Published: September 30, 2008 12:36 pm            

Historical Museum library is named for Elizabeth Duncan

Monticello — When the library at the Wayne County Historical Museum moves to its new location, it will bear the name of a local woman who has volunteered much of her time to the local historical effort‹Elizabeth Duncan. A replica of the sign designating the location as the Elizabeth Furr Duncan Library was unveiled during a special ceremony at the museum on Sunday, September 21, which was fittingly called Elizabeth Duncan Day.

A standing room only crowd filled the room, as Duncan was honored by colleagues, family and friends. Currently the library for the museum is located on the end of the building next to the Monticello Banking Company downtown branch. When Edwards Realty moves to its new location, the library will find its permanent home on the end of the museum building nearest the Wayne County Courthouse.

Soon after making the decision to move the library, the board began to consider names for the facility, explained Imogene Ramsey as she welcomed the crowd to Elizabeth Duncan Day. Several board members came back with the idea of naming it for Duncan.

"We voted unanimously to name it in honor of Mrs. Duncan," stated Ramsey.

Duncan's hard work and years of determination to preserving Wayne County history were recognized throughout the afternoon. Juanita Coffey, who has volunteered with Duncan for many years, recalled the time the two women spent working in the basement of the Wayne County Public Library, before the Historical Society had its own building.

"I admire Elizabeth for the determination she has and for the time she has put in to supporting the Historical Society and this museum," stated Coffey.

Harlan Ogle, who is the director of the museum, also spoke during the event.

"We meet here to honor Elizabeth F. Duncan, a lady who for more than half a century, has allowed her life to make Monticello and Wayne County, Kentucky a better place for all of us," stated Ogle.

He talked about Duncan's early years, when she was a young worker with the National Youth Administration. When she married Dr. Frank Duncan, she worked along side him in his practice.

Duncan was presented several honors during the ceremony, including a plaque by the Historical Society and a key to the city by Mayor Kenneth Catron. She spoke at the end of the festivities.

"Thank you for being here and for helping in all the things you have helped with," said Duncan. "It hasn't been just me...I have worked with the Historical Society since 1977. We said then we wanted a museum and a library, but had no artifacts and we had no books...By using the courthouse records and the library's information, we were about to answer people's questions. And often they would give us books in return."

From those books and the extensive donation of old photographs that Duncan and other volunteers cataloged over the years, the Historical Society's collection has grown to fill its currently location in the museum.

Local resident Kenneth Coffey designed the sign which will be located just outside the door to the new library location.

Duncan is a charter member of the Wayne County Historical Society, and she was involved in its establishment in 1977. She was a member of the first Board of Directors.

        

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