The Lawrence County Museum opened for the season this past Sunday featuring a display of beautiful vintage hats from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.

If you have any doubt as to the importance of having proper and fashionable headgear to be a part of Ironton society at the time, you might also browse through the scrapbooks and memorabilia in the dining room.

You’ll see many familiar names and faces sporting their dress-up attire. Many other interesting items from Ironton’s early history are exhibited throughout the museum.

The museum is at 506 South Sixth St. and will be the site of a children’s Easter egg hunt at 2:30 on April 14th. The annual spring tea is scheduled for May 14 at 2 p.m, and ticket information is available by calling Kay Rader at 534-9477.

The building that houses the museum is known as “The Gray House”, and is in the Registry of Historic Homes of the Rankin District.

The house was built in 1870, and became the home of Col. George N. Gray, an ironmaster, in 1878. Mrs. Gray’s grandfather was the noted abolitionist Rev. John Rankin who died in the house in 1886.

The Lawrence County Museum is staffed by volunteers, and anyone interested in preserving local history is welcome. Hours are 1-4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April through October.

Sue Jenkins is a volunteer with the Lawrence County Historical Society.