A couple of weeks ago we had to put down our dog. Riley wasn’t just any dog. He did not slobber or jump all over you. If he decided you were one of "his people" he would greet you with a wag of the tail and if you were really special he would lay his ears back, smile, and come over for a brief pat and then go back to doing what he did best…..stoically guarding his territory so his people were safe. Why am I sharing this with you? Why should you even care?

Riley was our son’s dog. All of you parents with grown children know the scenario. Your children move away from home the first time and get a pet for companionship. They have busy lives and realize they don’t have enough time to spend with their animal so who better to take care of the dog or cat than mom and dad. Our family’s situation was similar except we flat out stole our son’s dog from him and share no regrets and little guilt. Riley’s greatest gift to our family was his ability to connect our son to his father and then again to his father’s father; a three generational relationship builder. We learned a lot about each other as a family through group ownership of this most wonderful animal. We shared a history. We learned who we were, what relationships were important to us, and how to communicate with each other.

History is something we all have. People are who they are due to the sum total of experiences they have acquired up to this very moment in time. The Richmond Hill Museum houses bits and pieces of our area’s history. New people are moving to Bryan County on a daily basis. These new folk and even some of our long time residents are unaware of the impact humans and their relationships have had on our region for more than 500 years. If the Museum and the Richmond Hill Historical Society can successfully link newcomers to the history of Bryan Neck and the experiences of those who came before them it will develop a thread of connectivity and continuity between new arrivals, and past and current generations. In doing this we will create a line of communication enabling us to guide our future while retaining the uniqueness of Bryan County’s past. I can think of no better way to protect and honor the history and heritage of this place we have chosen to call home.

With the help of volunteers the Richmond Hill Historical Society, caretaker of the Richmond Hill Museum, is increasing the Museum’s days of operation. The Richmond Hill Museum will now be open Sundays from 1-4 p.m,, Monday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Take advantage of the new hours and come learn about your home.