1 week Ago By Heath Harrison
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 9, 2025 By Heath Harrison Randy Franz, portraying Rev. John Rankin, speaks at the opening day for the season for the Lawrence County Museum on Sunday. (Heath Harrison |The Ironton Tribune) Lawrence County Museum opens for season The Lawrence County Museum opened for their season on Sunday, and this will be a special one for them.
This year marks 100 years since the founding of the Lawrence County Historic Society, who oversees the museum, and the year’s activities will reflect that milestone. This was the case on Sunday, when the typical opening day had guests portraying historic figures from Ironton. One was Mark McCown, who was dressed as Ironton Austin Kelly.
“He is the first boy born in Ironton,” Nicole Cox, director of the historic society, said. In another room were Peggy Karshner, portraying Eliza Grey, the original owner of the house the Sixth Street home the museum is based in, and Randy Franz, as abolitionist John Rankin. All of the portrayals were delivered in first person by the characters.
“We’re having an open house today,” Cox said, adding that there were refreshments, as well as a visit by Michael Perkins, the field representative for newly-elected U.S. Rep.
David Taylor. Perkins presented the museum’s volunteer staff with a proclamation from the congressman, congratulating them on the milestone. T he museum is open Saturdays and Sundays throughout its season, which runs until early winter.
In additio n to the museum, the Historic Society hosts several events throughout the year, including the Historic Cemetery Walk, at Woodland Cemetery in Ironton, in the fall, as well as the tour of Ironton’s historic churches, at the start of the Christmas season..
