Jack Elam, Winona Lake, has been named director of the Kosciusko County Historical Society's Old Jail Museum.
Elam is taking over for previous director Mike Fletcher, who resigned because of health problems. The change of directors was effective March 1.
Elam is a professional genealogist, having written two books which cover the history of both his paternal and maternal ancestors. Copies of his work can be found in the genealogical section of the Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne.
Elam moved to Winona Lake five years ago from Syracuse where he and his wife, Janet, lived for 40 years. He said he has always been interested in history and genealogy.
He became active during the 1987 Syracuse Sesquicentennial when he was appointed historical research chairman. During that time, he wrote many historical articles for local newspapers. He also wrote and published a book titled "The Church on the Hill," a history of the oldest continuous church denomination in Syracuse.
During the Syracuse Sesquicentennial, money was raised to start a historical museum in Syracuse. The museum, when started, was housed in the Syracuse Public Library where Elam became its curator for the first two and a half years. Elam was vice president of the Syracuse Public Library for eight years during the expansion and remodeling of the original building.
Elam is a past Master of the Kosciusko Lodge 418 F & AM, Milford, member of the American Legion Post 223, Syracuse, and a member of the First Christian Church of Warsaw. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War. He enlisted in 1951 and served until 1959.
Elam said he was pleased to be named director.
"I am looking forward to working with the board of directors, the many volunteer workers and the public who support this endeavor to preserve the past history of this county," he said. "The museum is a learning center for children and adults alike. It's about the lives of the early settlers and the people who followed them and laid the foundation of what this great county is today."
Fletcher plans to stay involved with the museum. He said he plans to volunteer as a tour guide when large groups visit. He said he enjoyed his time as director of the museum.
"It's been an honor and joy," Fletcher said. "I wish the very best to Jack who has been chosen to be the new director."
