by Kathy Foster
Formed in 1985, the Washington County Historical Society was originally housed in the old Ice House in downtown Chipley, but in 2010 was moved to the old Chamber building near the Amtrak Station, but still in downtown Chipley.
Over the years since it was started, the Historical Society has amassed more of the history of Washington County as a whole and is proud to open it’s doors to the public every Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Currently seeking grant funding to enlarge the museum, Odom said said the floor/wall space for display of items is very limited and they want to expand so more items can be displayed.
Most recently the Washington County Historical Society placed a bronze marker in a Holmes Valley location to commemorate that area’s proud history.
Odom said also on the Historical Society’s list of upcoming events will be locating a kiosk in the Caryville area to recognize that community’s place in Washington County history.
Odom said placement of the marker/kiosk also serves as attractions to travelers on the I-10 corridor of the Florida Panhandle. She added that plans are progressing for development of a National Historic Trail through the Panhandle.
Odom said the primary objective of the Historical Society is to photograph and record the history of the county, noting – “History is happening every day.”
She added that members of the Historical Society are working every day to record all of the history of the county. “Now we try to records through photographs, videos, and written documentation,” said Odom.