On Sunday the Lawrence County Historical Society welcomed in the Christmas holidays with its annual reception at the Gray Mansion, the society’s museum headquarters.

Until Dec. 20, the society will host Sunday entertainment as well as the traditional church walk that allows visitors to tour the historic downtown churches as they hear the Christmas story starting with the prophesy from the Book of Isaiah.

After Dec. 20, the museum will then close until spring.

The volunteers with the historical society work hard throughout the year creating special events for the community like the cemetery walk, decorating the museum for Christmas, hosting fundraising teas twice a year and acting as docents every weekend the museum is open.

They put in countless hours to showcase Lawrence County’s extraordinary history for those of us who live here and those who visit our area.

What would make the museum an even more effective ambassador to the county would be if there were more volunteers who crossed generational lines. Right now the younger generation is strongly represented by the efforts of college student Dylan Carpenter and high school student John Higgins. They should be commended to give up their free time to help such a worthwhile cause.

What would be even better if more young people would join the society not only to learn more about our county but also share their unique point of view so the society will continue to thrive for decades more.

The society is a jewel that should shine for years to come.