HUBBARD — The Hubbard Historical Society is seeking the community’s help in cataloging donated items, with many new and existing items needing archived.

The society had a meeting Thursday evening at the Hubbard Senior Center, where President Robin Zambrini also discussed the need for more members.

“We have a whole house full of stuff. We need more members to identify people in pictures and create displays,” Zambrini said.

Zambrini was referring to the McBride House and Museum on Hager Street, which was built in 1883 and maintained by the society. The house showcases more than 3,000 of the community’s historical artifacts, photos and memorabilia. Some of the donated items include military uniforms, wedding gowns, an old postman’s leather bag, baby buggies, scooters, kitchen equipment and spinning wheels. The portable radio used by fireman Greg Thomas during the 1985 tornado is part of the collection.

They have many new and older acquisitions yet to be archived. The collection includes many boxes of material donated by individuals, companies and organizations that no longer exist. The society has acquired materials from organizations such as the Optimists and Kiwanis.

Society members discussed the challenges associated with the archival process. One challenge for older members is the steep stairs leading to the second floor of the 142-year-old McBride House.

Another issue noted by member Laurie Darko is the time it takes to go through old pictures, identify each person in the picture and document the information.

“The problem is, you see someone you know in the picture, and you want to stop and look at it,” Darko said.

Another issue is moving items, many of which are fragile because of age.

The Archives Room at the McBride House contains shelving and archival boxes, which were provided by a grant through the Trumbull County Historical Society. The grant also provided a laptop and scanner. Putting the pictures into the archival boxes is a matter of scanning and putting them into the proper boxes.

“We have the boxes to do this, but someone has to sit there and identify the people in the pictures. We need someone with a vision because businesses are closing. It would be great if someone could put up a display in a library or other places in town,” Zambrini said.

One of the most recent acquisitions came from Stewart Furniture, which was in business for 106 years before closing their doors last year. They donated a box of materials and a chair that belonged to the Stewart family.

“If someone could search to see when these chairs were made, maybe there would be a manufacturer’s name on them. We need someone to bring this chair to life,” Zambrini said.

The Hubbard Historical Society has about 30 members. Zambrini said they need some new members, including younger ones who can handle the steep stairs at the McBride House.

“You don’t have to be an antique to be involved in a historical society,” Zambrini said.

Society membership dues are $10 a year, but will increase to $20 in 2026 to help cover the increasing cost of utilities and maintenance of the McBride House. Members meet at the Hubbard Senior Center on the second Thursday of March, May, July, September and December. The next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. May 8.

Anyone interested in becoming a member and helping to preserve the memory of Hubbard’s history is welcome to attend the May 8 meeting or call / text President Robin Zambrini at 330- 301-8649.