ELBERTA — The Baldwin County Heritage Museum is looking to the community for help in creating its latest exhibit.

According to museum representative Tammy Kinney, a general-store exhibit is in the works. It’s an exhibit designed to reflect commerce in the early days of Baldwin County.

“Baldwin County has had many general stores scattered throughout the communities, towns and cities since the county began to populate,” she said in an online interview. “The exhibit will represent the past general stores of the Baldwin County area.”

Kinney explained that a structure replicating a general store is housed on the museum’s Elberta property “west of the museum’s azalea trail.”

The completed structure, she added, is currently being filled with display items. But more are sought from the Baldwin community.

“The museum is in search of items that would have been in a typical store, especially items from the actual Baldwin County area” Kinney said. “Also desirable would be the vintage metal signs similar to those on the walls, sides or front of old stores.”

The idea for the exhibit came from the Koehler family.

“The general store has a special place in the Koehler family’s heart,” Kinney said.

She explained that the parents of Foley resident Betty Somer, Erwin and Gertrude Koehler, once ran a general store in Elberta.

From that inspiration came a structure to honor the area’s mercantile heritage.

“Members from the South Alabama Antique Tractor and Engine Club moved a metal moved a metal building,” Kinney said. “With the talents of volunteer Jim Lorenz and a few of his frinds, the fabrication was complete.”

The general store marks the sixth exhibit for Baldwin County Heritage Museum, a non-profit organization that has been open to the public since 1987. Kinney pointed out that all of the exhibits will be on display during an Oct. 24 open house set to coincide with the Elberta Sausage Festival. In addition, the museum, located at 25521 U.S. Highway 98 East in Elberta, is open for touring 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each Wednesday through Saturday.

Kinney added that Baldwin County Heritage Museum is operated on an all-volunteer basis, with volunteers sought for all positions. In addition, donations and contributions are always accepted. For more information, call 251-986-8375 or email bchm@gulftel.com.