School Heritage Museum Seeks Donations of Artifacts
Once a piece of history is tossed into a garbage can it's usually lost forever. Jack Abrams doesn't want that to happen to any Huntington School District related artifact. So give the founding curator of the School Heritage Museum a call first and he'll be a happy man.
From time to time Mr. Abrams is contacted by folks near or far who tell him they have an attic full of items to donate. When such a call comes in, he's like a child standing over a pile of wrapped presents, big eyes and all.
A retired principal, Mr. Abrams is a history buff and the official historian of the Huntington School District. The museum collection he presides over includes thousands of old photos, every yearbook ever published by the high school, old diplomas, books, awards, letters, graduation programs and even school cornerstones and their contents.
Mr. Abrams hopes to add to the museum's yearbook collection this year. "I always tell anyone who will listen, 'Please don't throw anything away if it is related to the school district.'" He urges people to place a call to him at the museum at 673-2048 or 368-0948.
The Heritage Museum is located in Room 140 at Huntington High School. It contains a fascinating display of memorabilia on display, including a 110 year old water fountain and century old furniture, books, equipment, photos, original school building blueprints and student work through the years.
The current location of the museum opened several years ago when then Huntington School Board member Lynn Kaufman presented Mr. Abrams with a symbolic key to the room. Since then the collection has continued to grow and there are even displays in the ground level high school hallways. A large bell that once rang out atop district schools 150 years ago sits near a row of guidance offices, complete with written information about its significance.
Mr. Abrams offers class tours of the museum's collection and has a knack for stimulating student interest in the study of local history. Alumni reunion planners routinely contact the history buff to schedule a tour of the School Heritage Museum and the high school. Mr. Abrams rarely disappoints them.
"Jack's institutional knowledge of the district is unmatched," Superintendent John J. Finello said. "His commitment to recording, cataloging and displaying our history has assured that future generations have access to our rich traditions."
The museum complex includes display areas, a workroom to catalog and prepare artifacts for public viewing, several hundred tiered cushioned seats, a small stage for instructional programs, multi-media equipment and areas for students, teachers and community members to conduct research in the rich history of the district.
There are several showcases in the hallways outside the museum's doors that are also used to display part interesting artifacts. Some are permanently mounted on nearby walls.
For more information or to arrange a tour or contribute artifacts to the museum's collection please call Mr. Abrams at 673-2048.