MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Historical Society invites the community to the Knox County Memorial Building, 112 East High St, on Sept. 3 to remember the 1925 beginning of its service.
The program starts at 7:30 pm. This will be the regular monthly program of the KCHS. Do not come to the Museum site on Harcourt Road; rather go directly to the Memorial Building.
After World War I there was a national push for communities to build a memorial building to honor its veterans.
In 1919 Knox County became determined “to honor all veterans of wars past and future.”
The Knox County Memorial Building was dedicated May 25, 2025, albeit without furniture.
The first use was on Feb. 4, 1926.
The Society wishes to help the public remember and celebrate the 100 years of events and stories the building has shared over the years.
John Nixon, long time technical manager for the theater, will be there to share some of his stories and behind-the-scenes experiences. After John’s presentation there will be a tour of the building, including Veterans Hall, the ballroom and more.
Also on display will be boards from the Memorial Building’s cupola autographed by locals and performers over a 90-year period. They were removed to the Museum when the Memorial Building was remodeled in 2014.
This program will be free and open to the public, as are all the Society’s monthly programs.
A more in-depth look at some of the memorabilia from the Memorial Building will take place Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in partnership with the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County.
This discussion will be held at the Main Library on Mulberry Street.
Titled “Hidden Gems” and led by Michael Sherfy of the Library staff, that program will explore the signed cupola boards more deeply, along with items from Veterans Hall and playbills from past performances.
Upcoming Knox County Historical Society programs:
October: Mark your calendar now so Oct.1 does not sneak up on you.
Mark Jordan will be at the Museum at 7:30 p.m. to share stories from his new book: In These Haunted Hills, including some from Knox County.