The saying, “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold,” proved true at DeBence Antique Music World in 2024.
In January 2024 the museum hired a new director, Cassady Calder. According to museum board president, Tom Eshelman, her work has been invaluable at DeBence.
“The greatest thing we have done for the museum is to hire a new director in Cassady Calder,” said Eshelman. “She is leading the museum into the future. The museum has been running smoothly under her care. She has certainly exceeded our expectations.”
A native of Ohio, Calder received a master’s in museum studies from University College in Cork, Ireland.
Calder said working at the museum is a “dream job.” “It was my dream job when I was hired, and I still feel grateful that I get to go to work every day and do something I love.”
In 2024 DeBence Antique Music World also got seven new volunteers, ranging in age from high school students to retirees, said Calder.
“We had new volunteers helping guide and greet people, as well as assisting with projects, repairing machines and more.”
Through the hard work of volunteers, repairs were made to several machines. Dave Anderton worked at restoring jukeboxes. Mike Remkis and William Heller repaired multiple instruments, including a 19th century music box and several Hammond organs, Calder said.
“Our volunteers are the backbone of the museum. They allow us to continue to serve the community through their hard work and dedication. They inspire me every day,” she said.
Throughout the year, Calder collaborated with other local museums and organizations and sought input and resources for maintaining the museum collection.
“We jointly applied to and received a grant from Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission with the Venango County Historical Society,” said Calder.
DeBence volunteers enjoyed setting up a Christmas tree at the Venango Museum’s holiday display and another one at the Barrow Civic Theatre for its Christmas Tree Extravaganza.
The American Institute for Conservation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services assessed the museum collection and offered best practices and improvement ideas. Calder said the museum also established a permanent collections storage and purchased archival materials.
But the museum didn’t just restore and maintain their collection, they added to it. “We accepted a few select pieces into the collection, including a 100-year-old violin, a Lowrey Stardust Organ and records of Venango county musicians,” said Calder.
DeBence Antique Music World wants to share their collection and make it accessible to all.
The museum saw a record number of visitors over Applefest weekend, hitting more than 2,000 in a few short days. DeBence received approximately 4,300 visitors over the course of the year.
Throughout 2024 the museum provided free tours to more than 180 school students, thanks to a grant from the Justus Trust.
But the museum activities haven’t stopped with the end of the year. Calder and the museum board have big plans for 2025.
Free tours for school children will continue throughout 2025, said Calder.
A new partnership with the Franklin, Oil City and Cooperstown libraries will offer free tour passes that can be checked out and redeemed for four admissions each, starting in the 2025 museum season, which begins in April.
“This program is part of our ongoing mission to keep the museum accessible for everyone,” said Calder.
Museum tour prices for the 2025 season are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $6 for students, and children 5 and younger can tour for free. Venango County residents also qualify for a $1-off local discount. Year-long memberships are available as well.
But there is plenty to see at the museum, even without paying for a tour.
Museum visitors are welcome to explore the basement for free, said Calder. “We have displays of pump organs as well as more modern music technology such as jukeboxes, console systems and synthesizers. There are also many machines that visitors can play themselves.” All you need is a quarter to make some of the machines in the basement come to life and play you a tune.
The museum also plans to continue and expand their concert series moving into the new year.
2025 will have a first-class lineup of entertainment. The series will include audience favorites from 2024, as well as some new faces.
Performers on tap for the 2025 season include pianists Denis Geib and Dr. Amber Shay Nicholson, as well as audience favorites, opera singer Dr. Samuel De Palma, The Venango Brigade and Mostly Brass.
The first event of the year will be a silent film showing with live orchestra music by the Pittsburgh Film Orchestra. The 1924 comedy “The Navigator” featuring Buster Keaton will be shown at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at DeBence, in collaboration with Eric Cook of the Venango County Historical Society.
For more information about tours, concerts, and museum activities, people can visit the DeBence Antique Music World Facebook Page or www.debencemusicworld.com or call 814-432-8350.
