File Photo/SHELLEY HANSON LESTER HALL of Intex Services of Martins Ferry works to spray paint on the second story area of the historic Sedgwick House Museum in Martins Ferry last fall.

MARTINS FERRY — The Martins Ferry Historical Society’s annual membership drive to support the Sedgwick House Museum is underway.

The memberships help pay for the cost of utilities at the house, located on Hanover Street, and insurance for the building. Membership dues are $10 for an individual and $15 for a couple, family or organization.

Checks can be mailed to: Martins Ferry Historical Society, Box 422, Martins Ferry, OH 43935.

The Sedgwick House is slated to be open during the Martins Ferry High School Alumni weekend from noon to 4 p.m. May 26-27.

The museum also is open via appointment throughout the year; call at 304-650-5679 or 740-633-3430 or 740-859-3013.

Thanks to last year’s membership drive, the society was able to continue paying its bills. It also received $35,550 in grant funding from the Belmont County Tourism Council, which was used to repair and repoint the brickwork on the building, in addition to repainting the structure.

Sidewalks also were replaced, landscaping was done and remodeling of the interior also took place, thanks to the grant.

Museum officials noted the membership drive is an important fundraising tool for the museum, as the society does not receive any money from the city of Martins Ferry or the Betty Zane Days, as in past years.