Friday, April 20, 2018

Garst Museum’s 2018 Heritage Award Goes to Phyllis Crick

Dr. Clay Johnson (left) presents the 2018 Heritage Award
to Phyllis Crick (right).
Established in 1983, the Darke County Historical Society’s Heritage Award was created to recognize outstanding citizens or organizations for their distinguished contributions or actions of unusual excellence that help connect people to Darke County’s past. Clay Johnson, Ph.D., CEO of the Garst Museum, notes that “for those familiar with the county’s history, the area is rich in its history and traditions and its significance touches so many in the community. The Darke County Historical Society (DCHS) recognizes this importance, and feels its responsibility is to honor those that join in its mission in celebrating the county’s past.” The DCHS operates the Garst Museum and its mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, study, and interpret materials relating to the history and culture of Darke County. This year’s Heritage Award recipient, Phyllis Crick, has spent decades helping people research their family history and assisting the Garst Museum with the history of Darke County and Greenville.

As head librarian, Phyllis is responsible for the Darke County Research Center, answering questions and doing research, whether by phone, computer, or if a patron stops in. Research and genealogy is her strong suit. Along with her team in the Research Center, she assists individuals seeking information about family histories and so much more. With an eye to detail and accuracy, Phyllis and the center’s staff maintains the genealogy information for a vast number of current and former Darke County residents, organizations, and schools. Phyllis’s cousin and fellow head researcher, Nancy Stump, comments that “Phyllis is interested in all schools – the old ones – and she has increased that part of the library.” Of course, there is a lot more to do now than when the Research Center was started. While rarely in the public eye, Phyllis quietly makes a huge difference for so many here at Garst and beyond.

Phyllis was born and raised in the Bradford area and graduated from Bradford High School. Married to Harvey Crick, another great Garst volunteer, they have three daughters, one in New York, one up north in Ohio, and one in Colorado. All were grown and gone when Phyllis started working at the Research Center. Of interest is that Harvey and Phyllis are big square dancers – wherever there is a caller, Dayton, Bellefontaine, or Greenville. They help teach square dancing as well. Perhaps what may be most surprising about a librarian is that Phyllis used to motorcycle tour with Harvey.

Phyllis works part-time in the Research Center and also volunteers, like co-workers Nancy and Karen Besecker. Harvey helps, too. Harvey and Phyllis put up the trees and some of the decorations for the Garst’s Christmas Open House. Harvey is always willing to help in whatever needs to be done in the Research Center or museum.

Congratulations, Phyllis, on your well-deserved recognition.

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