taxes, insurance, utilities, snow removal, lawn mowing and security. The museum handles its own funds, bank accounts and management decisions. All museum funds are audited annually and a report made to the fair board. In turn, the fair board makes an annual report to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Growth:

After the original display in an unused building on the fairgrounds in 1984, it became apparent the a building was needed to house objects people wanted to donate or loan to the museum. A 40 X 100 foot building was erected in 1986. It soon filled and more space was needed.

In 1990 an expansion was planned and the needed funds were raised with a generous contribution coming from the Mount Vernon Community Trust. This money was used to build a 40X 80 foot addition to the original building. With funds on hand and with a large bequest from the estate of Wilbur Earlywine, a long time Mt. Liberty antique dealer, a two-story 5,000 square-foot addition was added in 1997. This enabled the museum to better display its many collections including those requiring minimal heat

The last addition, a two story 56 X 50 foot non-heated wing was completed before the 2008 fair. This was made possible through generous support from the Community Foundation of Mount Vernon and Knox County, Knox County Board of Commissioners, Small's Ready-Mixed Concrete and Gravel, Knox County Dairy Service Unit, Ariel Corporation and many others.

Accessibility:

All areas of the Museum are accessibile to wheel chairs and persons with varying degrees of mobility impairments. Access to a private restroom can be arranged by special request of any volunteer on duty-- recognizable by their bright red caps.

Availability:

The museum is open during all seven days of the annual Knox County Fair. It is also open during any event held on the grounds (such as the 'garage sale' ) The Museum can also be opened and guides provided for local groups, bus tours, etc. even just a small group of interested individuals. Please call David Greer at 740-504-4497 or Art Mizer at 740-393-3691, with your request.