After a two-year, million-dollar overhaul, the Tamaqua Area Historical Museum, 118 W. Broad St., will open for an early glimpse during Tamaqua Summerfest on Father's Day, June 19.

"Come by and check out the new and updated historical displays, learn about our area's history and support our new museum," said Dale Freudenberger, president of the Tamaqua Historical Society."A formal dedication will be held at a later date. Following our soft opening on Father's Day, we will announce our regular-hours schedule staffed by volunteers."Much additional work will be accomplished in the coming months as the museum expands, Freudenberger said.The opening of the museum will mark the first time in four years the repository has been open to the public on a regular schedule.The facility is managed by society volunteers, a small group that meets monthly and welcomes and encourages new members."In the next few months, we will be ready to open the new Museum Annex and Gallery located next door at 114 W. Broad St., formerly occupied by the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce," Freudenberger said."The new Annex and Gallery will allow us to expand even further, offering more special exhibits on the history of our surrounding area of eastern Schuylkill County as well as a gallery to display many examples from our huge photographic collection and also a permanent exhibit of artwork by Tamaqua area artists."The 1905 Classical Revival bank building has served as the society's museum since 1988.However, the facility has been closed since a final tour by local Scouts in December 2012. Falling plaster and other emergencies forced the society to take strong measures to protect the public and the society's massive collection of artifacts and photography.Much of the society's holdings have been stashed away in six rented storage units at an undisclosed location.The museum is expected to serve as an anchor for a "Visit Tamaqua" educational and entertainment venue that will allow guests to enjoy the displays and then walk to nearby restaurants, art galleries and historic sites, such as the nearby 1894 train station."Although the museum will be soon ready to open, we will continue to improve and build more exhibits as the summer months progress," said Freudenberger.