The rotating exhibits are designed with a specific theme and populated with appropriately representative artifacts. Each of these remains available for public viewing for three years. Selected examples from current and retired displays are shown below.
Spotlight on the Townships of Jefferson County
The 2019 exhibit is detailed in NEW IN 2019.
Food, Clothing, and Shelter: The Three Necessities of Life - 2018-20
The 2018 exhibit shows how life in Jefferson County has changed from the first settlement in the 1810s to the modern-day. The exhibit focus is on three areas – food, clothing, and shelter - in three time periods – 1816-1830; 1890-1910; and the 1950s. Emphasis is how work became easier as people no longer had to make everything for themselves from scratch but were able to purchase necessities and use more convenient stoves, sewing machines, and other appliances.
Past Pastimes; Entertainment before TV - 2017-19
The 2017 exhibit focused on old-time radio, movies, county fairs and Mt. Vernon’s tent Chautauqua.
Cozy pre-TV radio-side living room easy chairs.
Ticket booth at the entrance to the movie theater.
Made in Mount Vernon - 2016-18
The 2016 exhibit of manufacturing companies in pre-1970 Jefferson County showed the variety and quantity of items that used to be made locally but are now imported from other areas. Included are International Shoe Company, Mt. Vernon Furnace, Davidson Biscuit, Mt. Vernon Car Manufacturing, several soft drink bottlers, and others.
From Cradle to Combine - 2015-17
A 2015 exhibit, this farming exhibit was in two parts. The “Barn” section showcased some of the Society’s smaller, horse-drawn farming equipment. The “Farming” section highlighted some of the county’s fruit growers, dairy farmers, chicken-related industries plus grain and livestock farming.
The Evolution of Roads in Jefferson County - 2015-17
This exhibit from 2015 included maps of the roads of this area, from the very early 1800s through the early days of the unpaved roads of the county, up to the coming of the interstates.