Runway models dressed in historical costumes during the annual Fashion Flaunt Fundraiser for the Warren County Historical Society. From left, in front: Katrina Campbell (Lucille Ball), Kaley Ressler (Betsy Ross), Lindsey Brown (Ruth Bader Ginsburg), Julie Lacki (Elizabeth Cady Stanton). In back: Debbie Gray (French Kate), Jennifer Fromknecht (Shirley Temple), Bernadette Movinsky (Rosie the Riveter), Colleen McDunn (Statue of Liberty), Cindy Dziuba (Pocahontas), Kaitlin McGowan (Susan B Anthony), and Jaclyn Cofield (Martha Washington).

The Warren County Historical Society held its annual Fashion Flaunt Fundraiser recently at the Wilder Museum in Irvine, Pa. Raising more than $2,000 with the purse auction bringing in over 75% of the proceeds, used to fund the museum’s general operating expenses for the 2026 season. Since 2011, the fundraiser has been the opener for the season and this year there were over 20 sponsors.

The Wilder Museum was established in 1990 by National Forge Chairman Robert O. Wilder and was dedicated during the 75th anniversary of the company to honor Clinton E. Wilder, one of the company’s original founders.

The Wilder family donated the museum to the Warren County Historical Society in 1996 and the organization has diligently worked to improve the facility and create a preservation-friendly environment for more than 4,000 exhibited artifacts relevant to Warren County.

Over the years, managing director Michelle Gray, with the support of Keith and Joanne Oviatt and the board of directors, has written many grants and managed many fundraisers to provide the facility with roof replacements, handicap accessible restrooms, window replacements for the entire structure, new HVAC systems, replacement of all fire/security doors, an upgraded security system with cameras, a complete overhaul of the lighting system to LEDs, resurfacing the parking lot, and a complete brick restoration of the building’s exterior.

The window replacements happened over several years, and the brick restoration, which was mapped out to take three years, was accomplished in one year.

Much of the grant funding was provided by the Community Foundation of Warren County, the Warrengives online fundraiser, the United Refining Company, the American Legion Post 658 of Youngsville, the Brokenstraw Valley Fund, Ellwood National Forge, and the Oviatt Family.