Ritzville museums readying for summer season

RITZVILLE – Museum volunteers are preparing for the summer season and the opening of Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home and Railroad Depot Museum.

The annual meeting and volunteer no-host lunch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, at Jake’s Cafe, 1604 W. First St.

The Museum Committee is encouraging everyone to think about becoming a volunteer and serving as a tour guide at each museum, this summer.

“It is a great opportunity to become involved in sharing the history of Adams County and Ritzville,” a statement from the organization said.

Volunteering takes four hours out of a day and docents can sign up for as many days as they like.

The museums are planned to be open three days a week in June, July and August, with the last open day being Labor Day weekend.

They will also be open Memorial Weekend to offer tours.

The Burroughs Home belonged to Dr. Frank Burroughs who came to Ritzville in the late 1800s with his wife and daughter and became the “horse and buggy” doctor of Adams County.

The home is decorated in period-friendly furniture and still has some of the original flooring and wallpaper.

Visitors who step in to the home are taken back in time, with each room decorated just as it might have been when he built the home.

Railroad Depot offers a look back at the railroad history and the community activities of yesteryear. It also features a model railroad system to help youngsters understand the importance of trains to the area, while also providing a fun visual experience.

Docents will receive training and information prior to service as a “tour guide.”

There will be a short annual meeting and election of officers May 16.

At that time, prospective volunteers will have an opportunity to sign up and serve as guide.