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The museum's official opening is scheduled for the weekend of May 14-15, along with a small parade and outdoor concert. It is open to the public and elected officials from the borough, county, and state will be invited.
“It's something that we want to make as big and as great as possible," Executive Director Doug Cowie told Daily Voice. “It's not just letting people in the door. It’s a fairly cumbersome project”
Volunteer members of the Waldwick Community Alliance collected artifacts to add to the already "sizable collection" of purchased and donated items, Cowie said.
The WCA received a treasure trove from a local family, whose roots date back to the 1600s, as well as discharge papers for a former resident who served in the Civil War.
“We got more than we anticipated and the caliber of stuff was more than anticipated," Cowie said.
In order to keep things fresh, there will be both static displays and rotating displays.
"I don't want it to be a one-and-done visit," Cowie said. "Every time, there will be something interesting to see."
The WCA has been discussing military-related displays for Memorial Day and political artifacts – buttons, signs, etc. – for November.
There will also be a gallery filled with paintings and drawings.
Cowie said that the WCA recently acquired the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) building. The hope is to open a community non-profit headquarters for borough organizations there. It can also be rented out for parties, events and meetings.
"Our ideas are steamrolling," Cowie said.
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