BEMUS POINT — After having been dark throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bemus Point Historical Society will reopen the group’s museum on Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Attendees may view new displays which were created during the closure by Bob Terreberry, co-president, and Cherrie Clark, secretary, with the assistance of Jane Johnson, curator of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown. Along with the new displays, many artifacts belonging to the museum were digitally reproduced for display with the original items being stored in archival containers to insure their long-term preservation.

One of those items is the original color 36′ x 60′ map of the Bemus Point Cemetery donated by the John and Betty Lou Cheney family.

“Viewers will be amazed at the beautiful, artistic layout of the cemetery which can best be appreciated in this overhead view,” historical society officials said. “Through the years names have been added to each plot which make locating family plots easier.”

Those who visit the cemetery can view the Colby family site which, after research and consultation, has been restored to its original state by member Steve Hayes.

Prior to the pandemic, the organization, under the guidance of trustee Jim Steber, solicited donations from members and local residents for capital improvement repairs to the museum including substantial repairs to a badly deteriorated dormer on the front of the museum as well as installation of new windows, blown-in insulation and vinyl siding on the south side of the building. Thanks in part to trustee Mike Rodgers, the changes have made the building more energy efficient, attractive and provided additional display space on the inside.

In keeping with its mission to educate youth about the history of the area, the Bemus Point Historical Society will be awarding its annual Mary Jane Stahley Award to Maple Grove senior Christina Peppy. The award honors Mrs. Stahley for her many years of service as Bemus Point historian and her dedicated work as one of the founders of the Bemus Point Historical Society.

Peppy will be given her award and check at the society’s open house on June 19. Money for the award is generated annually through the society’s “yard sale” which will be held on Aug. Members and local residents may donate goods other than clothing or electronics on Saturdays in July and until Aug. 14 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the museum.

Members and volunteers will lead the society’s annual fourth grade historical walk around the Village of Bemus Point on Tuesday with a rain date of June 17. Volunteers along with a parent take the elementary students on a walk throughout the village describing historic buildings and their importance to Bemus Point. Students will tour the village’s cemetery and learn about some of the important individuals who have called Bemus home. Groups will also tour the venerable Hotel Lenhart, the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry and the society’s museum. Each student receives a booklet describing the village and its history.

The Bemus Point Historical Society’s museum is located on Alburtus Avenue adjacent to the fire department. Admission is free to the public. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays in June and July as well as in conjunction with special events in the village or by appointment. Historical presentations are offered September through May, the schedule of which will be announced in a future Post-Journal article.