With renovations to the Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce building complete, the Poplarville Historical Society is preparing to reopen the museum located within the same building.

Joan Bassett, president of the Poplarville Historical Society, said it will take about a month to set the museum back up. All of the items that were previously in the museum have been moved from their temporary storage location with the help of trustees from the local jail.

Bassett said the next hurdle will be finding volunteers to help set the items back up in a manner worthy of display.

She said she will hopefully be able to reopen the museum in the next two to three months.

The museum had to be closed, along with the Chamber office, due to termite damage that was found in the building. Renovation work to rectify the damage involved replacing rafters, installing new electrical and dry wall work to the ceiling.

Bassett said the Historical Society kicked in between $4,000 to $5,000 to assist with those repairs. To help raise the money for that work, the club held a yard sale.

One hurdle the club is dealing with is attracting a younger membership. Basset said the club is currently conducting a membership drive. Dues for membership are $20 for an individual, $30 for a family and $50 for a commercial package.

When the museum reopens, visitors can access it through the Chamber office when volunteers are not present.

Exhibits will be rotated monthly.