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ST. CLAIRSVILLE – The Belmont County Heritage Museum is honoring local veterans with a special exhibit during the month of May. “Honoring Our Heroes” is displayed in partnership with the American Legion Post 159 in St. Clairsville.
“When the Belmont County Tourism office approached us about this exhibit idea, we were thrilled to be able to provide items to the Heritage Museum that pay tribute to the Veterans of Belmont County,” said American Legion Post 159 Commander, Larry Barnes. Barnes served in Vietnam in 1968. “We are proud to honor our veterans,” Barnes said.
“Honoring our Heroes” showcases artifacts including uniforms, journals, scrapbooks, and a crossbow from the Vietnam War. As well as a large wall display honoring two Belmont County Medal of Honor recipients from World War II - Sergeant Sylvester Antolak and Sergeant Emile Deleau, Jr.
The exhibit also includes personal items loaned to the museum by the family of Sergeant Sylvester Antolak. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Antolak received the Purple Heart, and in 2017, he had a section of Interstate 70 in Belmont County named after him. He is also included in Medal of Honor (2018), a Netflix TV series, that features details of his WWII story.
“Belmont County is home to many local heroes, and we are patriotic and proud of our veterans,” said Jackee Pugh, Executive Director, Belmont County Tourism Council. “You can see that patriotism as you drive down Main Street in St. Clairsville with Veteran banners hung on the light poles, or a with a visit to the Tri-State Military Veterans Museum in Belmont. We are so grateful for the American Legion Post 159 partnership with the Belmont County Heritage Museum and this exhibit.”
The Belmont County Heritage Museum is located in the historic former sheriff’s residence at 101 E. Main St. in St. Clairsville. In addition to “Honoring our Heroes” exhibit, you will find displays about the county’s sheriffs, artifacts from Belmont County communities representing their industries, landmarks, and important historical figures. The displays bring the spirit and history of each area together under one roof. From the designer of the USS Constitution to a major role in the glass industry, people can discover hidden gems that Belmont County is proud to hold in its history.
The Belmont County Heritage Museum is open Thursday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm., and admission is free. The “Honoring our Heroes” exhibit will be on display through Memorial Day.
For more information about this exhibit and the Belmont County Heritage Museum, visit www.belmontcountyheritagemuseum.org or contact Cathryn Stanley, Museum Curator at 740-298-7020.
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