Limestone County Historical Society officials have announced a need of membership, especially members who are able and willing to help continue the work that it performs.

Incorporated on April 28, 1969, the historical society began with the objective “to further an interest in local history and to locate, mark and preserve historical sites and records in Limestone County.” That objective has seen fruition in numerous projects during the past 55 years and continues to motivate our membership, including in this list some of the work accomplished by the society:

— Transcribed old courthouse records for deposition in the public library.

— Sorted and preserved a large number of old newspapers which were stored in an old warehouse and were in eminent danger of deterioration and loss.

— Searched out and recorded all data from gravestones in Limestone County for deposition in the archives and local library.

— Established (early 1970s) and operated (until 2015) a museum of historical artifacts and information in the Houston House. The curator and all workers were volunteers.

— Performed the necessary research and made application to have the Donnell House placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

— Sponsored the restoration of the Donnell House.

— Placed classroom sets of biographies of famous Alabamians in fourth grade classes throughout the city and county schools.

— Identified sites, researched, provided inscriptions, and set in place historical markers at significant sites in Limestone County. (Currently 33)

— Published a quarterly journal, “The Limestone Legacy,” beginning in October 1978, which is free to our members.

— Restored and continue to maintain the old section of New Garden Cemetery.

— Assisted numerous individuals with genealogical research.

— Assisted descendents’ efforts to preserve family cemeteries and apply for recognition on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register. (Eleven cemeteries have been added to date.)

— Researched and purchased the Nick Davis Cemetery to preserve and maintain the family cemetery of an early pioneer and statesman.

— Provided speakers on interesting historical topics at quarterly meetings that are open to the public.

— Commemorated iconic places, buildings and events in Limestone County in the form of 24K gold-plated Christmas ornaments offered for sale. (The only source of funds other than membership dues, gifts or book sales).

Presently, officers and executive committee are in need of volunteer help, organization officials said, including:

— Serving as an officer.

— Securing speakers.

— Upgrading and maintaining a website.

— Creating and administering a Facebook page.

— Working on the quarterly publication – researching, writing, editing, formatting, contributing ideas, photos, documents, etc.

— Helping maintain cemeteries.

— Increasing/promoting membership.

— Working on historical markers — new and old (refurbishment)

For more information about membership dues or other topics, visit limestonecountyhistoricalsociety.org, contact any of the officers: Linda Nelson lwnelson@pclnet.net, Jackie Leonard jackiewleonard@yahoo.com, Kathryn Davis jkolug@aol.com, Rex Lewis rdlewiseq@gmail.com, Richard Martin richardwilkesmartin@gmail.com); contact the organization by mail (Limestone County Historical Society, P.O. Box 82, Athens, AL 35612 or speak to them in person at the next quarterly meeting, July 21, Sunday afternoon, 2:30 p.m. at the Rodgers Center of the First Presbyterian Church on the square.