Damage at Old Mud Meeting House- Can you help?

Hi cousins,

On 10/29 dad and I were invited to help with the assessment and cleanup at Old Mud with the Harrodsburg Historical Society. Here are some photos of the damage from the partial wall collapse and the cleanup. There are at least 4 other areas around the walls that are concerning. I was shocked to see how much more gapping and cracking has taken place since the gathering. The walls are very dried out from the lack of rain we have had in Kentucky recently.
I know Nancy and HHS are going to reach out to Shaker Village and other places for ideas to prevent this from happening. Maybe a humidifier as an example during dry times. I plan on reaching out to some sources I have also for information it that may help.
From the gathering of information, a plan will be established to fix and do repairs at that wall and possibly around the entire inside.
I will keep you all updated. I also let Nancy (President ) and David Kirkpatrick (HHS Board) know we will help out any way we are able. It is so important to preserve this physical symbol of our ancestors from so long ago! It’s a place our families can rally around and a place to gather to further develop new bonds of friendship and family!
We should be provided soon from Harrodsburg Historical Society, information as to where any donations can be made from our cousins who choose to help out financially.

Regards,

Chris
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Harrodsburg Historical Society
PO Box 316 (220 S. Chiles St.), Harrodsburg, Ky. 40330

Greetings to the Low Dutch Cousins from the Harrodsburg Historical Society

            It was a pleasure to see so many Dutch Cousins at the reunion in September, attend the lovely service at Old Mud Meeting House, and have people use our collections for their genealogical research. We’re very grateful for the financial support you’ve given us in the past and for the books and genealogical files that are used by researchers. We look forward to receiving Carolyn Leonard’s extensive files, which will be a boon to our collection.
            You may have heard through the grapevine of the mishap at Old Mud Meeting House. A section of mud wall about 4 x 4 feet fell out. Fortunately, no one was there to be injured, but a pew was broken. Our experts, Amalie Preston and Monty Kelly, tell us that the section was not one that had previously been restored, and was covering an old door. We’ve saved the mud to be used in repairs next June, when we can count on a stretch of dry, hot weather. Chris and Jon Canine, as always, were the first to step up to help with the heavy lifting! The estimate for repairs to the wall and measures to minimize danger of further accidents is $4,300.
            Since it’s the first Dutch Reformed Church west of the Alleghenies, one of the oldest churches in Kentucky (1800), and the only wattle, mud, and half-timber building in the region, the HHS is happy to be able to maintain this historic building. It costs an average of about $378 per month for mowing, utilities, and a security system. As an all-volunteer organization that survives mainly on dues, donations, and rental of two apartments at our building in town, a major repair expense strains our resources. Any assistance with the repair cost would be greatly appreciated. Checks can be made to the Harrodsburg Historical Society, PO Box 316, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, notation: Old Mud.
            On behalf of all the volunteers at the HHS, Goedendag en hartelijk bedankt!

            Nancy Hill
            President, HHS

(859) 325-9028   library@harrodsburghistorical.org
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Dear Dutch Cousins,
At Thanksgiving time, we especially recall gratitude for our many blessings. One of our special thanks must go to the Weaner family who carry on the work of Arthur Weaner, who worked so hard to preserve the memories of the early Dutch Cousin settlers who lived and died outside of Gettysburg, PA. Arthur has passed from this life but his nephew, Alan Weaner and his siblings, are working hard to maintain the cemeteries. Most of the labor is donated but the cost of machinery and fuel continue to grow. If you would like to contribute to their efforts, please send your gift to :
Low Dutch Cemetery Improvement Fund
Adams County National Bank
675 Old Harrisburg Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Thank you so much!
Wishing you and yours the blessings of Thanksgiving,
Mary Jo Gohmann

Pictured below is Arthur Weaner at the Low Dutch Cemetery in 2011

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