MESOPOTAMIA — The Mesopotamia Historic Association is moving ahead to get improvements done at its building at the township center, which showcases the association’s items.

Allen Miller, a board member for the association and building committee chairman, said a new entrance at the side of the building was completed. Siding and insulation are needed as well as drywall work.

He said fundraisers are taking place.

The association hosted a rummage sale in August. Next, it will offer a chili dinner Friday at the historical building and a haystack dinner Oct. 17 at the township hall.

Marie Byler, board member and events chairwoman, said a lift needs to be installed to help people who can’t use steps get from the first floor to the second floor, where the museum is located.

Miller said the lift has been ordered and an association member is completing paint work where the lift will be installed. He said members would like to have the work completed before the end of the year. He said there are visitors who use a wheelchair or have bad knees.

Miller said more pictures and items have been added this year to the museum.

He said the association has sought grants to help with the project.

“Right now to just finish the entrance will be between $5,000 and $8,000. To finish what we need to do inside would be $10,000,” he said.

Debby Miller, association secretary / treasurer, said the restrooms need to be updated and work needs to be done in the kitchen.

Allen Miller said the restroom needs to be made handicapped accessible. He said the building is heated by gas with discussion on getting a hot water heater.

He said the entrance had to be made larger so a lift can be put in to help get people in and out.

The entrance also provides space for storing signs and other items.

Miller said when the well-attended annual summer ox roast is held in July, people stop at the museum.

“When you have a large crowd like the ox roast gets we open the museum. There were people who questioned why the building was not handicapped accessible. The new entrance is ground level so anyone can walk in. A wheelchair can get in so it makes it easier for everyone to get in and out,” he said.

Miller said he and resident Sharon Grover hold tours of the museum for local schoolchildren. The building was constructed in 1846 and was used as a meeting house before later becoming a museum.

He said that next spring, the association would like to hold fish fries at township hall.

Donations to help the association with projects can be sent to P.O. Box 54, Mesopotamia, OH 44439.