The Trenton Historical Society has seen its membership dwindle in recent years from about 65 people to 15.

That has affected the financial situation of the museum, which opened in 1971. It costs about $2,000 a year in utilities and insurance to keep the museum open, volunteers said.

The membership has sold quilts, coverlets and ornaments to raise funds in past years. This year, they will host a Christmas Dance.

“We have lost a few of our members who were truly instrumental in the museum,” said board member Wanda Woodrey. “But they have left us with a legacy to carry on. They put a lot of passion into this place and we want to continue to enjoy what we have here and allow future generations to enjoy it, too.”

The museum has a rich history in the city and opened in 1971, according to Woodrey’s daughter, Tammy.

“A group of elder statesmen in the community decided there was a need to preserve our history,” she said, giving some added praise to the late Ed Keefe for his efforts in collecting and preserving historical items. “When he died, he had a house filled with artifacts, including a replica of the old Ball’s Ferry that went across the river from 1818-1867 when the first bridge was built.”

Tammy Woodrey went onto explain that

Today, the museum at 17 E. State St. has four rooms full of items that tell the story of Trenton. Some of the items include old police and fire equipment, suits and dresses worn by prominent citizens, the city’s first traffic light and lots of old pictures of churches, school buildings and homes and businesses.

The Woodreys also can’t wait for October 2016 when the city will celebrate its 200th anniversary. There is a time capsule that was put together at the 150th anniversary in 1966 with “Do not open until October 2016,” written on the outside.

“I can’t wait to see what’s in it,” Wanda Woodrey said.

The museum also welcomes several local elementary schools each year for field trips, and is always available by appointment. It does open regularly from 1 to 3 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month, April through October.

“It’s been a great group of dedicated people that have been involved with wanting to preserve and enhance the museum,” Tammy Woodrey said. “That’s why I hope people will come out to the dance and help us keep this going for the future generations so they know all about where they live and where this town came from.”