The Brundidge Historical Society will host a “Harvest Gathering” event from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the We Piddle Around Theater in downtown Brundidge. All of those who are interested in being a part of the BHS’ mission to preserve and promote the physical and cultural heritage of the extended Brundidge and Pike County communities are invited to attend.

“The membership committee wanted to offer an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and learn more about the Brundidge Historical Society and what we do in support of our community,” said Mernette Bray, membership committee chair. “While we would hope the ‘gathering’ would encourage new membership, that is not the main purpose of the meeting. We just want everybody to come and have a good time and learn what ‘piddlin’ around’ is all about.”

As with any gathering, there will be food and fellowship and the BHS will toss in some good entertainment and opportunities to win some really great prizes.

All new BHS members will have their names put in the pot for the drawing for two tickets to each of the BHS theater events including the award-winning folklife play, “Come Home, It’s Suppertime,” and the Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival, the Chili County Christmas and June Buggin’.

Annual membership dues are $15 for individuals, $25 for couples and $35 for families.

“For those who would rather be patrons, we offer that opportunity for donations of any amount,” Bray said. “The BHS is in the process of restoring the Johnston Mill, which is where peanut butter was made for commercial use as early as 1928. It is possible that the Johnston Mill was the first commercial peanut butter mill in the Southeast. So, it’s a historic structure and has a proud place in the history of Brundidge.”

Bray said the Johnston Mill Museum was heavily damaged when a car crashed into it about a year ago and patron support would be helpful in repairing the damage and restoring the building to its former glory.

The Brundidge Historical Society sponsors the annual Peanut Butter Festival, which is held the last Saturday in October, and many different theater performances throughout the year.

“Come Home, It’s Suppertime” has been designated by the Alabama Department of Tourism as a 2015 Top Ten Event and the Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival has been recognized several times by the state tourism department as a Top Ten Event for January.

“The BHS has also co-sponsored historical walks as part of the Alabama Tourism Department’s April Walking Tours,” Bray said. “We have a lot planned for 2015-2016, including a folklife play for kids and an extended storytelling festival along with everything else we do. We hope others will think that what we do is worthwhile and join us.”