Keith Watson, the current president of Black Diamond’s Historical Society, has held the office for the last 15 years. With transfer of the gavel this month, Keith will continue to serve on the Board as “past president” while transition takes place. When Keith began his role, a president’s term was one year. He was then voted in as president many times beginning in 2007. His term in office has been noteworthy. Some major changes included: Coal Miners Honor Garden established, time capsule buried, museum murals installed, extensive building maintenance and painting, basement gutted and displays down there redesigned, locomotive acquired, volunteers and grants significantly increased and much more. Keith’s love of Black Diamond history came as a youngster who witnessed the trains coming through town. And as the sign posted in the museum declares: “He continues to live out his passion for trains.”
As incoming president, Steve Israel is not a homegrown native of Black Diamond. However, his interest in preserving the museum and Black Diamond history has been non-stop since he moved to the city in 1985. He previously served as BDHS president for a two-year term, 2004 and 2005. From 2000 to 2010, he edited a quarterly newsletter. They are now published three times a year. Under his leadership the newsletter ranged in size from 12 to 28 pages. In addition to official office roles, Steve considers his most effective accomplishment was in securing the artifacts and installing cameras. Steve was a relentless construction worker at the museum who built two firewalls in the attic, added support to the sagging roof, rebuilt the front porch, added a docent door, insulated the floor, and rebuilt workstations in the office.
The current term of office for those on the Board of Directors is three years. As of January, the four officers are President Steve Israel, Vice President Stacey Wehus, Secretary Laurie Evans and Treasurer Sherrie Evans. Two new directors, voted in this year, are Janice Ranton and Linda Arden. They join past president KeithWatson and six returning directors: Don Mason, SusieThompson, Dave Watson, GregLichty, GomerEvans and Sue Watson for a total of four officers, eight directors and one past president. Board meetings are open to the public. They are held at the museum on the first Thursday of “even” months, beginning February 2, 1:00 p.m.
The next issue of the BDHS newsletter will be sent out in March 2023. Deadline to submit articles, photos, or committee reports is Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. Email newsletter information to Laurie Evans, laurie109@hotmail.com. BDHS membership information is available at blackdiamondmuseum.org. Click on the red link “SHOP” and scroll to “NEW MEMBERSHIP”.
