Beech Tree News Network

Butler County's rich traditions of arts and music were on full display Saturday outside of the Green River Museum in Woodbury. Artisans, basket makers, wood craftsmen, musicians, history buffs, Butler County residents and others filled the grounds at 4353 Woodbury Loop Saturday as the museum in Woodbury opened for the 2016 season. 

The museum will be open each Saturday from Noon until 4 p.m. through Labor Day. 

Meanwhile, inside attendees of the kick-off event perused through a new exhibit focusing on the history of Burchfield family in Butler County, who crafted chairs in the area for years, Green River Museum Board Member Tommy Hines said.

Another exhibit focusing on the lost architecture of Morgantown, both commerical and private properties, will be opened next Saturday, Hines said.

"It's going to be an exhibit we're going to continue to add to," he said. "We found some great pictures and we are doing research on each of those to learn as much as we can." 

The Superintindent's House, originally built in 1912, has been renovated to become a period house reflective of the early 20th century, with an emphasis on representing fine living of the 1920s. 

Hines said he encourages all Butler County natives to come to the museum and get acquainted with the town's heritage. 

"People need to understand their history in order to appreciate life now," he said. "That's why we preserve history, in order to inspire the future." 

During opening day Roger Southerland, Chairman of the Butler County Tourism Commission, presented Tommy Hines and Brenda Longhofer a check for improvements to the museum.